Best Team in AFC After 12 weeks? (1 Viewer)

[Fensalk]

Hmm, everyone is bunched up real close so I thought I'd ask this again. This time, I'll post the results before Sunday kickoff. I've listed all teams with winning records.

edit to close poll by posting results

Patriots 42 votes - 35%

Ravens 35 votes - 29%

Steelers 16 votes - 13%

Texans 11 votes - 9%

Raiders 6 votes - 5%

Broncos 5 votes - 4%

Bengals 3 votes - 2%

Titans 1 vote - 1%

Jets 0 votes

 

[fred_1_15301]

Gotta be the Ravens at this point.

 

[Chase Stuart]

Really down year for the AFC. Pats and Ravens probably look like the top two, but have such glaring holes that it's hard to like either. New England's offense is as good as any in the league outside of GB, but the D is prone to looking like a college unit. Baltimore's D is a good as any in the league, but it's O is prone to looking like a college unit.

Pittsburgh is probably the most balanced of the elite teams, but just slugged it out with a horrible KC team quarterbacked by a horrible Tyler Palko.

Houston is good but they don't have a quarterback so If ever there was a year to get to the SB without a QB, this is it, so maybe.

Bengals, Jets, Titans and Broncos are too inconsistent. Jets and Bengals probably with the highest ceilings there, as they both have defenses that are capable of completely neutralizing an opponent.

 

[Fensalk]

Really down year for the AFC. Pats and Ravens probably look like the top two, but have such glaring holes that it's hard to like either. New England's offense is as good as any in the league outside of GB, but the D is prone to looking like a college unit. Baltimore's D is a good as any in the league, but it's O is prone to looking like a college unit.Pittsburgh is probably the most balanced of the elite teams, but just slugged it out with a horrible KC team quarterbacked by a horrible Tyler Palko.Houston is good but they don't have a quarterback so If ever there was a year to get to the SB without a QB, this is it, so maybe.Bengals, Jets, Titans and Broncos are too inconsistent. Jets and Bengals probably with the highest ceilings there, as they both have defenses that are capable of completely neutralizing an opponent.

What about the Raiders?

 

[Raider Nation]

Really down year for the AFC. Pats and Ravens probably look like the top two, but have such glaring holes that it's hard to like either. New England's offense is as good as any in the league outside of GB, but the D is prone to looking like a college unit. Baltimore's D is a good as any in the league, but it's O is prone to looking like a college unit.Pittsburgh is probably the most balanced of the elite teams, but just slugged it out with a horrible KC team quarterbacked by a horrible Tyler Palko.Houston is good but they don't have a quarterback so If ever there was a year to get to the SB without a QB, this is it, so maybe.Bengals, Jets, Titans and Broncos are too inconsistent. Jets and Bengals probably with the highest ceilings there, as they both have defenses that are capable of completely neutralizing an opponent.

What about the Raiders?

It's okay. Flying under the radar is just how we like it.

 

[Sweet Love]

Really down year for the AFC. Pats and Ravens probably look like the top two, but have such glaring holes that it's hard to like either. New England's offense is as good as any in the league outside of GB, but the D is prone to looking like a college unit. Baltimore's D is a good as any in the league, but it's O is prone to looking like a college unit.Pittsburgh is probably the most balanced of the elite teams, but just slugged it out with a horrible KC team quarterbacked by a horrible Tyler Palko.Houston is good but they don't have a quarterback so If ever there was a year to get to the SB without a QB, this is it, so maybe.Bengals, Jets, Titans and Broncos are too inconsistent. Jets and Bengals probably with the highest ceilings there, as they both have defenses that are capable of completely neutralizing an opponent.

What about the Raiders?

It's okay. Flying under the radar is just how we like it.

You guys just got a bulls eye on your back today with that win...congrats!

 

[Dizzy]

Had to go with the Ravens, but it's far from a runaway.

They may even be good enough to hang with the Broncos.

 

[Fensalk]

Really down year for the AFC. Pats and Ravens probably look like the top two, but have such glaring holes that it's hard to like either. New England's offense is as good as any in the league outside of GB, but the D is prone to looking like a college unit. Baltimore's D is a good as any in the league, but it's O is prone to looking like a college unit.Pittsburgh is probably the most balanced of the elite teams, but just slugged it out with a horrible KC team quarterbacked by a horrible Tyler Palko.Houston is good but they don't have a quarterback so If ever there was a year to get to the SB without a QB, this is it, so maybe.Bengals, Jets, Titans and Broncos are too inconsistent. Jets and Bengals probably with the highest ceilings there, as they both have defenses that are capable of completely neutralizing an opponent.

What about the Raiders?

It's okay. Flying under the radar is just how we like it.

They sure are flying under the radar. A lot of people bashed the trade but Carson Palmer is an upgrade. How do you measure the "new" Raiders?

 

[Raider Nation]

How do you measure the "new" Raiders?

By height.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

With a healthy Schaub, I think the Texans have been the best AFC team, with the Steelers a close second.

I'd put the Raiders, Ravens, and Patriots in the next tier. The Ravens have the best defense in the league, but their offense is below average. The Patriots are among the top offenses in the league (behind the Packers, on par with the Texans), but their defense is below average. If the Raiders can get Carson Palmer, Darren McFadden, Michael Bush, Denarius Moore, and Jacoby Ford to all contribute in the same game — with Darrius Heyward-Bey, Louis Murphy, and Chaz Schilens coming on in supporting roles — that could be a heck of a scary offense. That's a lot of potential.

 

[Raider Nation]

With a healthy Schaub, I think the Texans have been the best AFC team, with the Steelers a close second.I'd put the Raiders, Ravens, and Patriots in the next tier. The Ravens have the best defense in the league, but their offense is below average. The Patriots are among the top offenses in the league (behind the Packers, on par with the Texans), but their defense is below average. If the Raiders can get Carson Palmer, Darren McFadden, Michael Bush, Denarius Moore, and Jacoby Ford to all contribute in the same game — with Darrius Heyward-Bey, Louis Murphy, and Chaz Schilens coming on in supporting roles — that could be a heck of a scary offense. That's a lot of potential.

Some of Al's draft picks turned out alright.

 

[Cookiemonster]

I voted Raiders. They are not the best team right now, but are close to being as good and are still getting healthy, gelling with the new QB, and the D is causing problems now that they don't have to run a man 1 or man 0/no blitzing scheme. They are the most likely to continue improving and I think a hot streak is likely going into the playoffs.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Lots of Rock-Paper-Scissors in the AFC.

 

[The_Man]

Ravens are 3rd in the AFC in scoring, despite having played 7 of their games vs. teams that are in the Top 8 in the NFL in points allowed per game.

 

[Chase Stuart]

Ravens are 3rd in the AFC in scoring, despite having played 7 of their games vs. teams that are in the Top 8 in the NFL in points allowed per game.

Yet the Ravens have been both below average at passing and rushing this season.

 

[Chase Stuart]

Really down year for the AFC. Pats and Ravens probably look like the top two, but have such glaring holes that it's hard to like either. New England's offense is as good as any in the league outside of GB, but the D is prone to looking like a college unit. Baltimore's D is a good as any in the league, but it's O is prone to looking like a college unit.Pittsburgh is probably the most balanced of the elite teams, but just slugged it out with a horrible KC team quarterbacked by a horrible Tyler Palko.Houston is good but they don't have a quarterback so If ever there was a year to get to the SB without a QB, this is it, so maybe.Bengals, Jets, Titans and Broncos are too inconsistent. Jets and Bengals probably with the highest ceilings there, as they both have defenses that are capable of completely neutralizing an opponent.

What about the Raiders?

It's okay. Flying under the radar is just how we like it.

True, I did forget about Oakland. That's what happens when you lose back to back games against the Chiefs and Broncos But in a wide open AFC, hard to discount Oakland just for that. The offense looks good although they've had a string of inferior opponents lately. The next three weeks will be a good measuring stick, as Miami is playing better, and GB and DET will be telling.

 

[Multiple Scores]

Best team up to now- texans

Best Qb - patriots

climbing team - raiders

best team today -ravens

I see a ravens/steelers showdown and anything can happen.

 

[Fensalk]

I voted Raiders. They are not the best team right now, but are close to being as good and are still getting healthy, gelling with the new QB, and the D is causing problems now that they don't have to run a man 1 or man 0/no blitzing scheme. They are the most likely to continue improving and I think a hot streak is likely going into the playoffs.

If the season ended today, the Raiders would host the Steelers, and that seems to be a very likely matchup in the playoffs. I took a look at that series and noticed that the Raiders almost always play the Steelers in Pittsburgh. I think something like 6 of the last 7 meetings have been in Pittsburgh. I also noticed the Steelers almost never travel west, and the Steelers record on the road in the west is 3-7 in their last 10 games. The only time these two met in Oakland in the last 15 years was in 2006, where the Raiders won 20-13 with Andrew Walter at QB.I think the Steelers have traveled to the Raiders twice since Noll quit.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

Really down year for the AFC. Pats and Ravens probably look like the top two, but have such glaring holes that it's hard to like either. New England's offense is as good as any in the league outside of GB, but the D is prone to looking like a college unit. Baltimore's D is a good as any in the league, but it's O is prone to looking like a college unit.Pittsburgh is probably the most balanced of the elite teams, but just slugged it out with a horrible KC team quarterbacked by a horrible Tyler Palko.Houston is good but they don't have a quarterback so If ever there was a year to get to the SB without a QB, this is it, so maybe.Bengals, Jets, Titans and Broncos are too inconsistent. Jets and Bengals probably with the highest ceilings there, as they both have defenses that are capable of completely neutralizing an opponent.

What about the Raiders?

It's okay. Flying under the radar is just how we like it.

True, I did forget about Oakland. That's what happens when you lose back to back games against the Chiefs and Broncos But in a wide open AFC, hard to discount Oakland just for that. The offense looks good although they've had a string of inferior opponents lately. The next three weeks will be a good measuring stick, as Miami is playing better, and GB and DET will be telling.

for discounting the Raiders. That bodes well going forward. I agree with you that the Chiefs and Broncos were bad losses, ones the Raiders were expected to win going into the season. But Jason Campbell's injury sent this team into a funk and they have emerged from the tailspin. If you want to judge the Raiders on those two losses, go ahead. They are nothing like that team now. Do you bother to watch any of their games? At least you have been consistent, in your Raider hate. I've got no issue with that. Hate on. But objectively, as a staff member, I think your opinion is blinded by the hate. Are the Raiders the best team in the AFC? No, I don't think so. But one of the better ones, who can win in a wide open AFC playoff. Sure, that's not too hard to imagine.

 

[The_Man]

Ravens are 3rd in the AFC in scoring, despite having played 7 of their games vs. teams that are in the Top 8 in the NFL in points allowed per game.

Yet the Ravens have been both below average at passing and rushing this season.

Sure - but in addition to playing 7 games vs. the top 8 in scoring defense, they've also played 7 vs. teams that are in the top 8 for yards allowed. In the only 2 games vs. teams in the Bottom 10 for defense, they've scored 37 and 30 points (St. Louis and Arizona).

 

[treat88]

I think it depends on how we define the term "best".

If that means which team has performed most impressively to date I say:

1. Pats

2. Ravens

3. Steelers

4. Oakland

5. Houston

6. Cinci

7. NYJ

If that means which team is most likely to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl, I look no farther than the QB's

1. Brady

2. Ben

3. Palmer

4. Flacco

5. Dalton

6. Sanchez

7. Yates/Vet

 

[Zeff]

Really down year for the AFC. Pats and Ravens probably look like the top two, but have such glaring holes that it's hard to like either. New England's offense is as good as any in the league outside of GB, but the D is prone to looking like a college unit. Baltimore's D is a good as any in the league, but it's O is prone to looking like a college unit.

Pittsburgh is probably the most balanced of the elite teams, but just slugged it out with a horrible KC team quarterbacked by a horrible Tyler Palko.

Houston is good but they don't have a quarterback so If ever there was a year to get to the SB without a QB, this is it, so maybe.

Bengals, Jets, Titans and Broncos are too inconsistent. Jets and Bengals probably with the highest ceilings there, as they both have defenses that are capable of completely neutralizing an opponent.

I'm not confident any team but the Packers makes the playoffs playing a full AFC schedule. The gloss is going to come of the Niners once they're 0-2 against the Ravens and Steelers. Can't see them much better than .500 in most divisions. The Lions have been exposed. The NFC East is a suckfest. All you've got is the Saints, and they can lose to anybody. I think they might sneak into the playoffs as a wildcard, but the Ravens, Steelers, and Patriots are 2-3-4 in the NFL in some order. Schaub's injury is the only thing keeping it from 2-3-4-5.I don't think it's a particularly down year for the AFC. It's just a down year.

 

[Godsbrother]

Ravens

Patriots

Steelers

Raiders

Bengals

Texans

 

[Ghost Rider]

The gloss is going to come of the Niners once they're 0-2 against the Ravens and Steelers. Can't see them much better than .500 in most divisions.

You do realize that the 49ers got to 9-2 by only playing two divisional games, right? They have not gotten fat by beating up on their division opponents. They have won at 7-4 Detroit, at 7-4 Cincinnati and against 6-4 NY Giants. They are for real.

 

[Raider Nation]

Really down year for the AFC. Pats and Ravens probably look like the top two, but have such glaring holes that it's hard to like either. New England's offense is as good as any in the league outside of GB, but the D is prone to looking like a college unit. Baltimore's D is a good as any in the league, but it's O is prone to looking like a college unit.

Pittsburgh is probably the most balanced of the elite teams, but just slugged it out with a horrible KC team quarterbacked by a horrible Tyler Palko.

Houston is good but they don't have a quarterback so If ever there was a year to get to the SB without a QB, this is it, so maybe.

Bengals, Jets, Titans and Broncos are too inconsistent. Jets and Bengals probably with the highest ceilings there, as they both have defenses that are capable of completely neutralizing an opponent.

What about the Raiders?

It's okay. Flying under the radar is just how we like it.

True, I did forget about Oakland. That's what happens when you lose back to back games against the Chiefs and Broncos

The Chiefs game can't be taken seriously. Boller started, then Palmer came in after being on the team for only a few days.The Denver game? No excuses. Chalk it up to more Timmy magic, I guess.

 

[greenroom]

Going to roll with the Houston. They have a good defense and the running game is the best in the AFC! If they can get any play from its QB then it will put them over the top. But if NE gets home field then watch out!

 

[Fensalk]

I voted Patriots.

 

[a_troll00]

I had to say the Patriots, but its just really hard for me to get behind anyone in the AFC right now. The Patriots have a high flying offense but are prone to just horrific blunders on defense. The Ravens do look good, but really, I just can't take Flacco seriously. If he can put the team on his back and actually get to the Super Bowl, then I'll change my tune. But frankly, I'll have to see it before I can believe it.

 

[GregR]

Going to roll with the Houston. They have a good defense and the running game is the best in the AFC! If they can get any play from its QB then it will put them over the top. But if NE gets home field then watch out!

If the poll was who was the best team in the AFC after 10 weeks I could maybe agree with you though I think it was pretty close. But after week 12? It'll take Yates showing something over the next two weeks before I could vote for the Texans.

 

[Zow]

With a gun to my head I'd go with the Steelers, only because I think they are the most balanced and have a good combination of veterans and young talent. No real glaring holes anywhere. Just behind them I'd put the Patriots and Ravens. Texans and Raiders are sneaky but both lack consistency at some of the skill positions due to injuries so I can't really trust them. I do think if the Texans still had Schaub they'd be the "best" if we are looking solely at talent/ability to win one game. However, I'm reading this poll to mean the best chance to make the Super Bowl so I gotta go Steelers.

 

[DoubleG]

Really down year for the AFC. Pats and Ravens probably look like the top two, but have such glaring holes that it's hard to like either. New England's offense is as good as any in the league outside of GB, but the D is prone to looking like a college unit. Baltimore's D is a good as any in the league, but it's O is prone to looking like a college unit.Pittsburgh is probably the most balanced of the elite teams, but just slugged it out with a horrible KC team quarterbacked by a horrible Tyler Palko.Houston is good but they don't have a quarterback so If ever there was a year to get to the SB without a QB, this is it, so maybe.Bengals, Jets, Titans and Broncos are too inconsistent. Jets and Bengals probably with the highest ceilings there, as they both have defenses that are capable of completely neutralizing an opponent.

What about the Raiders?

It's okay. Flying under the radar is just how we like it.

Ummm...there is a reason the Raiders are "under the radar" - they're not that good. Even yesterday's win againt the Bears - they barely won against a backup QB in his first NFL start in Oakland. He threw 3 horrible picks - and still the Raiders only managed one offensive TD. The AFC West might be the worst conference in all of football - and yet the Raiders are clinging to just a 1 game lead. No, the Raiders are not close to the best team in the AFC - heck, they might not be the best team in the worst conference in the AFC.

 

[Cookiemonster]

Going to roll with the Houston. They have a good defense and the running game is the best in the AFC! If they can get any play from its QB then it will put them over the top. But if NE gets home field then watch out!

Have you looked at NE's schedule? I think they have to be the favorites to get the AFC's #1 seed.

 

[Ghost Rider]

The AFC West might be the worst conference in all of football - and yet the Raiders are clinging to just a 1 game lead. No, the Raiders are not close to the best team in the AFC - heck, they might not be the best team in the worst conference in the AFC.

When did the AFC West change from being a division to its own conference?

 

[Fensalk]

With a gun to my head I'd go with the Steelers, only because I think they are the most balanced and have a good combination of veterans and young talent. No real glaring holes anywhere. Just behind them I'd put the Patriots and Ravens. Texans and Raiders are sneaky but both lack consistency at some of the skill positions due to injuries so I can't really trust them. I do think if the Texans still had Schaub they'd be the "best" if we are looking solely at talent/ability to win one game. However, I'm reading this poll to mean the best chance to make the Super Bowl so I gotta go Steelers.

The Steelers problems are:1. Near the bottom of the NFL in turnover differential (27th)2. They have poor starting field position on offense, however they do get a lot of yards and don't punt much, unfortunately they turn it over a lot.3. They are below average in defensive starting field position and hardly get any turnovers at all. Their defense is 31st in turnovers per drive. They do force a lot of punts though.

 

[IHEARTFF]

Probably NE right now with Balt close behind, and several teams jockeying for position behind them.

 

[Raider Nation]

The AFC West might be the worst conference in all of football - and yet the Raiders are clinging to just a 1 game lead. No, the Raiders are not close to the best team in the AFC - heck, they might not be the best team in the worst conference in the AFC.

When did the AFC West change from being a division to its own conference?

Forget it... he's rolling.

 

[DoubleG]

The AFC West might be the worst conference in all of football - and yet the Raiders are clinging to just a 1 game lead. No, the Raiders are not close to the best team in the AFC - heck, they might not be the best team in the worst conference in the AFC.

When did the AFC West change from being a division to its own conference?

Good point - meant to type "division" and kept typing "conference". Not enough coffee yet. AFC West = worst division in football. Sorry - carry on.

 

[Raider Nation]

The AFC West might be the worst conference in all of football - and yet the Raiders are clinging to just a 1 game lead. No, the Raiders are not close to the best team in the AFC - heck, they might not be the best team in the worst conference in the AFC.

When did the AFC West change from being a division to its own conference?

Good point - meant to type "division" and kept typing "conference". Not enough coffee yet. AFC West = worst division in football. Sorry - carry on.

No, go on. You were making some amazing arguments.

 

[B-Deep]

Gotta be the Tebows

 

[IHEARTFF]

The AFC West might be the worst conference in all of football - and yet the Raiders are clinging to just a 1 game lead. No, the Raiders are not close to the best team in the AFC - heck, they might not be the best team in the worst conference in the AFC.

When did the AFC West change from being a division to its own conference?

Good point - meant to type "division" and kept typing "conference". Not enough coffee yet. AFC West = worst division in football. Sorry - carry on.

Sorry to nitpick, but the AFC West is not the worst division in football. Not even the worst in the AFC. AFC South has the worst team in the NFL and probably the #30 team also in Jacksonville. Tennessee is probably a top 20 team and Houston with no quarterback is now out of the top 10. That division is awful, but so is the NFC West. San Fran is a very good team, but that's about it. Seattle and Arizona are bottom 10 teams, and the Rams are clearly the #31 team.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Yeah, there is no way that the AFC West is worse than the NFC West. There are the 49ers and then the other three teams stink; every team from the AFC West is better than Arizona, Seattle and St. Louis.

As for the Raiders, while they are vastly improved and likely to win the West, I see them the same way I see the Cowboys: a good team that should win 10 games and might win a home playoff game, but that's about it. Good enough to win their divisions, but not good enough to be legit Super Bowl contenders.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

Yeah, there is no way that the AFC West is worse than the NFC West. There are the 49ers and then the other three teams stink; every team from the AFC West is better than Arizona, Seattle and St. Louis. As for the Raiders, while they are vastly improved and likely to win the West, I see them the same way I see the Cowboys: a good team that should win 10 games and might win a home playoff game, but that's about it. Good enough to win their divisions, but not good enough to be legit Super Bowl contenders.

Yeah, you may be right. Probably you're right. But this is a down year in the AFC as others have mentioned. No real juggernauts. A group of good teams, but no heavyweight one must pay homage to. Last year, the Packers squeaked into the playoffs on the last day of the season and went on a roll. In the playoffs, this year, there are no clear cut favorites in the AFC. Should be a lot of fun.

 

[Cookiemonster]

Yeah, there is no way that the AFC West is worse than the NFC West. There are the 49ers and then the other three teams stink; every team from the AFC West is better than Arizona, Seattle and St. Louis.

As for the Raiders, while they are vastly improved and likely to win the West, I see them the same way I see the Cowboys: a good team that should win 10 games and might win a home playoff game, but that's about it. Good enough to win their divisions, but not good enough to be legit Super Bowl contenders.

Yeah, you may be right. Probably you're right. But this is a down year in the AFC as others have mentioned. No real juggernauts. A group of good teams, but no heavyweight one must pay homage to. Last year, the Packers squeaked into the playoffs on the last day of the season and went on a roll. In the playoffs, this year, there are no clear cut favorites in the AFC. Should be a lot of fun.

Agreed. All AFC team have big "ifs." If the Steelers get healthy at OLB and Troy, turnovers will come and change the field position/turnover difference that have been hindering this team.If the Patriots can make the secondary just a wee bit good, the pass rush will start to make a difference.

If Carson Palmer returns to his full potential, and if Ford/Moore/McFadden return healthy, watch out.

If the Ravens can stay Jekyl and not Hyde.

If the Texans can find a capable QB after week 12.

One of these teams will do what they need, and probably more than one. At least a few won't. Who the hell knows right now? I will say that whichever teams solidify their current "cracks in the foundation" will be competitive with the Packers who are IMO a class of their own in the NFC and currently the NFL.

 

[sbonomo]

If the Texans can find a QB to handoff to Foster and not make mistakes they have to be considered. If not, i like the steelers in the playoff's. Ravens have a better DEF and Pat have a better offense but neither is anywhere near complete.