NFL training camps are underway, which means there’s no better time to start making our 2024 NFL season predictions.
Using Pro Football Network’s NFL Playoff Predictor, we simulated the entire 2024 season to give us a projected look at how this upcoming campaign could play out.
Today, we specifically look at the Playoff Predictor’s estimation of the AFC division standings and playoff picture.
Predicting the 2024 NFL Regular-Season Standings in the AFC
AFC East
- Miami Dolphins (13-4)
- Buffalo Bills (11-6)
- New York Jets (6-11)
- New England Patriots (4-13)
The Dolphins’ AFC East title drought is projected to end off the simulation. Miami’s last division crown was in 2008 when new $212 million quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was a 10-year-old. Buffalo, despite losing Stefon Diggs via trade, still produces a playoff contender at 11-6 but watches its streak of four straight AFC East titles end.
Unfortunately, a full season of Aaron Rodgers isn’t enough to catapult the Jets to a winning record. New England, meanwhile, is predicted to match last year’s mark even with Jerod Mayo taking over as head coach.
AFC North
- Cincinnati Bengals (14-3)
- Baltimore Ravens (10-7)
- Cleveland Browns (10-7)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (6-11)
The toughest division from a year ago produces three teams hitting 10+ victories. However, only two this time earned a postseason bid.
Cincy, behind a healthier Joe Burrow under center, shatters a franchise record for regular-season wins at 14. Per the predictor, Baltimore trails the Bengals at 10-7, and Cleveland misses the playoff cut while Pittsburgh endures its first losing season in the Mike Tomlin era.
AFC South
- Houston Texans (12-5)
- Indianapolis Colts (12-5)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (10-7)
- Tennessee Titans (3-14)
The Texans and Colts are deadlocked with the same record — but it’s Houston claiming first. Still, Indianapolis, behind a full season with second-year QB Anthony Richardson, returns to the playoffs.
Jacksonville ends up improving to 10 wins but misses out on the postseason. As for new head coach Brian Callahan in Nashville, Tenn., he’s unfortunately predicted to be in a rebuilding year as the Titans go 3-14.
AFC West
- Kansas City Chiefs (11-6)
- Los Angeles Chargers (7-10)
- Denver Broncos (7-10)
- Las Vegas Raiders (3-14)
The Chiefs remain the class of the division by securing its only winning record. No one else surpasses seven regular-season wins. That includes the now Jim Harbaugh-led Chargers, although their 7-10 prediction can pass as better than last year’s 5-12 finish.
Elsewhere, the predictor wasn’t kind to the Raiders as they transitioned to Antonio Pierce. This could mean battling for the No. 1 overall pick and the rights of Shedeur Sanders or Carson Beck to lead the future at quarterback.
Projecting the AFC Playoff Picture
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Miami Dolphins
- Houston Texans
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Indianapolis Colts
- Buffalo Bills
- Baltimore Ravens
Paycor Stadium becomes home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs with the Bengals securing the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye. Miami vs. Baltimore features an intriguing QB matchup involving Tagovailoa and 2023 MVP Lamar Jackson. Houston and C.J. Stroud end up hosting Josh Allen and company.
The Colts, meanwhile, join the Bengals as this year’s AFC playoff newcomers for the 2024 season. Kansas City still manages to secure Arrowhead Stadium as a playoff site by hosting Indy.
