2021 NFL Playoff Picture Week 14: 5 AFC teams who can finish as the top seed

Top 3 AFC teams battling for the top seed in the playoffs

Which team is most likely to land the top seed?

#3 - Baltimore Ravens - (8-4)

The Baltimore Ravens dropped an important game against their divisional rivals on Sunday. Should they have beaten the Pittsburgh Steelers, they would be sitting as the top seed in the AFC right now, with the Patriots. Instead, they are now a game behind them.

The Ravens also have a tough schedule ahead of them. Their final five games include the Browns, Packers, Bengals, Rams, and Steelers. They should be careful not to lose too many of these games, as the Steelers could take the AFC North title right from under them. The Ravens will also want to win out to secure the top seed in the AFC.

#2 - Kansas City Chiefs - (8-4)

The Kansas City Chiefs have been on fire as of late, securing their fifth straight win of the season two weeks ago against the Broncos. Patrick Mahomes and the rest of the team have their things around, and the Chiefs have, once again, become one of the strongest teams in the AFC.

Their final five games include the Raiders, Chargers, Steelers, Bengals, and Broncos. If the Chiefs can manage to beat four of their final five opponents, they may very well end up in the top seed of the AFC. They will have to play their hearts out as their final five opponents are all tough teams.

#1 - New England Patriots - (9-4)

The New England Patriots are currently in familiar territory -- in first place in the AFC East and as the top seed in the AFC. They won an important snow and wind-filled game against the Buffalo Bills on Monday. The win helped catapult them ahead of everyone else in the AFC.

The Patriots' final five games include the Colts, Bills, Jaguars, and Dolphins. Not the worst final schedule to end up with. Should the Patriots win four out of their final five games, they will have a 13-4 record and likely will lock up the top seed in the AFC. It's also familiar territory for the Patriots, with a first-round bye and homefield advantage.