Here’s an AFC breakdown with the first eight weeks of the NFL season in the books.
East
Patriots: 8-0 (A+)
Tom Brady has been Tom Terrific again. They made a big splash with the signing of Antonio Brown, but he was cut after a week. Then, they acquired Mohamed Sanu from the Falcons, who once will be a big part of the Patriots’ air attack, taking pressure off of Julian Edelman. The defense and special teams units have been lights out.
Bills: 5-2 (B)
Josh Allen has played well and has limited mistakes. Frank Gore is still running strong. The defense has been top tier.
Jets: 1-6 (F)
Their only high point was an upset win over the Cowboys.
Dolphins: 0-7 (F)
They almost beat the Redskins.
North
Ravens: 5-2 (B+)
When Lamar Jackson is on, this offense is brutal to defend. When he’s off, the opponent has a fighting chance.
Steelers: 3-4 (C)
Without Ben Roethlisbeger, this team was expected to struggle. But they have performed better than many expected.
Browns: 2-5 (D)
The preseason Super Bowl contenders have definitely not looked the part, except in their win against the Ravens. All the star power on paper hasn’t translated on the field.
Bengals: 0-8 (F)
I knew Andy Dalton and the offense would struggle without A.J. Green, but they have been worse than the Dolphins. With the benching of Andy Dalton, things could get even worse.
South
Colts: 5-2 (A)
Jacoby Brissett has played better than I expected. Marlon Mack has run effectively. If the secondary can get healthy quickly, the defense could be even better. The only detriment is kicker Adam Vinatieri, whose legs may have finally aged.
Texans: 5-3 (B)
The team has played great. Deshaun Watson has played great. The question going forward is whether or not the defense can withstand the loss of J.J. Watt
Jaguars: 4-4 (C)
Gardner Minshew has played great in place of Nick Foles. If the defense can keep them in games, they can win.
Titans: 4-4 (C-)
This team is .500 because of their opportunistic defense. Their offensive line has been dismal more often than not. If the defense continues to play at their current level, this team will be hard to stop, especially after the whole quarterback controversy finally played out.
West
Chiefs: 5-3 (B+)
This team has proven they can be beaten. And if Patrick Mahomes has any lasting effects of his injury when he comes back, the Chiefs may be in real trouble.
Raiders: 3-4 (C)
Gruden, Year Two. While the team has improved as a whole, I think the whole Antonio Brown distraction doomed this team early on. Josh Jacobs has proven he was worth the early draft pick.
Chargers: 3-5 (D)
While their disappointing season could be blamed in large part on Melvin Gordon and his holdout, Philip Rivers’ time may also be running out. He has been a fraction of his normal self.
Broncos: 2-6 (D-)
Another year, another quarterback. Joe Flacco has failed so far, much like the many who have come before him in Denver.
Predictions
Division-winners
Patriots 14-2
Ravens 10-6
Chiefs 10-6
Colts 10-6
Wild Card
Bills 10-6
Titans 10-6
