CHIEFS (7-4)
CURRENT PLACE: TIED FOR FOURTH
Patrick Mahomes and the revamped defense cleaned house in November (4-0 in that month). After allowing 29 points per game in the first seven games, they allowed under 12 points per game through November. If the Chiefs continue lessening turnover issues, they should finish off the regular season at the top of the conference.
REMAINING GAMES: VS. BRONCOS, VS. RAIDERS, AT CHARGERS, VS. STEELERS, AT BENGALS, AT BRONCOS
BILLS (7-4)
CURRENT PLACE: TIED FOR FOURTH
November was a bit tough for the Bills, especially with three road games. The Jags’ Josh Allen got the best of the Bills Josh Allen (check on YouTube). They defeated the Saints and Jets on the road but got stomped by the re-surging Colts at home. What I’m seeing is Josh Allen is doing a bit more on the ground consistently than most of his backs. Remember how the Bills lost the AFC Championship? They haven’t had a 100 yard rusher since November 24th, 2019 when Devin Singletary eclipsed it. No player has done it consistently than former player LeSean McCoy. Keep an eye out on how the running back position will impact the rest of their season.
REMAINING GAMES: VS. PATRIOTS, AT BUCCANEERS, VS. PANTHERS, AT PATRIOTS, VS. FALCONS, VS. JETS
STEELERS (5-5-1)
CURRENT PLACE: FOUR SPOTS OUT OF LAST WILD CARD
Now there’s a reason to panic in Pittsburgh, especially when they tie with the winless Lions and being roughly swept by the Bengals for the first time since 2009. The offense and Ben have looked awfully inconsistent. Defense is suffering a few casualties with injuries as a consequence. Their season is on a tight rope, but the AFC is so unpredictable that Pitt still has a playoff opportunity. Their last six games will decide their fate.
REMAINING GAMES: VS. RAVENS, AT VIKINGS, VS. TITANS, AT CHIEFS, VS. BROWNS, AT RAVENS
COLTS (6-6)
CURRENT PLACE: THREE SPOTS OUT OF LAST WILD CARD
The Colts gain momentum at the right time after finishing 3-1 in November. Pummeling the Bills on the road and playing to the very end with Tom Brady’s Bucs should be enough to put the AFC on notice. Defense looks stout, the offensive line looks better, and Jonathan Taylor might have a career season. However, Carson Wentz must tread carefully. He’s playing good, but he’s making questionable throws and turning the ball over unnecessarily. The Colts’ playoff hopes are in sight, but Wentz could either make or break the team’s chances.
REMAINING GAMES: AT TEXANS, VS. PATRIOTS, AT CARDINALS, VS. RAIDERS, AT JAGUARS
BROWNS (6-6)
CURRENT PLACE: FIVE SPOTS OUT OF LAST WILD CARD
Cleveland continues their so-so run in November. Their defense played well thus far but not the offense except one time at the Bengals (with the defense’s help). Baker Mayfield is fragile through injuries and I wonder how much more damage he can take. The Browns are still alive for a playoff spot and potentially the division title. They have one more shot at the Ravens after a bye and the Bengals in the season finale could decide which AFC North team wins the division. Hopefully the bye gives Baker time to recover because they need him for the toughest stretch of their season.
REMAINING GAMES: VS. RAVENS, VS. RAIDERS, AT PACKERS, AT STEELERS, VS. BENGALS
RAVENS (8-3)
CURRENT PLACE: OVERALL SEED
The Ravens are sitting pretty at one, but lets clear up the smoke if some are unaware. They went 3-1, but their loss was to the Dolphins at the time they were 2-7. They did defeat the Vikings, but that came in overtime. They defeated Chicago by three with their backup quarterback and barely escaped with a win over Cleveland despite Lamar Jackson throwing four interceptions in one game (rare achievement for a win). Be careful how you view the Ravens. They are talented, but the flaws must not be overlooked. Like the Browns, the Ravens also have a tough stretch.
REMAINING GAMES: AT STEELERS, AT BROWNS, VS. PACKERS, AT BENGALS, VS. RAMS, VS. STEELERS
RAIDERS (6-5)
CURRENT PLACE: ONE SPOT OUT OF LAST WILD CARD
Vegas must be reluctant for a seven-team playoff format because it looks like they may come up short of a playoff spot again in six weeks. They finished November 1-3 and the drama couldn’t be avoided after the releases of Henry Ruggs III and Damon Arnette over a personal situation. They bounced back for a big win at Dallas in overtime, and hopefully that re-ignites their motivation for a playoff run. Time to throw all your chips on the table and coins in the slot, Raiders.
REMAINING GAMES: VS. WASHINGTON, AT CHIEFS, AT BROWNS, VS. BRONCOS, AT COLTS, VS. CHARGERS
PACKERS (9-3)
CURRENT PLACE: 2ND SEED
November was anything but fun for Green Bay. They indeed had a tough schedule and not having Rodgers for the sputtered Chiefs due to COVID cost them a win. Also, Packers fans shouldn’t worry about the loss to the Vikings because they could equalize them at home in January. Their defense looks great and will play an important role in December and January. As long as the team monitors Aaron Rodgers’ toe and the team doesn’t suffer any key injuries, they will be fine.
REMAINING GAMES: VS. BEARS, AT RAVENS, VS. BROWNS, VS. VIKINGS, AT LIONS
RAMS (7-4)
CURRENT PLACE: TIED FOR FOURTH
Well, there’s no minor setback in November because the Rams lost every game. Obtaining Von Miller and Odell Beckham hasn’t changed much in their skid. Their defense lost the last two games allowing 30 plus points. Matthew Stafford is up-and-down at times and Sean McVay was out coached all month. They already lost Robert Woods for the season, but I’m worried that Cooper Kupp could be next if he’s targeted too much for receptions. Don’t forget that he’s still injury-prone. If the Rams want to sell out that much for a home Super Bowl, they must find a way to put it all together for a late bounce back run.
REMAINING GAMES: VS. JAGUARS, AT CARDINALS, VS. SEAHAWKS, AT VIKINGS, AT RAVENS, VS. 49ERS
BUCCANEERS (8-3)
CURRENT PLACE: 3RD SEED
Tom Brady’s Buccaneers finished the month at 2-1, but it wasn’t a cakewalk. They encountered good defenses and pass rushers, which Brady is vulnerable to. But he overcame them and his cohorts came through. They slowly realized that Leonard Fournette must be fed touches to take some pressure off of their prized quarterback. As they close out their season, it’s safe to say they will be in the playoffs. The Saints’ offense aren’t trustworthy, Christian McCaffrey is out for the season and Carolina’s quarterback situation isn’t consistent, and the Falcons just don’t have the pieces to be a playoff contender.
REMAINING GAMES: AT FALCONS, VS. BILLS, VS. SAINTS, AT PANTHERS, AT JETS, VS. PANTHERS
GIANTS (4-7)
CURRENT PLACE: SIX SPOTS OUT OF LAST WILD CARD
It may look funny that the Giants are my pick, but guess what? They are still alive. Why? They won a close game against the Eagles and they still have three division games to play. The Cowboys sputtered to 1-3 in November and things get worse with COVID news this week, the Eagles are 0-2 in the NFC East, and Washington can play an important role in the Giants surprise/low key run to the end. The offense needs a spark because they are one of the worst in the NFL and are also 1 of 3 teams that have yet to score 30 points this season (Jaguars and Bears).
REMAINING GAMES: AT DOLPHINS, AT CHARGERS, VS. COWBOYS, AT EAGLES, AT BEARS, VS. WASHINGTON
SEAHAWKS (3-8)
CURRENT PLACE: EIGHT SPOTS OUT OF LAST WILD CARD
Sorry Seattle, but looks like the city has seen better days. First, Washington State plants a flag in their college stadium, now the Seahawks are skidding on a three-game losing streak along with six of their last seven losses. The reason for this struggle is Russell Wilson and the offense, and it’s cringy to watch (despite me being a 49er fan). I’m not sure if the motivation is there or if there’s still some tensions between Wilson and the organization stemming from the offseason. No changes to the offense could mean the end of their 2021 season.
REMAINING GAMES: VS. 49ERS, AT TEXANS, AT RAMS, VS. BEARS, VS. LIONS, AT CARDINALS
49ERS (6-5)
CURRENT PLACE: 6TH SEED
After the loss to Arizona in the first week of November, this month turned out great. The Niners are on a 3-game winning streak and the run game continues to kill defenses. They also scored 30 plus points during that run after scoring over 30 points just once. Hopefully, Kyle Shanahan realizes that the run game is still the strength of the team. It helped take pressure off Jimmy Garoppolo and his QBR rating steadily improved. Their last six games will be fairly tricky and tough. It’ll depend on how Shanahan prepares the offense and hopefully the injuries doesn’t come back to bite the team.
REMAINING GAMES: AT SEAHAWKS, AT BENGALS, VS. FALCONS, AT TITANS, VS. TEXANS, AT RAMS
VIKINGS (5-6)
CURRENT PLACE: TIED FOR 7TH SEED
It is still difficult to tell with Minnesota, but they went 2-2 in November with playoff hopes still alive. They have yet to blow out anyone but they also never quit. Every game thus far have been one possession games. If they continue this run, they could end up like Nebraska with a one possession season. They proved to have a very good offense, and their defense, when healthy, can make an impact for this team. Their last six games presents an opportunity to steal a playoff spot and keep coach Mike Zimmer’s odd-numbered season playoff streak alive.
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