RADIO
Green Bay Packers - Pretenders
The No.7 seed already has a difficult path to the Super Bowl but will now start their journey with several key injuries. Star defensive back Jaire Alexander (knee) was placed on the IR, and wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) is done for the season with a torn ACL.
In addition, quarterback Jordan Love has not been as productive as of late. Over his past four complete games (Weeks 14 through 17), Love averaged a mere 200.5 passing yards per game with just five scores. Without Watson, the Packers may have trouble pushing the ball downfield. They face a tough opening match against the Eagles in Philadelphia.
Los Angeles Rams - Contenders
The Los Angeles Rams are the team that is getting hot at the right time. Excluding Weeks 18 (as most of their key starters rested) during Weeks 15 through 17, they held their opponents to less than ten points in each contest. While these three games were against non-playoff teams, this defense is beginning to flip the switch at the right time.
While the offense has not been as effective, they are still led by a Super Bowl-winning quarterback in Matthew Stafford, who has elite playmakers around him, such as Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams.
Washington Commanders - Pretenders
The Washington Commanders have proved many wrong this season but enter this playoff bracket as pretenders. Rookie Jayden Daniels has performed at an elite level and could easily steal a game himself but the team around him is not built to compete.
On offense, they lack a proven No.2 wide receiver and have struggled to utilize their run game as Brian Robinson Jr. has averaged just 39.8 rushing yards per game over the past four weeks. In addition, they have struggled to contain the run as they have allowed over 100 rushing yards and five total rushing scores over the past three weeks, which is not a recipe for success in the playoffs.
Minnesota Vikings - Contenders
Even though the Vikings ended the regular season on a low point, they have been one of the top teams in the sport all season long and should be viewed as an elite contender despite being the No.5 seed. Quarterback Sam Darnold has enjoyed the best season of his career, throwing for 4,319 yards with 35 touchdowns.
While the Vikings have struggled to defend the pass, they have been elite at containing the run. They have allowed the second-fewest rushing yards per game this season, which should play well in the NFC that has several top running backs.
Tampa Bay Bucs - Pretenders
While Baker Mayfield has continued to enjoy a career renaissance in Tampa Bay, the Buccaneers come in as pretenders in 2024. Mayfield threw for a career-best 4,500 yards with an impressive 41 touchdowns. In addition, rookie Bucky Irving has emerged as an elite option out of the backfield during the second half of the season.
However, their defense has major concerns and will likely cause their downfall in the playoffs. Their secondary has allowed the four-most passing yards per game which could put them in a tough spot in the Wild Card round against Jayden Daniels and the Commanders.
Philadelphia Eagles - Contenders
Led by the best running back in football, the Philadelphia Eagles are one of the top contenders this season. Saquon Barkley ran for over 2,000 yards and was just over 100 yards away from breaking the single-season record. In addition, quarterback Jalen Hurts tallied 32 total touchdowns with just five interceptions.
In addition to their potent offense, their defense has been just as successful. They have allowed the fewest yards per game in the sport and the second-fewest points per game. They are among the best on both sides of the ball and should have an easy path to the NFC Championship.
Detroit Lions - Contenders
The top seed in the NFC should be viewed as elite contenders as well. They lost just two games all season, and the entire NFC bracket will go through Detroit. Having a first-round bye and home field advantage provides the Lions a significant advantage.
Their offense is led by superstars Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon-Ra St.Brown, who tallied the second-most total yards per game and the most points per game. In addition, later in the playoffs, they could be welcoming back running back David Montgomery (knee) and star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (leg), which would further strengthen the top team in the conference.
