AFC playoff picture: The Buffalo Bills move up in the conference standings with a win

The Houston Texans lost on Thursday night, paving the way for the Buffalo Bills to take over second place in the AFC on Sunday night. Of course, the Bills needed a win to make that happen. That's exactly what happened.

Entering Week 9, the 6-2 Bills were in fourth place in the AFC thanks to tiebreakers. With the Texans' loss and the Pittsburgh Steelers' (6-2) bye in Week 9, the Bills move into second place, just one game behind the first-place Kansas City Chiefs. Buffalo plays the Chiefs in a few weeks (and KC plays on Monday night this week and can extend its lead with a win).

The Denver Broncos lost and moved to seventh place in the AFC, and the Los Angeles Chargers moved to sixth place with their win. The Baltimore Ravens remain in fifth place after their win in Week 9.

Outside the playoffs, the Cincinnati Bengals continued their slow climb into the Wild Card race with a win. They are still one game away from a playoff spot.

Week 9 AFC Rankings

Note: Only the relevant tiebreakers are listed in the table below.

1. Kansas City Chiefs (7-0)
2. Buffalo Bills (7-2)
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2)
4. Houston Texans (6-3)
5. Baltimore Ravens (6-3)
6. Los Angeles Chargers (5-3)
7. Denver Broncos (5-4)
8. Indianapolis Colts (4-4)
9.Cincinnati Bengals (4-5)
10. New York Jets (3-6)
11. Miami Dolphins (2-6)
12. Cleveland Browns (2-6)
13. Las Vegas Raiders (2-6)
14. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6)
15. Tennessee Titans (2-6)
16. New England Patriots (2-7)