Will AFC's Three-Headed Monster Fail to Reach NFL Playoffs?

The NFL landscape is shifting dramatically as injuries plague key quarterbacks in the AFC, particularly Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, and Patrick Mahomes. With the Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals already out of playoff contention, the Baltimore Ravens face significant challenges to secure their playoff spot, all of which raises questions about the sustainability of Jackson's playing style and the future of these franchises. This analysis delves into the current state of these teams, their prospects, and what it means for the upcoming seasons.

Last updated: 25 December 2025 (BST)

What’s happening now

As the NFL season approaches its conclusion, the playoff picture in the AFC is becoming clearer, albeit with a twist. With major contenders like the Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals eliminated from playoff contention, the focus shifts to the Baltimore Ravens, who must win their last two games to keep their playoff hopes alive. However, the Ravens are struggling with the health of their star quarterback, Lamar Jackson, who has been plagued by injuries this season. This situation raises concerns about his long-term viability and the franchise's direction moving forward.

Key takeaways

The Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals are out of playoff contention this season.
Lamar Jackson's ongoing injuries have raised questions about his sustainability as a quarterback.
The Ravens need to address their pass rush issues and overall team depth.
The Bengals face challenges with their offensive line and depth, especially without Burrow.
Looking ahead, the competitiveness of the AFC West poses challenges for the Chiefs next season.

Timeline: how we got here

The current situation in the NFL, specifically in the AFC, has evolved over several weeks:

Week 1 (10 September 2025): The NFL season kicks off with all teams optimistic about their chances.
Week 4 (1 October 2025): Lamar Jackson suffers an initial hamstring injury.
Week 7 (22 October 2025): Joe Burrow sustains an injury, missing crucial games for the Bengals.
Week 10 (12 November 2025): Patrick Mahomes faces injuries, impacting the Chiefs' performance.
Week 15 (17 December 2025): The Chiefs are officially eliminated from playoff contention following a loss.
Week 16 (24 December 2025): The Bengals join them in elimination, leaving the Ravens to fight for survival.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The immediate concern for the Ravens is Lamar Jackson's back injury, which has compounded his earlier health issues, including his hamstring, toe, ankle, and knee injuries. As Jackson has missed multiple practices in recent weeks, the team's playoff hopes hang in the balance as they prepare for their final games.

What was already established

Throughout the season, it has been clear that injuries have plagued the AFC's top quarterbacks, namely Jackson, Burrow, and Mahomes. Historically, these players have been pivotal for their teams, yet their injuries have exposed vulnerabilities within their respective rosters, particularly in depth and key positions such as the offensive line and pass rush.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

As the NFL season progresses, UK fans will be keenly watching the playoff races. The absence of marquee quarterbacks could dampen the excitement around the games, particularly for viewers who tune in for star performances. Additionally, the potential for playoff games in the UK could be affected by the performance of these teams.

Businesses and jobs

The NFL's popularity in the UK translates to economic activity, including merchandise sales, viewing parties, and local events. A decline in the performance of high-profile teams may impact local businesses that rely on NFL-related activities. Conversely, emerging teams may provide new opportunities for engagement.

Policy and regulation

The NFL's structure and player safety protocols are under scrutiny, especially in light of recurring injuries to star players. Discussions about player health policies and how teams manage injuries are likely to become more prominent as the league seeks to maintain its competitive integrity while protecting its athletes.

Numbers that matter

3: The number of elite quarterbacks (Jackson, Burrow, Mahomes) missing critical playoff action due to injuries.
6: The number of weeks Jackson has missed at least one day of practice due to various injuries.
2: The remaining games for the Ravens to secure a playoff berth.
1: The number of times Jackson appeared to return to form for a single game before suffering another injury.
4: The number of teams in the AFC North competing for dominance, with the Steelers remaining consistent amidst changes.

Definitions and jargon buster

AFC: American Football Conference, one of the two conferences in the NFL.
Super Bowl: The championship game of the NFL, typically held in February each year.
Pass rush: A defensive tactic aimed at putting pressure on the opposing quarterback.
Depth chart: A list showing the order of players at each position on a football team, indicating starters and backups.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the season wraps up, teams will need to assess their player health and performance critically. The Ravens must secure wins to keep their playoff dreams alive, while the Bengals will need to strategise for the upcoming offseason, focusing on improving their depth and addressing their offensive line issues.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Looking ahead, the focus will shift to the NFL Draft and free agency, where teams like the Ravens and Bengals must make strategic decisions to bolster their lineups. The Chiefs will also need to navigate their roster changes, particularly in how they manage their free agents and potential new signings.

Signals to watch

Injury updates for key players, especially Jackson and Burrow.
Performance in remaining games, particularly for playoff-bound teams.
Draft strategies announced by the Ravens and Bengals in the offseason.

Practical guidance

Do

Keep an eye on injury reports for key players as the season progresses.
Engage with local NFL events and merchandise opportunities to support the league’s growth in the UK.
Research team strategies as they prepare for the draft and free agency.

Don’t

Ignore the importance of player health when assessing team performance.
Overlook the potential impact of rookie signings in the upcoming draft.
Underestimate the competitive nature of the AFC in future seasons.

Checklist

Monitor team standings and playoff scenarios as the season concludes.
Stay informed about player injuries and their recovery timelines.
Watch for strategic decisions during the offseason that could change team dynamics.
Engage with community events to celebrate the NFL season.
Follow updates on player movements and draft announcements closely.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further injuries to key players or unexpected team performances. The Ravens, Bengals, and Chiefs face substantial uncertainties regarding their rosters and depth. Additionally, the upcoming offseason will bring challenges related to player contracts and the draft, which could significantly alter the competitive landscape in the AFC.

Bottom line

The current injuries to prominent quarterbacks in the AFC underscore a critical juncture for teams like the Ravens, Bengals, and Chiefs. As they navigate the remainder of the season and prepare for the future, the decisions they make regarding player health and team structure will likely determine their success in the coming years. For fans in the UK, the evolving dynamics present both challenges and opportunities as they follow their favourite teams and players.

FAQs

What does the future hold for Lamar Jackson?

Lamar Jackson's future hinges on his recovery from multiple injuries, with concerns about the sustainability of his playing style given his history of health issues.

How are the Bengals addressing their weaknesses?

The Bengals need to strengthen their offensive and defensive lines to improve their overall depth and performance, particularly in the upcoming draft.

What challenges do the Chiefs face next season?

The Chiefs will need to manage pending free agents and build a more robust roster to compete in a highly competitive AFC West next season.