AFC Playoff Picture: Patriots-Steelers and Chargers-Chiefs will have massive impact on postseason chase

The AFC playoff picture went sideways for a few hours this weekend, as three of the top four teams suffered surprising defeats, while the No. 1 seed just barely survived.

That all set up a wild race the rest of the way, as this week’s games — namely the Chargers-Chiefs and Patriots-Steelers — will ultimately have a major impact on the way the postseason shakes out.

Who has the easiest path to the No. 1 seed? Which NFC teams have the best chance at impacting the AFC race? And based on their schedule, which teams could have the inside track on the two wild-card spots? Check out our breakdown here:


1. Chiefs (11-2)
Remaining schedule: vs. Chargers (10-3), at Seahawks (8-5), vs. Raiders (3-10)
Opponents record: 21-18 (.538)
The skinny: Kansas City escaped with a close win against the Ravens on Sunday at home, one that was probably much closer than the Chiefs anticipated. The game against Los Angeles won’t be a layup, while Seattle is playing some excellent defensive football right now. They’re close, but if the Chiefs can get through those two games unscathed, that should just about do it.

2. Patriots (9-4)
Remaining schedule: at Steelers (7-5-1), vs. Bills (4-9), vs. Jets (4-9)
Opponents record: 15-23-1 (.397)
The skinny: Gut-punch of a loss to Miami derailed them in the quest for the No. 1 seed. The way Pittsburgh has been playing, you still like New England’s chances the rest of the way — 12-4 certainly seems like a feasible scenario. With that record, theoretically, the top seed is still a possibility, but the Patriots would need a lot of help from the Chargers and Seahawks the next two weeks.