Conundrums for AFC's Contenders: One Big Question for Each Playoff Team
Introduction
As the AFC playoffs draw near, each of the 14 teams that have punched their tickets to the postseason faces its own unique challenges and uncertainties. From injuries to roster construction, there are a variety of factors that could affect each team's chances of making a deep run. Here is a look at one big question that each playoff team must answer in order to reach its full potential:
1. Cincinnati Bengals: Can they protect Joe Burrow?
The Bengals have one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL, led by quarterback Joe Burrow. But Burrow has been sacked 51 times this season, the most in the league. If the Bengals can't find a way to keep Burrow upright, it will be difficult for them to win playoff games against elite pass rushers like the Titans' Harold Landry and the Chiefs' Frank Clark.
2. Kansas City Chiefs: Can they get their defense to step up?
The Chiefs have been one of the most dominant teams in the AFC for the past several years, but their defense has been a major weakness. They rank 29th in the NFL in points allowed and 28th in yards allowed. If the Chiefs can't get their defense to play better, they will be vulnerable to an early exit from the playoffs.
3. Buffalo Bills: Can they overcome their playoff demons?
The Bills have been to the playoffs four times in the past seven years, but they have yet to win a game. They have lost their last two playoff games by a combined score of 79-19. If the Bills want to make a deep run this year, they will need to find a way to exorcise their playoff demons.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars: Can they keep up their momentum?
The Jaguars have been one of the most surprising teams in the NFL this season. They started the season 2-6, but they have won their last eight games to clinch a playoff berth. If the Jaguars can keep up their momentum, they could be a dangerous team in the playoffs. But they will need to prove that they can maintain their high level of play against tougher competition.
5. Baltimore Ravens: Can they stay healthy?
The Ravens have been decimated by injuries this season. They have lost several key players, including quarterback Lamar Jackson, running back J.K. Dobbins, and cornerback Marlon Humphrey. If the Ravens can't get healthy, it will be difficult for them to make a deep run in the playoffs.
6. New York Jets: Can they develop Zach Wilson?
The Jets have a lot of young talent, but quarterback Zach Wilson has been a major disappointment this season. He has thrown for just 1,991 yards and six touchdowns with 11 interceptions. If the Jets want to be a contender in the future, they will need Wilson to develop into a franchise quarterback.
7. Miami Dolphins: Can they find a consistent passing game?
The Dolphins have a talented offense, but they have struggled to find a consistent passing game. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has thrown for just 2,554 yards and 15 touchdowns with 11 interceptions. If the Dolphins want to make a deep run in the playoffs, they will need Tagovailoa to play better.
8. Los Angeles Chargers: Can they get over the hump?
The Chargers have been a good team for several years, but they have never been able to get over the hump and make a deep playoff run. They have lost their last two playoff games by a combined score of 82-31. If the Chargers want to make a deep run this year, they will need to find a way to win close games.
9. Tennessee Titans: Can they get Derrick Henry going?
The Titans have been one of the most run-heavy teams in the NFL this season, but running back Derrick Henry has not been as effective as he was in the past. He has rushed for just 1,300 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. If the Titans want to make a deep run in the playoffs, they will need Henry to get going.
10. Pittsburgh Steelers: Can they find a new quarterback?
The Steelers have been one of the most successful teams in the NFL for the past two decades, but they have struggled to find a quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger retired. Kenny Pickett has shown some promise this season, but he has also made some mistakes. If the Steelers want to make a deep run in the playoffs, they will need Pickett to play better.
11. New England Patriots: Can they get their offense going?
The Patriots have been one of the most consistent teams in the NFL for the past two decades, but their offense has struggled this season. They rank 27th in the NFL in points scored. If the Patriots want to make a deep run in the playoffs, they will need to find a way to get their offense going.
12. Cleveland Browns: Can they keep their momentum going?
The Browns have been one of the most surprising teams in the NFL this season. They started the season 2-6, but they have won their last eight games to clinch a playoff berth. If the Browns can keep up their momentum, they could be a dangerous team in the playoffs. But they will need to prove that they can maintain their high level of play against tougher competition.
13. New York Giants: Can they run the ball effectively?
The Giants have a talented offense, but they have struggled to run the ball effectively this season. They rank 29th in the NFL in rushing yards per game. If the Giants want to make a deep run in the playoffs, they will need to find a way to get their running game going.
14. Seattle Seahawks: Can they find a way to win on the road?
The Seahawks have been one of the most dominant teams in the NFL at home this season. They are 8-1 at Lumen Field. But they have struggled on the road, going just 3-5. If the Seahawks want to make a deep run in the playoffs, they will need to find a way to win on the road.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the big questions that each AFC playoff team must answer in order to reach its full potential. The playoffs are always unpredictable, but these questions could play a major role in determining which teams make a deep run and which teams go home early.
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