• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
  • NFL
  • NHL
  • MLB
  • NBA
  • Pro Wrestling
  • MMA
Sep 16, 2018; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) passes against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Kansas City won 42-37. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Five Things We’ve Learned About The AFC

September 20, 2018
Memories Of The Basement Where Trent Frederic Became Bruins’ Future Tough Guy

Memories Of The Basement Where Trent Frederic Became Bruins’ Future Tough Guy

March 7, 2021
D'Wayne Eskridge

2021 Packers Prospect Profile: D’Wayne Eskridge

March 7, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Ottawa Senators’ Prospect Lassi Thomson a Work-In-Progress

Ottawa Senators’ Prospect Lassi Thomson a Work-In-Progress

March 7, 2021
Mets Lineup Is Improved, Braves and Nationals Still Dangerous

Mets Lineup Is Improved, Braves and Nationals Still Dangerous

March 6, 2021
Travis Etienne

RB Draft Profile: Travis Etienne

March 6, 2021

2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Dylan Moses

March 6, 2021
Crossbody of Work Episode 53: Rob Van Dam

Crossbody of Work Episode 53: Rob Van Dam

March 6, 2021
Bergeron’s Chat With Wilson Again Showed He’s Right Leader For Bruins

Bergeron’s Chat With Wilson Again Showed He’s Right Leader For Bruins

March 6, 2021
Adams: Sabres Performance “Unacceptable”, Says He Has Authority to Make Changes

Adams: Sabres Performance “Unacceptable”, Says He Has Authority to Make Changes

March 5, 2021
NHL ProteauType: Dryden Is Right – Make The Nets Bigger

NHL ProteauType: Dryden Is Right – Make The Nets Bigger

March 5, 2021
Packers 2021 Free Agent Targets

Packers 2021 Free Agent Targets

March 6, 2021
Wild’s Kirill Kaprizov Emerges as Calder Trophy Front-Runner

Wild’s Kirill Kaprizov Emerges as Calder Trophy Front-Runner

March 5, 2021
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • FullPressRadio.com
  • SHOP FPC
  • FullPressHockey.com
  • FullPressWrestling.com


Sunday, March 7, 2021
Full Press Coverage
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows
No Result
View All Result
Full Press Coverage
No Result
View All Result
Home NFL AFC

Five Things We’ve Learned About The AFC

Ben Pfeifer by Ben Pfeifer
September 20, 2018
in AFC, AFC East, AFC North, AFC South, AFC West, Around FPC, Featured, NFL
Reading Time: 5min read
0
Sep 16, 2018; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) passes against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Kansas City won 42-37. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 16, 2018; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) passes against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Kansas City won 42-37. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

1.5k
SHARES
3.3k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

The NFL season is officially in full swings and overreactions are rife among us. However, there are meaningful insights we can take away from the first two weeks of action. Players and teams have exceeded all expectations; players and teams have disappointed. Compared to the NFC, the AFC pales in comparison. There are, though, some AFC teams to truly fear. Let’s dive into five things we’ve learned about the bewildering AFC through two weeks.

1. The Chiefs are the AFC’s team to beat

Forget Tom Brady. Forget the Jaguars’ stalwart defensive unit. The Kansas City Chiefs, led by second-year man Patrick Mahomes, are the team that gives opposing coaches nightmares. Mahomes has had a perfect start to the 2018 season: 10 touchdowns, no picks, 582 yards. The Kansas City offense has been uncontainable; a gunslinging quarterback, a bevy of weapons of mass destruction, and a solid offensive line.

More FromFPC

D'Wayne Eskridge

2021 Packers Prospect Profile: D’Wayne Eskridge

March 7, 2021

Mets Lineup Is Improved, Braves and Nationals Still Dangerous

March 6, 2021

RB Draft Profile: Travis Etienne

March 6, 2021

2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Dylan Moses

March 6, 2021

Tyreek Hill might be the most dangerous player in the league; impossible to defend in space with limitless versatility. Sammy Watkins and Travis Kelce add a volatile deep threat and one of the most reliable pass-catching options in the game. Kareem Hunt is just as proficient a pass catcher as he is a runner.

The Chiefs’ defense isn’t anything special but they should be solid enough this season, especially once they get Eric Berry back. The Chiefs play a gauntlet of a schedule over the rest of the season, facing 49ers, Broncos, Jaguars, Patriots, Bengals, Rams, and Chargers again. Keeping up their hot streak will put the league on notice to the new kings of the AFC.

2. The Perplexing AFC North

For most of the recent past, the AFC North shaped up and finished off in the same way. The Steelers dominated the division, the Ravens and Bengals would fight for a playoff spot, and the Browns were laughed at by the entire NFL. Through two weeks, the division has been flipped on its head. The standings sit like this:

Bengals 2-0

Ravens 1-1

Browns 0-1-1

Steelers 0-1-1

The Bengals have looked solid, with a good enough offense and a stingy defense. Baltimore is finally healthy and a team that nobody wants to play. The Browns finally didn’t lose a game in week one and look to boast a fast, fun, and stingy defensive unit. Led by Denzel Ward and Myles Garrett, the Browns defense could be one of the best in the NFL.

The Pittsburgh Steelers appear to be in free fall. Ben Roethlisberger is the same old Big Ben: the model of inconsistency. One week he looks incompetent against the Browns and the next he carves up the Chiefs. His inconsistency and injury concerns do not bode well for the Steelers, especially when playing on the road. The team is marred with drama, from Le’Veon Bell’s holdout to Antonio Brown’s displeasure with the team. To make matters worse, this defense–to put it plainly–stinks. They’re going to get carved up like butter week in and week out.

There looks to be a shift in power in the AFC North, a new hierarchal structure of the long-consistent division. Maybe this is all a fluke and things go back to usual. In reality, I don’t foresee that happening.

3. The Indianapolis Colts–might be–Legit

Among most circles, the Colts were looked at as one of the worst teams in the NFL before the season. They existed at the very bottom of nearly all power rankings from every major media outlet. The AFC South, one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL, looked like a three horse race between the Texans, Titans, and Jaguars. Through two weeks of the season, things have changed.

Despite my predictions, the Jaguars look just as good as many expected. Despite struggling a bit against the Giants, they picked up a dominant win over the Patriots. Their defense looks as good as ever and Blake Bortles is doing enough. The Texans have a lot of star power but lack in consistency, depth, and health. Their lack of an offensive line will hurt them in the future. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Titans lack star power and just don’t have an identity.

The fact that the Colts have a healthy Andrew Luck on the roster means everything. He’s looked a tad rusty but has looked excellent for the most part. He’s making all of the talking heads who counted him out look foolish. Not only this, the defense looks revitalized and rejuvenated. Coming off of a win over Washington where they didn’t allow a touchdown, this Colts defensive unit could be one of the best in years. Indianapolis was an unlucky fumble away from being 2-0. The Colts take on the Eagles next week in Philadelphia. If they can upset the Super Bowl champs, the league will have to take the Colts seriously.

4. Is this finally it for the New England Patriots?

Tom Brady reportedly wanted a “divorce” from Bill Belichick. Following a disappointing 31-20 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars where Blake Bortles outplayed Brady, there definitely is room for concern. Patriots’ fans will tell you to subdue any qualms about the team. “This happens every year,” they say. “The Patriots always start slow and then they make the Super Bowl,” they say. However, there is significant reason to believe that this is the reason the dynasty finally begin to crumble.

This New England roster has quite a few holes. Tom Brady is Tom Brady but his receiving corps is incredibly thin. Even the addition of Josh Gordon may not be enough to cure their offensive woes. New England’s offensive line certainly won’t help Brady stay upright. The Patriots’ defense is a problem, namely the pass rush. When facing good offensive lines, New England just won’t be able to generate pressure and bother opposing quarterbacks. They’re going to struggle against good teams.

Luckily for the Patriots, the AFC East is still a feeble division. The Bills are an absolute laughing stock. The Dolphins’ start is promising but the team is still talent deficient and has played some dysfunctional opponents so far. They shouldn’t be anything near a playoff contender. The Jets certainly have promise with Sam Darnold under center but likely aren’t close to good enough to contend. For now, the AFC East is still New England’s. In all likelihood, the Pats bounce back from this start and become a contender. Maybe they won’t though. The rest of the NFL hopes so.

5. Are the Bills the new Browns?

The Buffalo Bills are a bona fide dumpster fire. Some came into the season with expectations of a repeat playoff appearance, led by their new rookie quarterback and tough defensive unit. Two weeks into the season and any chance of that happening has been chucked out the window. Buffalo’s playoff hopes have been smashed through a table.

One bright spot I will concede is that Josh Allen has looked promising. In his first start against the Chargers, Allen made some great throws. His decision making was sporadic and his throws were occasionally errant but this is to be expected. When it comes to the game of situations, Allen rolled snake eyes. No offensive line, no wide receivers, Allen couldn’t have faced a worse situation in his nightmares.

This Bills offense is going to be terrible, the only reliable playmaker being LeSean McCoy, working without an offensive line. The Ravens allowed Buffalo three points and the next week, they put up 20 garbage points against a beat up Los Angeles defense. After giving up 47 to Baltimore and 31 to the Chargers, there is a real chance that this Bills defense is the worst in the NFL. This is exacerbated by Vontae Davis retiring at halftime. Could the Bills go 0-16? Their first two weeks certainly point that out as a possibility.

Ben Pfeifer is the Managing Editor of the Colts for Full Press Coverage, the AFC South Division Editor, and head NBA editor. Want to continue the discussion? Contact Ben Pfeifer on Twitter @Ben_Pfeifer_, @FPC_NBA and @FPC_Colts.

Tags: AFCAFC NorthBillsChiefsColtsNFLPatriots
Share598Tweet374
Previous Post

Devin McCourty Press Conference Transcript: 9/20/18

Next Post

Game Recap: Cleveland Browns vs New York Jets

Ben Pfeifer

Ben Pfeifer

Next Post
Baker Mayfield

Game Recap: Cleveland Browns vs New York Jets

Cardinals Defense Must Force Trubisky to Be Hero

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

A Twitter List by iglen31

FPC Podcasts

  • Ep 66: NBA 1st Half Recap/Look Ahead To Championship Week
    by Full Press Coverage on March 6, 2021 at 8:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV8477261670.mp3?updated=1615056349
  • Ep 53: Rob Van Dam
    by Full Press Coverage on March 6, 2021 at 3:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV1124025915.mp3?updated=1614915539
  • Ep. 189 - AEW Revolution Predictions
    by Talkamania on March 5, 2021 at 10:37 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43759334/talkamania_episode_189.mp3
  • The Pick and Roll NBA Podcast W/ Jet and Sap - EP 13 - The NBA All Star Spectacular!
    by Full Press Coverage on March 5, 2021 at 8:55 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43758121/pick_and_roll_3_5.mp3
  • Ep #96: Anthony Sherman Retires, Alex Smith Return?
    by Full Press Coverage on March 5, 2021 at 6:09 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV7101463072.mp3?updated=1614967778
  • Ep 66: Pending Packers Free Agents
    by Full Press Coverage on March 4, 2021 at 11:04 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9985321098.mp3?updated=1614898723
  • Ep. 198: Filtering Through ****ery
    by Full Press Coverage on March 4, 2021 at 6:36 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV7194950521.mp3?updated=1614883039
  • Ep. 72: Gators/Dynasty Preview
    by Full Press Coverage on March 4, 2021 at 4:13 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV7537135813.mp3?updated=1614874411
  • 3/4 - Remembering John Candy; Montana/Brady; John Sapochetti Joins
    by Full Press Coverage on March 4, 2021 at 3:15 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV3392716899.mp3?updated=1614873314
  • JJ Watt to Cards, Tiger Woods impact, Ice Fishing
    by Full Press Coverage on March 4, 2021 at 12:25 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43734037/ep_18_fpr.mp3

  • Crossbody of Work Episode 53: Rob Van Dam
    by Evan Gomes on March 6, 2021 at 3:05 pm

    Welcome to Crossbody of Work, a show where we break down a wrestler’s career through five of […]

  • AEW Dynamite Results, Grades & Opinion: March 3, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on March 4, 2021 at 4:29 am

    AEW Dynamite Results, Grades & Opinion: March 3, 2021 A.K.A. The One With Shaq Going Through A […]

  • WWE Raw Results, Grades & Opinion: March 1, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on March 2, 2021 at 4:49 am

    WWE Raw Results, Grades & Opinion: March 1, 2021 A.K.A. The One Where Lashley Finally Did It […]

  • NXT TakeOver Draft: Who Can Build The Best All-Time TakeOver Card?
    by Evan Gomes on March 1, 2021 at 2:30 pm

    Who can create the best NXT TakeOver card? One of the most consistent events in wrestling over the […]

  • Crossbody of Work Episode 52: Jacqueline
    by Evan Gomes on February 27, 2021 at 3:05 pm

    Welcome to Crossbody of Work, a show where we break down a wrestler’s career through five of […]

More Wrestling News

  • Memories Of The Basement Where Trent Frederic Became Bruins’ Future Tough Guy
    by Matt Kalman on March 7, 2021 at 8:19 pm

    After NBCSN Boston’s The Camera Guys got the skinny on Trent Frederic learning how to fight in […]

  • Ottawa Senators’ Prospect Lassi Thomson a Work-In-Progress
    by Murray Pam on March 7, 2021 at 5:43 am

    One player who hasn't garnered much attention in terms of chatter to be considered part of the […]

  • Henderson Boasts Top Defense Against Colorado
    by C.C. Hawkley on March 7, 2021 at 5:35 am

    The Henderson Silver Knights and Colorado Eagles played for the second time in two days on Saturday […]

  • One Third of the Way Through, Moose Now Begin 17-Game Homestand
    by Carter Brooks on March 7, 2021 at 1:33 am

    The Manitoba Moose are one third of the way through the team's 36-game 2020-21 season schedule. […]

  • Bergeron’s Chat With Wilson Again Showed He’s Right Leader For Bruins
    by Matt Kalman on March 6, 2021 at 5:28 am

    With his perfectly groomed coif and his soft-spoken demeanor, no one would ever mistake Patrice […]

More Hockey News

  • Ep 54: Boston Strong Through First Quarter; Bruins Ready For Tahoe; Trade Rumors
    by Full Press Coverage on February 19, 2021 at 1:42 pm

    Ian and Chris discuss the Bruins first quarter of the season, the upcoming […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/26944781/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-02-19%2F9842e3b3bd832cd255d0058b2a68b0b5.m4a
  • Ep 53: Bruins On a Roll; Brad Marchand and Charlie McAvoy; Blackey Family History
    by Full Press Coverage on February 3, 2021 at 10:40 pm

    Ian and Chris are joined by Eric Blackey to talk Bruins' hot streak, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/26174126/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-02-03%2F66793c2461c1f0eaf37253a4e481f46b.m4a
  • Ep 52: Bruins Early Season Struggles
    by Full Press Coverage on January 21, 2021 at 10:51 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the first few games of the season and wonder what […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25536904/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-21%2F3056b20d5e95c23e9c23b40f379c9029.m4a
  • Ep 51: Bergeron Dons The "C", Picking Up the Chara/Krug Slack; Season Expectations
    by Full Press Coverage on January 13, 2021 at 10:20 pm

    Mike Cratty of the Sal and Cratty Show and BlackNGoldHockey.com joins Ian […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25157918/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-13%2F4542c465ec7a3234f146bea647ede57e.m4a
  • Ep 50: Mr. Chara Goes to Washinton
    by Full Press Coverage on December 31, 2020 at 9:14 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the Capitals signing of Bruins longtime captain, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24623669/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-31%2F26d5b85c06ec2255c2f6cfc78b24cf94.m4a
  • Ep 49: Bruins New Division; Chara's Future in Boston
    by Full Press Coverage on December 23, 2020 at 7:21 pm

    Ian and Chris return to discuss the NHL's 56-game season, the Bruins new […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24356084/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-23%2F5755949a0115f50df8582cc32916323a.m4a
  • Ep 48: Jake DeBrusk Signs; Reverse Retro Jerseys; Thanksgiving Food Draft
    by Full Press Coverage on November 26, 2020 at 5:54 pm

    On this Thanksgiving episode of the Big Bad Bruins Podcast, Ian and Chris […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/23142833/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F52d6fc857b1cd37d19b4fe24752398f6.m4a
Full Press Coverage

© 2020 Full Press Coverage

Navigate Site

  • Staff Portal
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • Have a news tip?
  • Privacy Policy
  • FPC Radio Network
  • NFL
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • FullPressHockey.com

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows

© 2020 Full Press Coverage