NFL Playoff Picture 2018: Patriots, Steelers, Chiefs, Chargers, Texans Vying For AFC Byes

The first-round byes are all but locked up in the NFC with the New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Rams separating themselves from the rest of the conference. That’s not the case in the AFC, where five teams have a shot to secure a bye in the NFL playoffs.

After Week 12, the Kansas City Chiefs (9-2) and New England Patriots (8-3) have the AFC’s top two seeds. The Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3-1) and Los Angeles Chargers (8-3) are not far behind. The Houston Texans (7-3) can have sole possession of the No.3 seed with a win over the Tennessee Titans on “Monday Night Football.”

The Steelers and Patriots swapped places in the AFC standings Sunday. New England cruised to a 27-13 win over the New York Jets. Pittsburgh was unable to get the job done on the road, falling to the Denver Broncos.

Pittsburgh will host New England in Week 15 in a contest that could ultimately determine one of the byes. Head-to-head matchups will play a key role when it comes to seeding for the AFC playoffs.

The Patriots already have wins over the Texans and Chiefs. Kansas City defeated Pittsburgh in Week 2. The Steelers host the Chargers in Week 13 on “Sunday Night Football.”

L.A. is only a game behind Kansas City, though it will be difficult for them to win the AFC West. The Chargers lost at home to the Chiefs in the season opener, and they’ll travel to Kansas City in Week 15. The Chiefs are 3-0 in the division, while the Chargers are 2-2 against AFC West opponents.

Houston has a real chance to go 13-3 because of their schedule. The Texans are in the midst of a seven-game winning streak, and they’ve got a relatively easy conclusion to the season. The Indianapolis Colts are the only team that currently sits above .500 and will face Houston over the final five games.

New England’s toughest games down the stretch will come against the Steelers and Minnesota Vikings. Sandwiched in between two games with the two-win Oakland Raiders, the Chiefs will face the Chargers, Baltimore Ravens and Seattle Seahawks, all of whom have winning records.

The Steelers still have to face the Chargers, Patriots and Saints.