Much time has been spent this year talking about surprises, outliers, and other unique teams, players, or situations, however, maybe it’s time to talk about something that has gone more or less according to expectations. Here are the AFC standings after 14 weeks:
1. Buffalo (10-3)
2. Kansas City (10-3)
3. Baltimore (9-4)
4. Tennessee (7-6)
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5. Cincinnati (9-4)
6. Miami (8-5)
7. New England (7-6)
If on Labour Day you showed someone these standings, they’d probably nod and say “looks about right”. Buffalo and Kansas City were the two strongest teams on paper, as they are now. Cincinnati and Baltimore are embroiled in a fight to win the AFC North, while Tennessee is well on its way to another AFC South division title. The Pats made the playoffs last year as a six seed and while the Dolphins started 2021 with a 1-7 record and ultimately fired Brian Flores after the season ended, they did end the season at 9-8 so the foundation was there – and that’s before adding Tyreek Hill and the unlocking of Tua Tagovailoa. You could point to the Titans disappointing record, the Jets being 7-6, or the implosions of the Raiders and the Broncos as being surprises but the top of the conference looks about as it should. The Bills and Chiefs should be the top two teams in the conference, while the Bengals are looking very much like the team that made the run to the Super Bowl last season – the final four weeks of the season should be very entertaining.
APY NFL POOL UPDATE
In Week 14, the top scorer was Darryl, who scored 15 of a possible 17 points, correctly picking all 11 Sunday games and confidence picks therein. His big week strengthens his position, as he is now in 7th place, just 2 points out of the money spots.
At the top of the pool, Donna P continues to lead, now with 168 points which is four points clear of Randy in second place. Fred is two further points back in third place, with 162, while Tom occupies the final money spot at 159. Jay and Kevin are lurking, just one point behind Tom.
Mini-Pools
MPA: Third place Fred has the most points in MPA but would get a better prize for finishing third, so the MPA prize would drop to Darryl, who holds 7th overall but second in the mini-pool. Darryl is level with Donna P (who would take the grand prize) and four points ahead of Michelle.
MPB: Being so far out of the running in the main pool has its advantages, which your friendly (and likely corrupt) pool administrator is presently taking advantage of, leading MPB by a mere one point over Anthony and Jerome.
MPC: The Brackens have a two point lead over everyone else in MPC, as Jay and the ineligible Tom lurk in the distance. There is, of course, a danger that the Brackens (and Jay for that matter) could slip into the top 4 but I’m sure they’ll take their chances.
