Just three weeks into the NFL season, We have already seen a leader emerge atop each AFC division.
The Patriots and Chiefs have both picked up where they left off and Lamar Jackson has pushed the Ravens in the elite tier of AFC teams. With still 14 weeks to go in the season, anything can change. But let’s take a look at the most likely winners from each AFC Division.
Division Leaders Emerge in the AFC
Odds for Favorites
Three of four AFC divisions have odds-on favorites after three weeks. It starts with the 3-0 Patriots, who are at -1600 to win the East, despite the Bills also being 3-0. The unbeaten Chiefs are -500 to win the West, and already hold a two-game lead over the disappointing 1-2 Chargers. If you are betting inclined by any of these NFL odds, My Top Sportsbook rankings rate all the top sites, so you can what sites offer the best range of football lines vs large sign-up deposits. Back to the 2-1 Ravens who are -170 to win the North thanks to the Browns, Steelers, and Bengals have one win between them. Only the South doesn’t see any team shorter than even-money. The Texans (2-1) are +100 but closely followed by the Colts (2-1), with the Titans and Jags (both 1-2) at +700.
New England Patriots
The Patriots have once again emerged as a bonafide leader atop the AFC East. Tom Brady has looked more of the same, throwing for 600+ yards with a 124.8 QBR through just three games. Their backfield looks as deep as ever and Josh Gordon has emerged as a top target for Tom Brady. They have dismantled all three of their opponents so far and will be truly tested this week against the division rival Buffalo Bills.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs ended last season with quite a sour taste in their mouth after their AFC championship loss against the Patriots. That doesn’t seem to have slowed them down at all. Patrick Mahomes looks to be putting together yet another MVP caliber season together, having already thrown for over 800 yards and 7 touchdowns through their first three weeks. With Tyreek Hill sidelined with an injury, Sammy Watkins, Mecole Hardman, and Demarcus Robinson have stepped in to fill the void. Although their defense has looked shaky this first few weeks, their offense should be able to pick up the slack as it did last year. Yet another super bowl contending season is in store for the Chiefs.
Baltimore Ravens
Quite possibly the biggest surprise of this season so far is the Baltimore Ravens. Lamar Jackson has emerged as a fantastic quarterback in the league, leading the Ravens to a fantastic start. He has mirrored Patrick Mahomes start to the season, with over 800 yards passing and 7 touchdowns. Mark Ingram has resurfaced as a top running back in the league after leaving New Orleans. Plus, their defense looks about as good as it has since the Ray Lewis/Ed Reed days. The Ravens have proven to the entire league that they are in it to win it.
Houston Texans
As it stands before week four, the Texans and Colts are both tied atop the AFC South with a record of 2-1. However, both the odds and majority believe the Texans will win this division. With Deshaun Watson leading Houston yet again, the Texans will look to avenge a disappointing 2018 season. An early injury to Lamar Miller hindered their backfield a bit, but acquisitions of both Duke Johnson Jr. and Carlos Hyde has lessened the blow. Their defense has looked shaky, allowing 63 points just three games in. However, this high powered offense should be able to beat any team in a shootout. Houston should run away with this division towards the middle of the season.
AFC is Taking Over
Each AFC Divison has a super bowl contender emerging. The Patriots will once again be a super bowl or bust team. While the Chiefs, Texans, and Ravens will look to knock off the defending champs. Every team had the potential to not only win their division but to outlast the rest of the teams in the playoffs.
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