<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><item href="/news/afc-contenders-and-pretenders-playoffs-24.html" dsn="news"><pubdate>12/09/2024</pubdate><author>Ryan Nelke</author><hero-image><img src="/images/josh-allen-dive-vs-niners.jpg" alt="Josh Allen (right) dives for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers."/></hero-image><hero-image-credit>Adrian Kraus / AP</hero-image-credit><category>sports</category><title>Contenders or Pretenders: Analyzing AFC Playoff Chances as the Postseason Looms</title><description>December football is here, signaling that the playoffs are just around the corner. What better time to assess the picture painted for us so far? The expected powerhouses, like the Chiefs and Bills, sit atop the AFC, but this year’s postseason mix includes several surprise teams, such as the Chargers and Broncos.</description></item>