The AFC seems to be enjoying the Rodney Dangerfield function as of late. At the very least that’s the view from Las Vegas.
Though Denver and New England every personal an 11-2 document – the perfect document within the NFL – neither workforce is on the entrance of the road when it comes to being favored to win the Tremendous Bowl. The Tremendous Bowl favorites, in line with DraftKings, are three NFC groups: the Los Angeles Rams (+370), adopted by Seattle (+650) and Inexperienced Bay (+750).
No workforce is getting much less respect than Denver, which owns a 10-game profitable streak and is a 2.5-point house underdog in opposition to Inexperienced Bay on Sunday.
In line with the Denver Submit, no NFL workforce has been an underdog when it was making an attempt to increase a 10-game profitable streak since Kansas Metropolis in 2020, when the Chiefs have been sitting starters within the last week of the common season. Baltimore had additionally received 10 in a row and was an underdog getting into the ultimate week of the 2019 season, however, just like the Chiefs, the Ravens have been resting starters.
Even when the highest AFC groups are thought of paper tigers, one among them goes to play its approach into the Tremendous Bowl. Listed below are the groups most definitely to characterize the convention in that sport:
1. Broncos (11-2)
Denver will get the nod over New England as a result of it could win a tiebreaker and earn the No. 1 seed ought to the Broncos and Patriots end in a tie for the AFC’s high document. Denver has the sting due to its document in opposition to frequent opponents. The Broncos are 6-0 at house this season. Denver’s offense has been adequate, and the protection is among the many NFL’s greatest (18.1 ppg).
2. Patriots (11-2)
Nov 9, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) throws downfield through the first quarter in opposition to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Pictures Quarterback Drake Maye has made large enhancements since final season, and is within the dialog for NFL MVP.
New England is nicely above common in all three phases, and is 6-0 in street video games. A run to the AFC championship will seemingly hinge on a wholesome offensive line. Rookie Will Campbell, the workforce’s starter at left deal with, is on injured reserve and isn’t eligible to return till Week 18.
3. Texans (8-5)
Dec 7, 2025; Kansas Metropolis, Missouri, USA; Houston Texans operating again Dare Ogunbowale (33) scores a landing through the fourth quarter in opposition to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs at GEHA Discipline at Arrowhead Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Denny Medley-Imagn Pictures Houston leans closely on its protection, which is permitting a league-low 16.0 factors per sport, and is constructing momentum. The Texans have received 5 in a row since a 3-5 begin and have good wins over Jacksonville, Buffalo, Indianapolis and Kansas Metropolis throughout that stretch.
The victories over Indianapolis and Kansas each got here on the street. This seems like a workforce that has but to play its greatest soccer.
4. Payments (9-4)
Dec 7, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Payments security Cole Bishop (24) tackles Cincinnati Bengals tight finish Tanner Hudson (87) after a catch within the second quarter at Highmark Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Pictures It’s been a Jekyll-and-Hyde season for Buffalo, and losses to Atlanta and Miami are regarding. There was additionally a stunning house loss to New England in Week 5. Nonetheless, a wholesome Josh Allen provides Buffalo an opportunity to win any sport.
5. Chargers (9-4)
Dec 8, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers defensive deal with Jamaree Caldwell (99) tackles Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) within the first half at SoFi Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Kirby Lee-Imagn Pictures Accidents – notably the season-ending damage to left deal with Joe Alt – could have scratched Los Angeles off the listing of official Tremendous Bowl contenders, however the Chargers are able to an upset or two as soon as the postseason arrives.
5. Jacksonville (9-4)
Dec 7, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws downfield in opposition to the Indianapolis Colts through the second half at EverBank Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Pictures The Jaguars are going to make the playoffs, however they received’t scare anybody as soon as they get there. Jacksonville has received 5 of its final six, however three of these victories got here in opposition to Las Vegas (2-11), Arizona (3-10) and Tennessee (2-11).
Chiefs (6-7)
It seems Kansas Metropolis has run out of magic, but when the Chiefs do discover a strategy to make the playoffs who would you slightly play: Kansas Metropolis or Pittsburgh?
Better of the Relaxation: (Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Indianapolis).
