AFC Power Rankings After Week 15: Broncos Lead the Pack, Playoff Picture Comes Into Focus
With just a few weeks left in the regular season, the AFC hierarchy is starting to take shape-and the Denver Broncos are sitting comfortably at the top. Winners of 12 straight, Denver has become the first AFC team to punch its ticket to the postseason and could lock up the AFC West as early as Week 16. They control their own fate, and right now, they’re playing like a team that knows it.
But beyond the Broncos, the conference is loaded with storylines-some hopeful, others chaotic. Let’s break down where every AFC team stands heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
16. Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders’ season has been nothing short of a disaster. After a busy offseason that hinted at a possible turnaround, Vegas has bottomed out.
Nothing has clicked-offensively, defensively, or on the sideline. It’s hard to see a path forward without a full reset, and that might include shopping some of their bigger names to jumpstart a rebuild.
15. Tennessee Titans
There’s a silver lining in Tennessee, and it comes in the form of rookie quarterback Cam Ward. While the Titans won’t be making any playoff noise this season, Ward has shown flashes that suggest the future might be brighter than the present. With a full offseason to build around him, Tennessee could be a sneaky team to watch in the next couple of years.
14. New York Jets
This season has been a major step back for the Jets. The promise that once surrounded this team has all but evaporated, and there are serious questions about the direction of the franchise. The offense has struggled, the defense hasn’t been able to carry the load, and the coaching staff could be on the hot seat heading into 2026.
13. Cleveland Browns
Myles Garrett is chasing history with a shot at the single-season sack record, but outside of that, there hasn’t been much to celebrate in Cleveland. The Browns need to get serious about fixing their offense, and with two first-round picks in the 2026 draft, they’ll have the ammunition to do it. The foundation is there-it just needs reinforcement.
12. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals are in a tough spot. The defense has taken a step back, and Joe Burrow, visibly frustrated, hasn’t had the support he needs.
Since their last playoff appearance in 2022, Cincinnati has been searching for answers. A defensive overhaul could be on the horizon if they want to get back to contending in a crowded AFC.
11. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs’ season took a devastating turn when Patrick Mahomes went down with a torn ACL. With their franchise quarterback sidelined and officially out of the playoff picture, Kansas City is in unfamiliar territory. The roster depth just wasn’t enough to overcome the injury bug this year, and now they’re looking ahead to 2026.
10. Miami Dolphins
Miami’s playoff hopes were officially extinguished after a Monday night loss in Week 15. It’s a disappointing end for a team that had talent but couldn’t put it all together when it mattered. Until the Dolphins make some significant changes to the roster, it’s hard to see them making a serious postseason push.
9. Indianapolis Colts
What a rollercoaster it’s been in Indy. After a 7-1 start, the Colts have dropped five of their last six and now sit at 8-6.
Philip Rivers has done what he can, but the wheels have come off late in the season. Still, GM Chris Ballard has built a strong roster, and with the right tweaks, Indianapolis could be right back in the mix next year.
8. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens have been one of the more intriguing teams in the AFC this year. After a brutal 1-5 start, they’ve clawed their way back to .500 at 7-7.
Injuries have taken their toll, and the roster is in need of a refresh, but the fight in this team is undeniable. They’re still alive, but the margin for error is razor thin.
7. Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh may not be flashy, but they’re effective. At 8-6 and leading the AFC North, the Steelers are in position to make the playoffs once again.
They don’t overwhelm opponents, but they find ways to win. That said, unless something changes, this feels like a one-and-done playoff team.
6. Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers are talented, but the offensive line has been a major liability all season. Justin Herbert hasn’t played to his usual standard, and his playoff performances haven’t inspired much confidence. Los Angeles is solid, but not spectacular-good enough to make the playoffs, but not built for a deep run unless they tighten things up.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville might not jump off the page, but they’re quietly one of the most well-rounded teams in the AFC. They run the ball well, they stop the run, and they’re well-coached.
That’s a formula that wins in December and January. The Jaguars are for real, and they’re built to be a problem in the postseason.
4. Buffalo Bills
Buffalo isn’t going quietly. After a dramatic comeback win in Week 15, the Bills are still in the thick of the AFC East race.
They’re trying to avoid a Wild Card spot-and the road games that come with it-and Josh Allen remains the engine that drives everything. When he’s on, Buffalo can beat anyone.
3. Houston Texans
Winners of nine of their last eleven, the Texans are peaking at the right time. Their defense might be the best in the league, and that side of the ball tends to travel well in the playoffs.
Now that the offense is starting to heat up, Houston is looking more and more like a legitimate contender. Don’t be surprised if they make a deep run.
2. New England Patriots
Yes, the Patriots blew a 21-point lead to Buffalo, but let’s not overreact. They still have the second-best record in the AFC and a budding star at quarterback in Drake Maye.
The rookie has been lights out and could be the best passer in the conference this year. One tough loss doesn’t change the fact that New England is built to contend.
1. Denver Broncos
No one’s hotter than the Broncos. Winners of 12 straight, Denver now owns the best record in the NFL at 12-2.
Their latest win-a comeback over Green Bay after trailing by two scores-was just another example of how complete this team is. Bo Nix is finding his rhythm at just the right time, and the Broncos can beat you in just about every way.
This team is deep, disciplined, and dangerous. If they keep this up, the road to the Super Bowl might just run through Denver.
As the regular season barrels toward its conclusion, the AFC playoff race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. The Broncos have set the pace, but plenty of teams are still in the hunt-and anything can happen in the NFL’s final weeks.