RADIO
Washington Commanders - Pretenders
The Washington Commanders continue to prove doubters wrong, but they should still be considered pretenders in the current playoff picture. The Commanders marched into Tampa and won in the final seconds with a game-winning field goal. Their playoff journey will now continue with a trip to Detroit and, likely, a trip to Philadelphia in the NFC title game.
While the offense has been quite impressive, their defense has not. Top defensive back Marshon Lattimore struggled on Sunday night containing Mike Evans, and run defense continued to be a problem as they allowed over 100 yards on the ground. Facing Jahmyr Gibbs and potentially Saquon Barkley does not bode well for them.
Detroit Lions - Contenders
The Lions are top contenders, sitting as the NFC’s top seed. They boast one of the top offensive units in the sport, as they averaged the most points per game this season (33.2) and the second-most yards per game (409.5). This team could get even better with David Montgomery returning to action.
While their defense has been underwhelming, they will play host throughout the entire NFC conference, which gives them a significant advantage.
Houston Texans - Pretenders
Despite catching fire last weekend in their demanding victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, the Houston Texans still come in as pretenders on this list. Their offense averaged the 11th-fewest average yards per game this season, which is the lowest among the teams still alive in the playoffs.
While their defense has played at an elite level, if their offense reverts to their regular-season production, they will have a difficult time defeating the Chiefs in Kansas City.
Kansas City Chiefs - Contenders
Similar to Detroit, the Kansas City Chiefs will play host through the entire AFC bracket and should be viewed as top contenders in the conference. They boast one of the strongest remaining defensive units, as they allowed the fourth-fewest points per game (19.2) and eighth-fewest rushing yards per game.
Even though their offense struggled through most of the season, Patrick Mahomes has begun to catch fire at the right time. Over his previous six games, he has averaged 254 passing yards per game and held a 11:0 TD:INT ratio.
Los Angeles Rams - Contenders
The Los Angeles Rams might be the team nobody wants to face in the NFC. Over their previous four games (excluding Week 18, where the starters rested), they have held their opponents to nine points or less in each of them. They tallied nine sacks and forced two turnovers during their wild-card victory over the Vikings.
In addition to their defense, they are led by former Super Bowl winner Matthew Stafford on the offensive side of the ball, who is surrounded by elite talent in Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams.
Philadelphia Eagles - Contenders
When you have one of the best defensive units and rushing attacks in the sport, you have a viable path to a victory on any week. The Eagles have allowed the second-fewest points per game this season (17.8) and the fewest passing yards per game (174.2).
Running back Saquon Barkley ran for over 2,000 yards in the regular season and already started his playoff push with an impressive 117-yard performance against the Green Bay Packers.
Baltimore Ravens - Contenders
Derrick Henry led the way in his Baltimore playoff debut as he tallied 186 yards and two scores on 26 carries in their victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Lamar Jackson tallied 81 on the ground himself with 175 through the air. Baltimore’s 187.6 rushing yards per game was the highest mark during the regular season.
While their rushing attack is the best in the league, their defense is concerning, especially their secondary. During the regular, they allowed the second-most passing yards per game. While their elite rushing attack has been able to offset this, they could face some trouble against Josh Allen this weekend. However, with an MVP candidate under center, they should still be viewed as contenders.
Buffalo Bills - Contenders
Similar to Baltimore, Buffalo took care of business in the wild-card round as they scored 31 unanswered points in their victory over the Denver Broncos. Josh Allen was near-perfect in this game, going 20-for-26 with two scores and 46 rushing yards.
Their defense has been near the middle of the pack regarding yards allowed this season but has begun to catch fire at the right time. Over their previous three games, they have held their opponents to 16 points or less. While they have a tough matchup against the Ravens this weekend and likely the Chiefs the following week, given their strong play on both sides of the ball, they have a great chance to knock both teams out en route to the Super Bowl.
