Pro Football: AFC Update

While the AFC North race tightened, the other three AFC divisions have almost certain winners, with 3 games remaining on the schedule.

The (10-3) New England Patriots won at (8-5) San Diego vs the Chargers, virtually assuring a division title for “N.E.” quarterback, Tom Brady–his 12th in 13 seasons of play as he was injured in the first game of the 2008 season. For his Denver Broncos’ counterpart, Peyton Manning, this would be his 10th in his last 11 seasons played, as he missed the entire 2011 season.

Denver did its part, not for their bettors, winning by 7 points as 10 point home favorites, vs the (7-6) Buffalo Bills, one of 4 AFC teams that fell to (7-6) with losses yesterday.

Perhaps a third great AFC quarterback has emerged in the (9-4) Indianapolis Colts’ Andrew Luck, who guided the Colts 90 plus yards for a touchdown in the last minute of a (25-24) win at Cleveland vs the (7-6) Browns.

The Colts can now clinch a second straight AFC South crown with a home victory next week vs the (7-6) Houston Texans. “Indy” is a touchdown favorite in the game.

The (8-4-1) Cincinnati Bengals, despite a home loss to the Steelers yesterday, still lead the AFC North by a half game. The Steelers and Baltimore Ravens are next with (8-5) records.

In their loss yesterday, that likely ended their playoff hopes, some bad history repeated against the Cleveland Browns.

The 1986 AFC title game, also at Cleveland, (vs the Broncos), also produced a 90 plus yard drive by the opposition to help defeat the Browns.

Then current Denver Broncos’ owner, John Elway guided the Broncos on a 98 yard, tying touchdown drive in an eventual overtime win.