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Who is the best team in the AFC? (1 Viewer)
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Voice Of Reason
Footballguy
Houston.
Only team with an elite offense and defense.
Only team with an elite offense and defense.
Walton Goggins
Footballguy
Agree and winning w/o some of their best players
Voice Of Reason
Footballguy
Losing Mario hurt them greatly. If healthy, I think they would be the favorites to win the SB right now. I think the impact of WRs is overrated and that AJ is a bit overrated as a receiver (probably top 10) so I don't think they'll get much better going forward if they get healthier.
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PlasmaDogPlasma
Footballguy
Please change your screen name.
PatsFanCT
Footballguy
Awesome post!
Fensalk
Footballguy
You can make a case for several clubs here I think.
Texans seem to be very good. But they've never even made the playoffs before, and we don't know how they respond to that environment. The Ravens just beat the Steelers for the second time, but I think people are still concerned about their offense. The Patriots look terrible in some areas, but they always start slow and get hot in the second half. We've seen Belichick win with lesser talent before like in 2001 when no-one respected them at all. The Steelers just got swept by the Ravens, but I don't think anyone would be surprised if the Steelers won the North or beat the Ravens in the playoffs.
Texans seem to be very good. But they've never even made the playoffs before, and we don't know how they respond to that environment. The Ravens just beat the Steelers for the second time, but I think people are still concerned about their offense. The Patriots look terrible in some areas, but they always start slow and get hot in the second half. We've seen Belichick win with lesser talent before like in 2001 when no-one respected them at all. The Steelers just got swept by the Ravens, but I don't think anyone would be surprised if the Steelers won the North or beat the Ravens in the playoffs.
hutchins929
Footballguy
1. Ravens
2. Steelers
3. Texans
4. Patriots
2. Steelers
3. Texans
4. Patriots
Fensalk
Footballguy
If the season ended today, the seeds would be:
#1 Ravens*
#2 Texans
#3 Patriots**
#4 Chiefs***
#5 Bengals
#6 Steelers
wild card weekend
Steelers at Patriots
Bengals at Chiefs
*Ravens win divsion due to better division record (2-0) than Bengals (1-0)
**Patriots won division on tiebreakers, Bills eliminated by subpar division record, Jets eliminated because Patriots beat them head-to-head
***Chiefs win division on superior record in games played between the clubs (2-1) compared to Chargers (1-1) or Raiders (0-1)
#1 Ravens*
#2 Texans
#3 Patriots**
#4 Chiefs***
#5 Bengals
#6 Steelers
wild card weekend
Steelers at Patriots
Bengals at Chiefs
*Ravens win divsion due to better division record (2-0) than Bengals (1-0)
**Patriots won division on tiebreakers, Bills eliminated by subpar division record, Jets eliminated because Patriots beat them head-to-head
***Chiefs win division on superior record in games played between the clubs (2-1) compared to Chargers (1-1) or Raiders (0-1)
Fensalk
Footballguy
It seems like every season ends with the Patriots going on a huge win streak and blowing teams out in December. It wouldn't surprise me if the Patriots ran the table from here, including December blowouts of the Redskins and Dolphins, and finished 13-3. Their schedule is actually pretty soft from here on out.
Chest Rockwell
Footballguy
T J
Footballguy
Healthy or not, the Packers would be and are the favorites to win the Super Bowl.
The Comedian
Footballguy
I don't think I could say.
This is difficult to answer.
I think it comes down to 1/5 teams:
Patriots, Ravens, Bengals, Steelers, Texans.
I think you could make a case for any of these 5.
5-Bengals-they look good, but other than Buffalo, they haven't beaten a single team with a winning record. They still have to play the Ravens (2X), Steelers (2X) and the Texans; I think they will lose AT LEAST 3 of those games, if not more. (9-6)
4-Patriots-great offense, but the defense is HORRIBLE; unless it drastically improves, they aren't the best team in the AFC.(11-5)
3-Ravens-They have looked very soft in almost 1/2 their games (Jags, Cards, Titans-all 3 weak opponents, IMO); they seem to get up for the big games, but aren't consistent enough for my liking (11-5)
2-Texans-With Mario out of the season, how has their defense looked? I'm not sure their defense will hold up; if it does, I move them ahead of the Steelers (12-4)
1-Steelers-Although their 2 losses to Baltimore hurt, they should be much improved when they get their LBs, Woodley and Farrior back. Their soft remaining schedule is a plus.(12-4)
I think it comes down to 1/5 teams:
Patriots, Ravens, Bengals, Steelers, Texans.
I think you could make a case for any of these 5.
5-Bengals-they look good, but other than Buffalo, they haven't beaten a single team with a winning record. They still have to play the Ravens (2X), Steelers (2X) and the Texans; I think they will lose AT LEAST 3 of those games, if not more. (9-6)
4-Patriots-great offense, but the defense is HORRIBLE; unless it drastically improves, they aren't the best team in the AFC.(11-5)
3-Ravens-They have looked very soft in almost 1/2 their games (Jags, Cards, Titans-all 3 weak opponents, IMO); they seem to get up for the big games, but aren't consistent enough for my liking (11-5)
2-Texans-With Mario out of the season, how has their defense looked? I'm not sure their defense will hold up; if it does, I move them ahead of the Steelers (12-4)
1-Steelers-Although their 2 losses to Baltimore hurt, they should be much improved when they get their LBs, Woodley and Farrior back. Their soft remaining schedule is a plus.(12-4)
Chase Stuart
Footballguy
The Jets, Pats and Bills have faced a much harder schedule than the Bengals, Ravens and Steelers.
For my money, it's still Pittsburgh as the best team in the AFC. But I think the Jets probably match up better with the Packers than any other team in the conference. That was the Rodgers' worst performance (among games he started and finished) in both completion percentage and yards per attempt. The Jets' D does very well against spread offenses, and I think they'd be able to contain Green Bay. At least more than any other team in the AFC, I like the Jets' chances.
For my money, it's still Pittsburgh as the best team in the AFC. But I think the Jets probably match up better with the Packers than any other team in the conference. That was the Rodgers' worst performance (among games he started and finished) in both completion percentage and yards per attempt. The Jets' D does very well against spread offenses, and I think they'd be able to contain Green Bay. At least more than any other team in the AFC, I like the Jets' chances.
two_dollars
Footballguy
Still believe it's the Patriots.
Ghost Rider
Footballguy
As shaky as they looked the previous few weeks prior to last night, the answer almost has to be the Ravens. They swept the Steelers, so that takes Pittsburgh out of the equation right now. The Bengals could be argued. None of the AFC East teams are quite that great right now. Houston is intriguing, but I can't call them the best in the AFC yet. Baltimore is the answer.
It's the number 1 defense in the league. To be honest, you can't even tell they are missing Mario.I think they are susceptible to teams that can spread you out (i.e. Saints, Packer, Patriots), but the defense is good.
babydemon90
Footballguy
Has to be Houston - the #2 Defense, and the #2 Offense
Close 2nd are the Ravens - they have the #1 Defense, but the #4 Defense.
Patriots have the #1 Offense, but the #11 Defense, which is way too low to qualify for a 'best'. Bills are right with the Pats for bad defenses.
Close 2nd are the Ravens - they have the #1 Defense, but the #4 Defense.
Patriots have the #1 Offense, but the #11 Defense, which is way too low to qualify for a 'best'. Bills are right with the Pats for bad defenses.
Brock Middlebrook
Footballguy
Pitt has lost twice to Baltimore and they still have big questions surrounding their running game
roadkill1292
Footballguy
It might indeed be the Ravens but in no way are the Steelers out of the equation. They had a lot of crap go wrong for them last night and were missing some important guys and it still took an amazing finish to beat them. And they're better than every team left on their schedule.
Ghost Rider
Footballguy
They are out of the equation as far as being number 1 right now. They are still top 3 probably, but not number 1. As for being better than every team left on their schedule, that remains to be seen. The Bengals are good this year, and the 49ers continue to surprise us all.
No offense, but based on what? Because they lost to the Ravens twice? The Ravens lost to three crappy teams, so does that mean they are out of the equation? The Texans lost to the Ravens, so does that mean they are out? The Patriots lost to the Steelers, so does that mean that they are out? The fact is that the Steelers were down two of their top LBs yesterday, and BARELY lost. If they had both of those guys, maybe the result is different (maybe it's the same). But to say they're "out of the equation" seems premature, IMO.
Ghost Rider
Footballguy
I am saying, you cannot say they are number 1 right now. The Ravens lost to three crappy teams? That's a neat trick considering they are 6-2, and one of those losses is to the 4-4 Titans (which is average, not crappy). Right now, against above .500 teams in the AFC:Ravens 4-0Steelers 1-3 Texans 1-1Patriots 1-2So, given that no one has a better record than them, combined with their 4-0 record against winning teams in the AFC, how are the Ravens not the best team in the AFC right now?
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SacramentoBob
Footballguy
I picked the Ravens to win the Super Bowl, so I'm sticking with them.
Chase Stuart
Footballguy
We should get clarity on what best means. Does it mean which team has accomplished the most this season or which team we think is the best going forward? I'd agree that Baltimore would win under the former definition.
footballnerd
Footballguy
No Broncos on this list? they got a shot at the West
Ghost Rider
Footballguy
I think the problem with a lot of people is they like to overlook stuff that happens and stick what their preconceived notions of who they thought would be the best. It is like some are thinking, "I picked the Steelers to be better than the Ravens, so even though the Ravens have beaten them twice and showed that they are better, my ego won't allow me to admit that I am wrong and say the Ravens now, so I will stubbornly continue to say that the Steelers are better, despite on the field evidence to the contrary."
Reepicheep
Footballguy
Stats are nice, but the Texans have played four good teams and gone 1-3 against them. The one win came at home. Four of their six wins literally came against the four worst teams in the AFC (Colts, Fins, Jags, Browns). I am not sold on these guys at all.
I don't think you're reading what he said.He said that if you're taking bets on who wins the AFC regular season, right now, the Steelers are probably still where the safe money goes. They're 5-3, certainly haven't been outclassed since game 1 of the season, and they're about to add some of the best defensive players in the NFL back in. Additionally, they face pretty much nobody from here on out.Anything less than 12-4 would be a surprise at this point, and I'm not sure that goes for anyone else. Ravens are in the driver's seat in that division, but despite the 2-0 advantage over Pittsburgh, they'll actually have to step it up from here on out to compete in the division.Interesting season where I see the top tier as kind of 1.Ravens 2.Texans 3.Steelers 4.Pats. But I think the last two are the smart bets to finish with the two best records.
Chase Stuart
Footballguy
The Steelers are -11 in TO differential. To be 6-3 with that TO differential and missing as many key players as they have makes me think they're going to be the best in the AFC the rest of the way.
The_Man
Footballguy
Not sure where you're coming from here. Their schedules are very similar the rest of the way. Pitt and Balt both play Cleveland and Cincy twice. They both play SF, though Baltimore gets them at home on a short week, while the Steelers have to go there.Steelers get Rams at home, Ravens get Colts at home.
Steelers travel to KC, Ravens travel to SD.
And the Steelers have a bye, while the Ravens have to go to Seattle.
Even if the Steelers go 7-1 to finish 12-4, the Ravens would have to go 5-3 to lose the division to Pittsburgh, thanks to the head-to-head sweep.
I think this rivalry is heading for a third game in a season for the third time in four years. But I'm looking forward to that game being in Baltimore for once.
geoff8695
Footballguy
Swap out the Bengals for the Jets and then I think you've got the top 5 AFC teamsThis is difficult to answer.I think it comes down to 1/5 teamsatriots, Ravens, Bengals, Steelers, Texans.I think you could make a case for any of these 5.5-Bengals-they look good, but other than Buffalo, they haven't beaten a single team with a winning record. They still have to play the Ravens (2X), Steelers (2X) and the Texans; I think they will lose AT LEAST 3 of those games, if not more. (9-6)4-Patriots-great offense, but the defense is HORRIBLE; unless it drastically improves, they aren't the best team in the AFC.(11-5)3-Ravens-They have looked very soft in almost 1/2 their games (Jags, Cards, Titans-all 3 weak opponents, IMO); they seem to get up for the big games, but aren't consistent enough for my liking (11-5)2-Texans-With Mario out of the season, how has their defense looked? I'm not sure their defense will hold up; if it does, I move them ahead of the Steelers (12-4)1-Steelers-Although their 2 losses to Baltimore hurt, they should be much improved when they get their LBs, Woodley and Farrior back. Their soft remaining schedule is a plus.(12-4)
roadkill1292
Footballguy
Yes, please. Very tired of going out there for massively important games. Ratbirds have the opportunity staring at them for two home playoff games. Whether they do it or not is for somebody else to try predicting but the opportunity is there and has never been better.
Chase Stuart
Footballguy
Jets have been in the same boat as the Ravens the past two years, which lets Sanchez and Flacco rack up all those road playoff wins.The Jets at least control their own destiny to avoiding 3 road games.If the Jets can beat NE, they'd be effectively 1.5 games up on the Pats with 7 to play. If both teams beat Buffalo and Miami again, that would put the Jets effectively up 1.5 games with 5 to play. Pats would need to win 2 more games against KC, @PHI, IND, @WAS, @DEN than the Jets in @Den, @Was, KC, @PHI, NYG. I actually like those odds for the Jets. The odds of the Jets beating NE and then Buffalo again are low, but hey, they control their own destiny this late in the season, which is all you can ask for. Houston, meanwhile, is going to ride a cushy schedule to a bye, I think. They might sweep their division, and beating Miami, Pit, Cle, Cin and Car already gives them 11 wins. If they split with Atlanta/@Tampa Bay, that's 12. They're in good shape.Halfway decent chance that the top two teams in the AFC East face off in a 3 v. 6 matchup in the first round.'roadkill1292 said:
Ghost Rider
Footballguy
I'd like to see Baltimore and the Jets win their divisions, to see how they do with home field games for a change in the playoffs, as well as seeing how the Steelers and Patriots do playing all road games in the playoffs.
roadkill1292
Footballguy
That would be wonderful, almost as good as the Stillers and Patsies missing the playoffs altogether.
The Jerk
Footballguy
Fun to debate. Impossible to prove. I'm not sure any team truly rises head and shoulders above the rest of the AFC this year.
It's hard to argue against the Ravens as the best team in the AFC on November 7.
What really matters is who's the best team in the AFC on January 22.
It's hard to argue against the Ravens as the best team in the AFC on November 7.
What really matters is who's the best team in the AFC on January 22.
The Jerk
Footballguy
Come on. You know you'd miss us.
The Jerk
Footballguy
A concern for Steelers fan is WHY they are not creating turnovers. Only 2 fumbles and 2 interceptions in 9 games. Some of it may no doubt be not getting the bounce, like the deflection on last night's final drive that would have been intercepted by Troy had it hung in the air another 0.2 secs or so. But at some point, the secondary personnel needs to be examined. There just aren't any ballhawks out there except for Polamalu, and there's a long track record of that fact by Taylor and Clark, arguably the #2 and #3 talents in the Pittsburgh defensive backfield. Taylor would likely have been to multiple Pro Bowls by now if he could catch balls that are thrown at him, let alone making more aggressive plays.Last night in the first quarter, Clark nearly whiffed on an interception attempt on a bad throw from Flacco (the pass was behind Clark who was barely trailing the Ravens receiver). Not an easy chance, but one some free safeties would make at least half the time. On a play either one or two plays before the winning touchdown, Collinsworth talked about how Taylor slowed down to slyly impede the progress of the receiver. As a Steeler fan, I'd have liked Taylor to attempt to go after the ball and win the game.It's likely the Steelers get more turnovers than 0.44 per game when their defense gets healthier, but I'm not sure it's so much about bad bounces as it is about not having as many playmakers as they did a few years ago.'Chase Stuart said:
The_Man
Footballguy
They're -8 in TO in two games vs. the Ravens, and they're 0-2. They're 6-1 with a -3 differential in the other 8. My guess is they begin to force more turnovers, continue to beat up on the weak teams on their schedule, and end up in the mix with the Ravens, Texans and Patriots for a top seed. But it's going to be very hard for them to pass the Ravens.'Chase Stuart said:
nickdiesel
Footballguy
Who dey! Who dey! Who dey think gonna beat dem Bengals? I dont actually believe this but hey as a Bengals fan its not often I get to say we are tied for best record in AFC and have the longest winning streak in AFC.
Genuinely excited to be a Bengals fan again winning games and stacking the draft with the Palmer dump.
Genuinely excited to be a Bengals fan again winning games and stacking the draft with the Palmer dump.
Rovers
Footballguy
There is no "best" team in the AFC. You could go team by team by record, and then look at their schedule... it all evens out. Houston might look the best on paper, but they have had their misteps too.
In two weeks time, it will narrow down to 2 or 3 teams. Too early to call it now.
In short, the AFC is the weak sister to the NFC.
In two weeks time, it will narrow down to 2 or 3 teams. Too early to call it now.
In short, the AFC is the weak sister to the NFC.
The Jerk
Footballguy
The Steelers have already been partially derailed by injuries. It certainly didn't help their cause last night being without LaMarr Woodley, who just won AFC defensive player of the month. And they also were without an important WR. No, not that one. Emmanuel Sanders. Not an excuse for losing and not to take credit away from the Ravens, but as Fensalk alludes to, attrition is a significant factor in the NFL.
Walton Goggins
Footballguy
Seems like with Mario out they've stepped it up with Reed playing as well or better than Mario (should have had 7 sacks over last two games) and I believe the only team in the NFL with a top tier ranked offense and defense (#1). With AJ out they've focused more in Foster, Tate and their TE group which has helped also because Shaub has been shaky. Cushing has never played better. Perhaps with a few key guys who got injured they've had to step it up and not bank on them.Great article on Reed and their 2011 draft may rival 2006
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