RADIO
Denver Broncos - Pretenders
While rookie Bo Nix has progressed quite well throughout his rookie season, the Denver Broncos sit as pretenders in the 2024 NFL Playoffs.
The offense averaged the 19th-most offensive yards per game, while their defense has been quite impressive, allowing the seventh-fewest total yards per game. However, their defense has allowed at least 30 points in two of their past three and faces another difficult task against the Buffalo Bills this weekend.
Los Angeles Chargers - Contenders
The Chargers are finding their stride at the right time. Since taking a tough loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 15, they have won their final three contests and scored at least 34 points in each of them.
Justin Herbert is performing at an elite level and has a budding star receiver in Ladd McConkey leading the passing attack. The Chargers also welcomed back-top running back J.K. Dobbins in Week 17, boasting a defensive unit allowing the tenth-fewest average yards per game.
Pittsburgh Steelers - Pretenders
After starting out the season with a 10-3 record, the Steelers have hit a tough skid, losing their last four games of the season and are entering the playoffs at the worst time.
Their defense has allowed at least 27 points in three of their past four, while their offense has not scored more than 20 points in each of their past four. They will have a tough time breaking this cold stretch against the Baltimore Ravens.
Baltimore Ravens - Contenders
Led by MVP candidate Lamar Jackson, the Ravens come in as clear contenders on this list. Jackson finished the season with 4,172 passing, 915 rushing yards, and 45 total touchdowns.
While the Ravens have fallen short in past years, they now have Derrick Henry in their backfield, who tallied 1,912 yards and 18 TDs this season. Given their elite running game and defense that is starting to turn the corner, they are a difficult matchup for most AFC teams.
Houston Texans - Pretenders
After enjoying a fantastic rookie campaign, C.J. Stroud has endured significant regression in his sophomore campaign. Since Week 9, he has averaged just 197.7 passing yards per game with a 9:8 TD:INT ratio.
Entering the playoffs, he may have even more trouble without his No.2 wideout, Tank Dell who suffered a season-ending injury in Week 17. If their offense continues to struggle, they may be facing a quick exit this weekend and will have a tall ask facing the AFC heavyweights.
Buffalo Bills - Contenders
Entering the season without Stefon Diggs, Josh Allen proved any remaining doubters wrong by tallying 40 total touchdowns with a career-low six interceptions. Over his past four games; Allen has put the team on his back, scoring 14 total touchdowns with a 4-0 record.
While their defense has struggled, they will host at least two games in the AFC playoffs and potentially the Championship game if the Chiefs were to be knocked out in the second round. They are top contenders in a loaded conference given their MVP caliber quarterback and home-field advantage.
Kansas City Chiefs - Contenders
The top seed in the AFC is the favorite to win the Lombardi Trophy. Even despite their offensive struggles through the vast majority of the season, the Chiefs lost just one game all season and boast a top defensive unit that has allowed the fourth-fewest points per game this season.
In addition, Patrick Mahomes has begun to turn the corner, and he has posted a stellar 11:0 TD:INT ratio with 254.0 passing yards per game over his past six games. Mahomes is getting hot at the right time and now plays behind the best defense he has had in his career.
