The AFC playoff landscape is unlike recent history this season, mainly because the Chiefs are not only not the Super Bowl favorite, but didn't even make the postseason. It's the first time in many years they weren't the unequivocal No. 1 seed, leaving many to believe the conference is open for the taking, creating a big opportunity for the Patriots.
Luckily for them, they're a young team, and the pressure isn't on them to deliver right away, especially since making the playoffs wasn't expected this year. The same cannot be said about Josh Allen and the Bills, whose championship window continues to narrow.