The AFC appears to be playing the Rodney Dangerfield role these days. At least that\u2019s the view from Las Vegas.<\/p>\n
Although Denver and New England each own an 11-2 record \u2013 the best record in the NFL \u2013 neither team is at the front of the line in terms of being favored to win the Super Bowl. The Super Bowl favorites, according to DraftKings, are three NFC teams: the Los Angeles Rams (+370), followed by Seattle (+650) and Green Bay (+750).<\/p>\n
No team is getting less respect than Denver, which owns a 10-game winning streak and is a 2.5-point home underdog against Green Bay on Sunday.<\/p>\n
According to the Denver Post, no NFL team has been an underdog when it was trying to extend a 10-game winning streak since Kansas City in 2020, when the Chiefs were sitting starters in the final week of the regular season. Baltimore had also won 10 in a row and was an underdog entering the final week of the 2019 season, but, like the Chiefs, the Ravens were resting starters.<\/p>\n
Even if the top AFC teams are considered paper tigers, one of them is going to play its way into the Super Bowl. Here are the teams most likely to represent the conference in that game:<\/p>\n
1. Broncos (11-2)<\/h3>\n
Denver gets the nod over New England because it would win a tiebreaker and earn the No. 1 seed should the Broncos and Patriots finish in a tie for the AFC\u2019s top record. Denver has the edge because of its record against common opponents. The Broncos are 6-0 at home this season. Denver\u2019s offense has been good enough<\/a>, and the defense is among the NFL\u2019s best (18.1 ppg).<\/p>\n Quarterback Drake Maye has made huge improvements since last season, and is in the conversation for NFL MVP.\u00a0<\/p>\n New England is well above average in all three phases<\/a>, and is 6-0 in road games. A run to the AFC championship will likely hinge on a healthy offensive line. Rookie Will Campbell, the team\u2019s starter at left tackle, is on injured reserve and isn\u2019t eligible to return until Week 18.<\/p>\n Houston leans heavily on its defense, which is allowing a league-low 16.0 points per game, and is building momentum. The Texans have won five in a row since a 3-5 start and have good wins over Jacksonville, Buffalo, Indianapolis and Kansas City during that stretch.\u00a0<\/p>\n The victories over Indianapolis and Kansas both came on the road. This looks like a team that has yet to play its best football.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It\u2019s been a Jekyll-and-Hyde season for Buffalo, and losses to Atlanta and Miami are concerning. There was also a surprising home loss to New England in Week 5. Still, a healthy Josh Allen gives Buffalo a chance to win any game.<\/p>\n Injuries \u2013 particularly the season-ending injury to left tackle Joe Alt<\/a> \u2013 may have scratched Los Angeles off the list of legitimate Super Bowl contenders, but the Chargers are capable of an upset or two once the postseason arrives.<\/p>\n2. Patriots (11-2)<\/h3>\n<\/section>\n
Nov 9, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) throws downfield during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images <\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n
3. Texans (8-5)<\/h3>\n<\/section>\n
Dec 7, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Houston Texans running back Dare Ogunbowale (33) scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images <\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n
4. Bills (9-4)<\/h3>\n<\/section>\n
Dec 7, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills safety Cole Bishop (24) tackles Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tanner Hudson (87) after a catch in the second quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images <\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n
5. Chargers (9-4)<\/h3>\n<\/section>\n
Dec 8, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Jamaree Caldwell (99) tackles Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images <\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n
5. Jacksonville (9-4)<\/h3>\n<\/section>\n
Dec 7, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws downfield against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images <\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n