NFL
By: Randall Slifer
The playoffs have arrived, and the AFC is a grab bag of teams that all have a shot of getting to the AFC playoff championship. The window is open for quarterbacks seeking their first playoff win, their first AFC championship game, and their first Super Bowl appearance. Let’s take a look at each position and who in the AFC playoff race has the best unit:
Best Kicker: Cam Little
Field goal kicking is especially important in the playoffs, when meaningful drives must always result in points. Cam Little is the 2nd best kicker in the league behind Brandon Aubrey, and Cam is knocking on the door to be the best. He set the record with a 68-yard field goal this year, and last week hit a 67-yard field goal that could have been good from 70. Not to mention, he was an Arkansas Razorback. WOO PIG.
Best Secondary: Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos’ secondary, commanded by top corner Patrick Surtain, is the best secondary in the AFC playoff picture. They lead the AFC in allowing only a 57.8 completion percentage and 4th in allowing only 18 touchdowns on the season. They can play man, zone, and rush with four to allow the secondary to cover all facets.
Best Linebacker Core: Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars have had some solid play at the linebacker position, with Devin Lloyd playing one of his best years. Jacksonville has used turnovers to win games, and Lloyd has five interceptions. Match that with Oluokun’s solid defending the run and three turnovers, and they have the top linebacker duo in the AFC playoffs.
Best Defensive Line: Houston Texans
This one is obvious. The Houston Texans’ defensive line is top 3, if not the best front in the league. Their defense is the reason they are in the playoffs, and the front line is the majority reason. They can easily rush with four defensive linemen and sit back in coverage with seven because they are so good. Will Anderson Jr and Danielle Hunter have combined for 176 pressures and 29 sacks. They sacked Josh Allen 8 times against the NFL’s top offensive line—end of Story.
Best Tight Ends: Buffalo Bills
This is based on Dalton Kincaid looking good and healthy in week 18. The combo of pass-catching tight ends, Dawson Knox and Dalton Kincaid, is lethal in the playoffs and creates mismatches all over the field. Jackson Hawes is a top 3 blocking tight end in the league as a rookie, who has also caught three touchdowns. Jackson Hawes allows Buffalo to avoid using a 6th offensive lineman and has already evolved into a successful 13-personnel group.
Best Wide Receivers: LA Chargers
This was a close one overall because the wide receiver rooms in the playoffs aren’t particularly dynamic. I gave it to the Chargers over the Jaguars because Ladd McConkey has been better overall than Brian Thomas Jr. Jakobi Meyers has played outstanding, and Parker Washington has emerged as well. Quentin Johnston found his hands this year, and Keenan Allen has played like he is 4 years younger coming back to the Chargers. Give me the Chargers’ wide receiver room before the playoffs start.
Best Offensive Line: Buffalo Bills
The Bills have the best offensive line in the NFL. They are number 1 in run-block rate and number 1 in pass-block rate. They have two top-5 tackles in Spencer Brown and Dion Dawkins, and the interior has great linemen in Edwards, McGovern, and Torrence. They have been the best line for most of the season, and it stays that way.
Best Running Backs: Buffalo Bills
James Cook earned the rushing title in the NFL this year with 1,621 yards. Ray Davis has run the ball well when given the chance, and he ended the year as the top kick returner in the league. Ty Johnson is the best RB3 in the league, a great blocker, and has accounted for 5 touchdowns this year, being 3rd on the depth chart.
Best Quarterback: Josh Allen
Josh Allen is arguably the best Quarterback in the league, aside from Matthew Stafford. The AFC playoff quarterbacks are relatively new to the playoffs, with Burrow, Jackson, and Mahomes not having playoff experience. You could make a case for Aaron Rodgers because of his past, but his barely mobile status is a big issue this playoff run. Josh Allen has the experience over the younger guys, and he is just playing fantastic ball this year.
Who are your AFC playoff superlatives? Reach out to me on Twitter/X @RandallSlifer or comment here!
