The consensus among NFL fans right now is that the AFC is better than the NFC. Well, that is simply not true. While the AFC might be more eye appealing and flashy than the NFC, the AFC lacks in QB play, has the 2 worst teams in the NFL, and has numerous different teams that have underperformed. 

Quarterbacks

Any knowledgeable football fan knows that the quarterback is the most important position on the field. If a team lacks QB play, their season usually turns out to be a huge mess unless they have a great run game or defense. Especially in the playoffs, having an above average quarterback is a must if a team has any shot at winning it all. That being said, the NFC QBs are much better than the AFC and it’s not particularly close. Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Matt Ryan, Tom Brady and Kyler Murray are just a few of the fantastic players of their position and they have all shown it this year. 

The NFC holds 3 of the top 5 spots in passing yards and QBR. The NFC also boasts 3 quarterbacks with a legitimate shot at winning the MVP, in Kyler Murray, Russell Wilson, and Aaron Rodgers. 

On the other hand, the AFC has some great QBs as well, but are no match for the NFC. Guys like Patrick Mahomes, Deshaun Watson, Josh Allen, and Ben Rothlisburger are all near the top of the NFL. However, most of these guys are surrounded with top tier talent around them, and still only Patrick Mahomes is in the MVP race from the AFC. Big Ben has an elite defense and WR group to work with, Josh Allen has a good WR core and defense, and Patrick Mahomes has Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce on his offense. 

Jets and Jaguars

The Jets and Jaguars are undoubtedly the 2 worst teams in football and they both belong to the AFC. The offenses for each team look lost on the field, neither team can choose a QB to start long term, and the coaching staffs are among the worst in the NFL. 

New York Jets: The Jets, ranked 28th in total yards allowed per game and 32nd for yards gained per game, are the only winless team left in the NFL. Who would expect anything more from them when they have 37 year old Frank Gore starting at RB? They have been back and forth on quarterbacks for most of the season, starting Joe Flacco some games and Sam Darnold others. This team is a mess right now and until they fire head coach Adam Gase, it will stay that way.

Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jaguars, like the Jets, are also near the bottom of the rankings in terms of overall offense and defense. They rank 31st in yards allowed per game and 25th in yards gained per game. This team has also had some QB trouble, having to start 3 different quarterbacks and still haven’t found their franchise guy. The Jaguars sit at the 2nd worst record in the league, at 1-10. But although they have had a rough year, they have seen a fantastic season from the rookie running back, James Robinson. He has had to carry the load for them on offense so far this season, having the 3rd most rushing yards this season. 

Under performers

Many AFC teams have had an overall disappointing year compared to the expectation they set for themselves last season. Teams like the Ravens, Broncos, and Texans have really under performed so far this season. 

Baltimore Ravens: After an impressive MVP season from Lamar Jackson, he and the entire Ravens offense have seemed to take a step down from where they were last year. John Harbaugh has done a terrible job giving Lamar any wide receivers to work with, and that is forcing him to rely more on his legs to get the job done. This is the reason the Ravens are only 23rd in total offense this year and are currently out of the playoff picture.

Denver Broncos: After going 7-9 last season, the Broncos future looked very bright with tons of young talent on the team. Many people expected them to make a push for the playoffs this year, however they are currently sitting at 4-7 and 3rd in the AFC West. Denver was very injury riddled this season, losing Von Miller and Courtland Sutton early into the season. That being said, Drew Lock has not had the breakout season that people were predicting and that has caused them to be one of the worst offenses in the league.

Houston Texans: The Texans had one of the worst trades in history this off season, trading away their star receiver, Deandre Hopkins. After going 10-6 and winning their division last year with Hopkins, they now sit at 4-7 and 3rd in the division. Deshaun Watson is a very talented QB and is the glue holding the team together right now, even with Hopkins gone. The problem is the defense. They currently have the 3rd worst defense in the league and that is a big reason why the team is under performing as much as they have been.

The AFC has too many teams holding them back from being considered the better conference in the NFL. They lack QB play, currently hold the 2 worst records in the league, and have many teams that have disappointed this season.

AFC: The best conference in the NFL?