Where Do Jets Stand in the AFC?

While it’s much too early to start seriously looking into the playoff picture, realize this. The Jets are 3-2. Very few expected them to start the year off this way. So, let’s enjoy it for a moment!

If the playoffs started today, here’s how the AFC playoff standings would appear, with tiebreakers put into place:

1. Kansas City Chiefs, 5-0

2. Buffalo Bills, 3-2

3. Jacksonville Jaguars, 3-2

4. Pittsburgh Steelers, 3-2

5. Denver Broncos, 3-1

6. New York Jets, 3-2

7. Baltimore Ravens, 3-2

8. New England Patriots, 3-2

9. Miami Dolphins, 2-2

10. Oakland Raiders, 2-3

11. Houston Texans, 2-3

12. Cincinnati Bengals, 2-3

13. Tennessee Titans, 2-3

14. Indianapolis Colts, 2-3

15. Los Angeles Chargers, 1-4

16. Cleveland Browns, 0-5

Things are extremely contested early on. Besides Kansas City and possibly Denver, teams from the elite group have struggled to validate themselves. Perceived top contenders like Pittsburgh, New England, Tennessee, and Oakland have all had their flaws and looked vulnerable at times. All of those teams are experiencing quarterback problems besides New England.

Teams like Jacksonville and Buffalo have surprised and looked amazing against some really good teams. The Jaguars lead the league in point differential and obliterated the Texans, Ravens, and Steelers away from home. The Bills have the highest strength of victory in the league with their wins over the Jets, Broncos, and Falcons. Despite all of this, both teams are mediocre at quarterback and have turned around with some underachieving losses. Are they for real?

What are your thoughts on the current state of the AFC? How much do the Jets need to do for us to take them seriously?