2021 NFL Playoff Picture Week 16 - 5 AFC teams battling for wild card spots

Wild card spots scenario in the AFC

#3 - Los Angeles Chargers

Kansas City Chiefs v Los Angeles Chargers

How pivotal will the Chargers' loss to the Chiefs' this week be in determining wild card spots and division leaders? It seems extremely high because while both came into the game knowing they could take control of the AFC West, the Kansas City Chiefs decisively did so by beating the Los Angeles Chargers in overtime. That left the Chargers two full games behind the Chiefs in their division.

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With just three more weeks to go before we call time on the regular season, the wild card spots seem to be the Chargers' best bet to make the playoffs. But that in itself could be complicated because they need to keep winning consistently, considering how tightly the AFC is bunched together. One loss and they could find themselves slipping out of the AFC wild card spot.

#4 - Buffalo Bills

Carolina Panthers v Buffalo Bills

After two straight losses to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New England Patriots in the preceding couple of weeks, the Buffalo Bills were in danger of slipping out of wild card spots altogether if they did not win this week. But their victory over the Carolina Panthers has put them in a position where they can aim to participate in the postseason.

While the New England Patriots' unexpected loss to the Indianapolis Colts now means that there is just one game between the AFC East division rivals, the Buffalo Bills have not been consistent enough this season to make the best use of the opportunity. But as they face the Patriots again this week, a win could go a long way in making the path to the playoffs easier.

#5 - Baltimore Ravens

Cleveland Browns v Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens are last among wild card spot contenders and must be especially worried about the current slide they are experiencing. Their loss this week to the NFC-leading Green Bay Packers by a solitary point was not the worst result. But what should concern them is that three straight losses have seen them relinquish the top spot in the AFC North.

Their next game against the Cincinnati Bengals is crucial. A win against the Bengals will propel the Ravens back to the top, and they can avoid the hassle of going through the wild card spots. Baltimore will certainly be hoping to do just that and stop the slide so that they can pick up some momentum going into the playoffs.