Kansas City can pile on the points but defence looks to be an issue

1 Kansas City Chiefs

Record: 12-4
Record v playoff teams: 2-4

Verdict: The Chiefs have possessed the most rampant offence in the league this year - scoring a whopping 35.3 points per game - but there have to be reservations about a team who have the second-worst passing defence and were ranked 27th at defending on the ground as well.

Kansas City have dominated some of their opponents this year but all four of their defeats have come against outfits who have reached the playoffs, so they could be vulnerable, even though they have won seven of their eight home matches.

2 New England Patriots

Record: 11-5
Record v playoff teams: 4-0

Verdict: Once again, the Patriots had few problems winning the AFC East, a crown they claimed for the tenth successive season and capturing home advantage and a week off at Houston's expense has greatly increased their chances of reaching their third successive Super Bowl.

They have won their last nine playoff games at Foxborough but there were signs in last year's end-of-season showdown against Philadelphia that the team was on the wane and while another hoorah from Bill Belichick and Tom Brady cannot be ruled out, they don't represent great value.

Credit: Racing Post Sport Staff

3 Houston Texans

Record: 11-5
Record v playoff teams: 2-3

Verdict: The Texans won 11 of their final 13 matches but will have cursed the Week 16 defeat against Philadelphia which saw their grip on the number-two seeding slip away.

They look equipped to put up a bold show, although there may be concerns that no quarterback has been sacked more than DeShaun Watson this season. But they can go places if he continues to link well with receiver DeAndre Hopkins, and containing their defence is a tough ask for anyone.

4 Baltimore Ravens

Record: 10-6
Record v playoff teams: 1-2

Verdict: The Ravens' main strength this season has been their defence, who have conceded fewer yards than any other unit in the NFL and are ranked first against the pass and fourth against the rush.

Rookie quarterback Lamar Jackson has provided them with an extra dimension with his rushing ability and that will provide defences with plenty to think about.

Six wins from their final seven regular-season games has to be another cause for optimism.

5 Los Angeles Chargers

Record: 12-4
Record v playoff teams: 2-3

Verdict: The Chargers ran the Chiefs close in the chase for the AFC West and won 11 of their final 13 matches, and they should take plenty of encouragement from the fact they have won at Seattle, Pittsburgh and Kansas City this term.

They are clearly up for the fight and they have a defence who are ranked in the top ten for both rushing and passing.

The Chargers have proved they can get over the line in tight games and they fully deserve to be in the mix. They could just fly under the radar.

6 Indianapolis Colts

Record: 10-6
Record v playoff teams: 2-3

Verdict: It is an amazing achievement for the Colts to have reached the post-season after they won just one of their opening six matches and a deep run cannot be ruled out.

Quarterback Andrew Luck has made a great return from a shoulder injury that led to him missing the entire season last term, but it has not been a one-man show as the defence have also stepped up to the plate.

A Week 14 victory over this week's opponents Houston in Texas should give them plenty of confidence, not that the mood is pessimistic anyway.

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