Week 3 AFC heat check

We’re two weeks into the 2025 NFL season.

The Las Vegas Raiders sit at 1-1. It’s extremely early, of course, but there have been some turns of events that have occurred in the AFC already. Let’s take a quick look where the conference stands and how the Raiders fit in.

2-0:

(4 teams), Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Chargers.

1-1:

(6 teams) Raiders, Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, Jacksonville Jaguars, New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers.

0-2:

(6 teams) Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans, Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Tennessee Titans.

What stands out:

• The Chiefs are 0-2. The late-game magic of the past hasn’t been there yet.
• The Chargers are 2-0 in the AFC West and are strong on both sides of the ball and are well coached.
• Daniel Jones has been revived and the Colts’ offense has literally unstoppable as Indianapolis is a surprising 2-0.
• There are more 0-2 teams than unbeaten teams in the conference. This looks like a lot of teams can be in the seven-team playoff chase until late in the season.

X Factor:

The Bengals are undefeated, but are moving forward without star quarterback Joe Burrow. He is reportedly out for three months with a toe injury that requires surgery. The Bengals are now quarterbacked by Jake Browning. This could have a big impact on the playoff chase.

Bold Prediction (always subject to change):

The Chargers will advance to, at least, the AFC Championship game.