Who are the AFC teams that could stand out as Super Bowl contenders? Who are they? I’m asking this because none of them were perfect. It’s only Week 7, so some should progress as the season wears on. But right now, no one stands out. Maybe the Chiefs’ receiving corps has it altogether soon. Baltimore’s defense eventually becomes a stonewall against opposing teams. Houston probably carves up more opponents and becomes dominant the rest of the way. Buffalo adding Amari Cooper could make their offense more consistent every week from now on. Whatever the case may be, one team will eventually figure it out. Here are the AFC Standings after Week 6.

DIVISION LEADERS

1) KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (5-0)

The Chiefs aren’t that great this season on the offensive side, but their defense is elite and they’re still winning games. The Chiefs are still the Chiefs. They haven’t allowed 30 points for 26 straight games. Unless the 49ers can net 30 points on them since the team’s 3-0 scoring that much, I doubt there’s a team on Kansas City’s regular season schedule that can break that trend when facing Chris Jones, coach Spags, and company.

2) HOUSTON TEXANS (5-1)

Houston’s off to a great start in the first six weeks, but their next few games bulked up a bit. They scored their first 40-point game of the season, but can that lead to consistent offensive production against good teams? Defense will always put Houston in winning position, but the running back room and the offensive line must stay healthy. We’re looking at Green Bay, Indianapolis, the Jets, Detroit, Dallas (I guess), and Tennessee. It’s likely they come out of the next six weeks with only 1 to 2 losses as long as they keep everyone healthy.

3) BALTIMORE RAVENS (4-2)

Baltimore has one of the best offenses in the NFL, but their defense is lagging a bit. After allowing a season best 16.5 points per game last year, they allowed 24.8 points per game (24th in the league). They might miss Mike McDonald but could always trade for him to return and do himself a favor of leaving Seattle (Just me being a Niner). They missed tackles from time-to-time, gave up big plays, and are one of the worst pass defenses in the league. Lamar Jackson and company will always threaten the opposition, but their pass defense must find answers before facing the likes of Tampa, Cincinnati and the Chargers before December.

4) BUFFALO BILLS (4-2)

I might be the only one believing that Buffalo’s a bit odd. Now, signing Amari Cooper really helps Josh Allen and the receiving corps, but it doesn’t take away the fact that they’re still odd. Despite dominating two AFC Florida teams, they struggled against Arizona and the Jets that were meh teams and lost to Baltimore and Houston in back-to-back road games. Buffalo’s schedule isn’t challenging and adding Cooper gives Allen a weapon to go, so the playoffs are still guaranteed. Outside of Tennessee, Seattle, Miami, and Indy, the Chiefs are the team they must ready themselves for before their bye.

WILD CARD

5) PITTSBURGH STEELERS (4-2)

Pittsburgh’s finding ways to win, and that’s all that matters. The Justin Fields/Russell Wilson debate is still cooking, but the smart move is starting Fields within Arthur Smith’s offensive scheme. Otherwise, they’ll continue relying on TJ Watt and the defense to keep scores to a minimum for winning opportunities. The next two games against New York teams are gettable, but the rest of their schedule in November are not, except Cleveland.

6) LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (3-2)

Jim Harbaugh has the Chargers playing balanced football on all sides. The offense is balanced, defense is playing well, and special teams is pretty solid. Injuries plagued the roster before the bye but looked better coming out of it. Maintaining their health for the next 12 games will be daunting, so keep that in mind. It’s possible that the Chargers could go on a huge run through the rest of October and November with only Jim’s brother, John, to deal with in the last week of November.

7) INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (3-3)

Well, the Colts are here but the belief of them maintaining their playoff spot is spotty at best. They’re inconsistently balanced with injuries on offense and defense struggles against the run at times. I looked at their schedule going through November and most of their opponents can run the ball. Also, the quarterback situation becomes complicated. Anthony Richardson deserves reps to grow, but it’s also difficult to bench a hot-handed Joe Flacco. Let’s wait and see what happens.

TEAMS IN THE HUNT

8. DENVER BRONCOS (3-3)

9. MIAMI DOLPHINS (2-3)

10. NEW YORK JETS (2-4)

11. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (2-4)

12. CINCINNATI BENGALS (2-4)

13. TENNESSEE TITANS (1-4)

14. CLEVELAND BROWNS (1-4)

15. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (1-5)

16. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (1-5)