RADIO
No. 14 - Houston Texans
The Texans were a popular pick to make a run at the Super Bowl this year following the additions of Stefon Diggs, Joe Mixon, and several key pieces on defense. However, the team is now down its No. 2 and No. 3 receivers and lost its last four games against teams with a winning record. Houston’s offense has regressed mightily in C.J. Stroud’s second season, and Houston is a home underdog in the Wild Card Round.
No. 13 - Denver Broncos
Sean Payton and Bo Nix deserve a ton of credit for Denver’s turnaround in 2024. The franchise is set to participate in the postseason for the first time since Peyton Manning led the team to Super Bowl 50. Denver might have a Super Bowl-caliber defense, but its pass-catching group behind Courtland Sutton leaves a lot to be desired. It would be a shocker if Denver wins in Buffalo on Sunday.
No. 12 - Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers jumped out to a 10-3 start and looked to be in contention for the No. 1 seed in the AFC. Now, Mike Tomlin’s squad is limping into the playoffs as losers of four straight games. The Steelers have beaten the Ravens once this season, but Pittsburgh is playing its worst football of the year at the wrong time. Baltimore is favored by double digits at home in Round 1. Even if the Steelers advance, its limited offense will hold the franchise back from getting to another Super Bowl.
No. 11 - Washington Commanders
The Commanders should be taken seriously against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, though they are slight underdogs on the road. Dan Quinn and Jayden Daniels have turned the Washington franchise around in short order, but it’s tough to think a rookie quarterback can take his team all the way to the Super Bowl.
No. 10 - Los Angeles Rams
The Rams might be a sleeper pick to reach its third Super Bowl under head coach Sean McVay, and we can’t blame anyone for viewing it that way. However, the Los Angeles roster just isn’t well-rounded enough to be viewed as a legitimate contender this year. McVay and Matthew Stafford willed the team back from a rough start to reach the postseason, but like last year, we’re expecting another “one-and-done” playoff trip. The Rams have a tough draw in Round 1 against the 14-3 Minnesota Vikings.
No. 9 - Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh wins everywhere he goes, and that has been the case in his first year with the Chargers. After missing the postseason in each of the last two seasons, L.A. is back in the mix for the Super Bowl. While the Chargers don’t have the loaded roster some of the other AFC teams do, Harbaugh and Justin Herbert could make a real run. The only problem is the Chargers are likely to be matched up with Kansas City in the Divisional Round if they knock off the Texans. Facing the Chiefs on the road after two weeks of rest is a daunting task.
No. 8 - Green Bay Packers
The Packers might have the best balance of offense and defense of any team in the playoffs. At their best, the Pack can beat any team in the NFL. Unfortunately, a Round 1 road trip to Philadelphia awaits. However, if they can get past the Eagles, we should believe they can compete to represent the NFC.
No. 7 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers emerged victorious in six of their final seven games to clinch the NFC South and a home playoff game. It’s easy to forget Baker Mayfield’s squad knocked off the Eagles and went toe-to-toe with the Lions in last year’s playoffs, but it happened. The Buccaneers’ explosive offense might be too much for the Commanders to handle, and Tampa Bay is one of two teams with a win over the Lions this season.
No. 6 - Minnesota Vikings
Had the Minnesota Vikings defeated the Detroit Lions in Week 18 to clinch home-field advantage, they would be higher on this list. However, quarterback Sam Darnold played poorly in the most important game of his career, and it’s tough to think he’ll rack up multiple road wins to get to the Super Bowl. That said, Minnesota’s roster is loaded, and its play-making defense could carry them to at least a playoff win or two.
No. 5 - Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens boast the No. 1 total offense and have a favorable matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Round 1. However, we’ve seen the team shrink when the playoffs begin, so there are reasons to worry about them starting in the Divisional Round. Can this Ravens’ squad get over the hump and potentially defeat Buffalo AND Kansas City to get to Super Bowl 59? It’s possible, so they are a top-five contender.
No. 4 - Buffalo Bills
The Bills were expected to take a big step back in 2024 following the departure of key wideouts and defensive standouts. However, that has not been the case, and Josh Allen has leveled up his game even more. Buffalo is the only team to “legitimately” defeat Kansas City this season, though the Bills have fallen short against the Chiefs in the last few postseasons. It will be somewhat of a surprise if the AFC Championship doesn’t feature a rematch between Allen and Mahomes.
No. 3 - Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles might have the most well-rounded team among all 14 playoff participants. Philly can run, pass, stop the run, and stop the pass at a high level. However, it’s tough to give them the nod over either team who gets to automatically advance to the NFC Divisional Round. Still, the Eagles present great value at their +650 odds to capture the Lombardi Trophy.
No. 2 - Kansas City Chiefs
Is it a crime to have the Chiefs ranked anywhere but No. 1? Maybe, but we’re doing it. Despite Kansas City having a 15-2 record, this version of the Chiefs looks like the most beatable team over the last few seasons. Kansas City ranked just 11th in average margin of victory during the regular season, and it still lacks a consistent, explosive passing attack. Its rushing attack has also regressed from last season thanks to a banged-up Isiah Pacheco. All that said, they still have Patrick Mahomes, and no one is going to be surprised if they become the first franchise to ever three-peat.
No. 1 - Detroit Lions
What if someone told you three years ago that the Lions would be Super Bowl favorites at the start of the 2024 postseason? Well, that’s the case, and the Lions are finding a way to win no matter how many injuries they suffer on defense. Detroit ranked No. 1 in point differential (13.1) during the regular season. You have to go back to 2019 to find a team with a higher figure. That said, this is unquestionably the most dominant regular-season team in the last half-decade, and Jared Goff has plenty of playoff experience. It’s Super Bowl or bust time in the Motor City.
