AFC Playoff Picture: Chiefs dramatic loss in LA gives Patriots, Steelers a boost

Monday night’s wild one between the Chiefs and Rams has far-reaching implications for the AFC playoff picture, as both the Patriots and Steelers celebrated LA’s dramatic win over Kansas City. So where does everyone stand heading into Thanksgiving weekend, and who might have the easiest slate the rest of the way? Check out our complete breakdown of the rest of the field here.

1. Chiefs (9-2)
Remaining schedule: at Raiders (2-8), vs. Ravens (5-5), vs. Chargers (7-3), at Seahawks (5-5), vs. Raiders (2-8)
Opponents record: 21-29 (.420)
The skinny: The rest of the AFC has to hope the Chargers can match the Rams and pull the upset in a few weeks if they want a shot at home-field advantage.

2. Steelers (7-2-1)
Remaining schedule: at Broncos (4-6), vs. Chargers (7-3), at Raiders (2-8), vs. Patriots (7-3), at Saints (9-1), vs. Bengals (5-5)
Opponents record: 34-26 (.567)
The skinny: Still the toughest slate of any of the AFC elites the rest of the way.

3. Patriots (7-3)
Remaining schedule: at Jets (3-7), vs. Vikings (5-4-1), at Dolphins (5-5), at Steelers (7-2-1), vs. Bills (3-7), vs. Jets (3-7)
Opponents record: 26-32-2 (.441)
The skinny: The Dec. 16 game against in Pittsburgh will provide the best opportunity for New England to make up ground.

4. Texans (7-3)
Remaining schedule: vs. Titans (5-5), vs. Browns (3-6-1), vs. Colts (5-5), at Jets (3-7), at Eagles (4-6), vs. Jags (3-7)
Opponents record: 23-36-1 (.383)
The skinny: The only team with seven wins or more than has four home games left. The Texans also have the easiest slate of opponents the rest of the way, if you’re going by strength of schedule.

5. Chargers (7-3)
Remaining schedule: vs. Cardinals (2-8), at Steelers (7-2-1), vs. Bengals (5-5), at Chiefs (9-2), vs. Ravens (5-5), at Broncos (4-6)
Opponents record: 32-28-1 (.525)
The skinny: With games against Pittsburgh and Kansas City, Los Angeles holds a lot of sway when it comes to the stretch drive.

6. Ravens (5-5)
Remaining schedule: vs. Raiders (2-8), at Falcons (4-6), at Chiefs (9-2), vs. Bucs (3-7), at Chargers (7-3), vs. Browns (3-6-1)
Opponents record: 28-32-1 (.459)
The skinny: Are the stars aligning for a late-season run for Baltimore? A change at quarterback and a favorable schedule down the stretch could play in their favor. If that defense gets in the playoffs, anything can happen.

IN THE HUNT

7. Bengals (5-5)
Remaining schedule: vs. Browns (3-6-1), vs. Broncos (4-6), at Chargers (7-3), vs. Raiders (2-8), at Browns (3-6-1), at Steelers (7-2-1)
Opponents record: 26-31-3 (.433)
The skinny: They have plenty of layups the rest of the way with a pair of games against the Browns and one with the Raiders, but there are also dates with the Chargers and Steelers in there. Tough to get a read as to where they might end up.

8. Dolphins (5-5)
Remaining schedule: at Colts (5-5), vs. Bills (3-7), vs. Patriots (7-3), at Vikings (5-4-1), vs. Jaguars (3-7), at Bills (3-7)
Opponents record: 26-33-1 (.430)
The skinny: That’s also a weird schedule the rest of the way, with a pair of (theoretically) winnable games against Buffalo and a date with a reeling Jacksonville team. It could mean 8-9 wins and a wild-card berth. It could also mean six wins and Adam Gase heads into the offseason on the hot seat.

Rest of the field: 9. Colts (5-5), 10. Titans (5-5), 11. Broncos (4-6), 12. Browns (3-6-1), 13. Bills (3-7), 14. Jaguars (3-7), 15. Jets (3-7), 16. Raiders (2-8).