A context-free take based loosely on strength of schedule is always going to be problematic. But after the Chiefs clipped one of the AFC’s top seeds Sunday, edging out the Colts 23–20 on the shoulders of an incredible defensive performance, it’s hard not to wonder whether the AFC playoff picture is best oriented upside down.
The Chiefs and Texans are both 6–5, but have played by far the most difficult schedules in the conference (along with the Jaguars). Indianapolis is currently in the middle of a stretch in which it lost to the Steelers (arguably its third-toughest opponent of the season to that point), nearly lost to the adrift Falcons in overtime and has now lost to Kansas City. Upcoming still are two games apiece against the Texans and Jaguars, and games against the Seahawks and 49ers.
