The AFC Convention has offered the most important surprises to this point this season because the Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots and Denver Broncos all high their division with an 8-2 file.
What’s extra, Josh Allen’s Buffalo (6-3), Patrick Mahomes’ Kansas Metropolis (5-4) and Lamar Jackson’s Baltimore (4-5) are all enjoying catch-up, so might any of these MVP-winning quarterbacks miss out on the post-season?
Schecter, a former assistant coach on the Buffalo Payments, stated: “The defence wants some work, however when you’ve got Josh Allen you are going to be contenders.”
The Kansas Metropolis Chiefs have reached 5 of the previous six Tremendous Bowls, successful three, however are at present third within the AFC West behind Denver and the Los Angeles Chargers.
“Nonetheless, the Chiefs are contenders,” stated Epstein. “The defence has been robust all through, even when the offence was figuring it out, and we noticed that within the years of Tom Brady at New England.
“They used the start of the season to determine what they’re engaged on, and by the tip of it, you ought to be afraid as a result of they figured it out.”
The Chargers are 7-3 and Schecter expects the Chiefs to reel them in as their offensive line has “not been the identical” since shedding Joe Alt to harm.
The Baltimore Ravens slumped to a 1-5 begin, from which only one% of groups have beforehand gone on to achieve the post-season, however they’ve received all three video games since and quarterback Jackson is again from a minor harm, whereas AFC North leaders Pittsburgh have misplaced three of their previous 4.
“I feel that Baltimore are contenders,” stated Epstein. “The offence is settling, the defence is getting more healthy they usually’re about to play the Browns, the Jets and the Bengals earlier than they see the Steelers.
“Pittsburgh’s offence began off doing alright, however you could possibly not belief their defence,” added Epstein.
“Now their defence is getting again to the Steeler manner, however Aaron Rodgers and his targets will not be on the identical web page. I don’t belief them to carry off the division, a lot much less get into the play-offs.”
Schecter sees the Jacksonville Jaguars as pretenders within the AFC South however believes the Cincinnati Bengals might nick a wild-card spot within the AFC North. Quarterback Joe Burrow is about to return from harm however their defence has allowed extra factors than some other staff.
“The Bengals might beat out the Steelers when wholesome, so let’s go for it,” Schecter stated. “I am a Joe Burrow believer.”
