AFC West: Kansas City Chiefs
Not a Chiefs fan, but is this a surprise? Since 2016, the Kansas City Chiefs have done more than just dominate the AFC West. They have owned it by winning the division over every single year since then.
What about this year?
They’re continuing their streak. They’re currently at a record of 9 wins to 5 losses in a total of 15 weeks. Their quarterback, former MVP and 2-time Super Bowl champion Patrick Mahomes, is doing what he does best, throwing for 3703 yards with 25 touchdowns. Pair him up with a monster Tight End like Travis Kelce, and success is inevitable.
AFC North: Baltimore Ravens
This is a surprise to me to an extent. Earlier this year, I had expected a fully healthy Cleveland Browns squad to win this division. However, things changed, and the Ravens are standing at a record of 11 wins to 3 losses. Led by former unanimous MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson, they are taking the North by storm. Jackson is having a good season, throwing for 1950 yards with 9 touchdowns, as well as rushing for 741 yards and 5 touchdowns. Catching passes from Lamar is rookie Zay Flowers, who has 680 yards and 3 touchdowns. On defense, recent addition and former bear linebacker Roquan Smith is having an amazing season with 47 solo tackles. In 2019, Lamar Jackson led the Ravens to a 14-2 record and won the Most Valuable Player award. In 2023, he is continuing his success.
AFC South: Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars, currently at a record of 8 wins to 6 losses are the team I expected to take the AFC South. There isn’t much competition that comes close to their current skill level in the South, and they are meeting everyone’s expectations. At the helm of their Jaguars offense is former Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Lawrence had a rough first year coming into the NFL but has asserted himself and is beginning to find success. This off-season, they added Calvin Ridley to an underrated wide receiver core which also includes Christian Kirk and Zay Jones. On defense, linebacker Josh Allen is their most prominent defensive player. In a weak division, the Jaguars are shining.
AFC East: Miami Dolphins
The AFC East is the most competitive AFC division, having 3 playoff competing rosters in it. The Dolphins are one of the best teams in the entirety of the National Football League, with superstars like wide receiver Tyreek Hill and cornerback Jalen Ramsey leading their respective sides of the ball. Currently, at a solid record of 10 wins to 4 losses, the Dolphins are meeting most expectations when it comes to their level of play. Their quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, is having a good season throwing for 2609 yards with 19 touchdowns. Nearly half of those passing yards are to Tyreek Hill, who currently has 1076 yards and 8 touchdowns in only 9 games. His duo, Jaylen Waddle has 522 yards and 3 touchdowns. However, their passing game isn’t their only efficient way of moving the ball. Their running back room is deep, with Raheem Mostert having 605 yards on 109 carries and 11 touchdowns. Rookie De’Von Achane, who is currently injured and listed on reserve, has 38 carries with 460 yards and 5 touchdowns in just 4 games. On defense, Bradley Chubb has recorded 6 sacks on the season. Overall, the Miami Dolphins are built to make a deep playoff run.
