NFL Picks Week 3: Which Teams Will Emerge as Clear AFC Favorites?

The New England Patriots will continue to separate themselves from the rest of the AFC. The top of the AFC is less crowded than the NFC and the Patriots appear to be a head above the rest of the conference. However, there are several teams in that next tier, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets and San Diego Chargers.

A lot of people feel that the Buffalo Bills have a chance to upset the Patriots. However, there is nothing to really support those predictions. The Patriots have looked phenomenal, with Tom Brady at the top of his game. Another big-time Brady performance would only strengthen the Patriots hold on the top spot in the AFC.

New York Jets fans will likely disagree with my assessment of the AFC. The Jets are also undefeated, playing good defense and getting good production out of Mark Sanchez. However, they have shown plenty of flaws. The offensive line is banged up and struggling to find open running lanes. Mark Sanchez is having a good start to the season, but many wonder if he can sustain this success.

The Baltimore Ravens should be right up there with the Patriots, but last week's loss was not encouraging. The top-level teams do not have the type of letdown the Ravens suffered against the Titans. Baltimore needs to put last week behind them and look more like the team that defeated the Steelers.

An ugly Week 1 loss brought up a lot of questions about the Pittsburgh Steelers. The defense gave up 35 points, the offensive line was unable to protect and Rashard Mendenhall only had a handful of rushing yards. 

And nobody should forget the three-interception performance by star quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Since that loss, the Steelers have done a good job getting back on track. However, their win came against a less-than-impressive Seattle Seahawks team. The concerns along the offensive line are the main factor impacting their status.

San Diego has avoided their traditionally slow start, but a loss to the Patriots puts them a step behind. However, Philip Rivers and the rest of the offense appear to be in midseason form. The duo of Mike Tolbert and Ryan Mathews has given the Chargers some balance. Defensively, they look like they are picking up where they left off.

Jon Dove is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report, covering the NFL and NFL draft. Check him out on Twitter @Jon_Dove42.