14. Pittsburgh Steelers
Record: 10-7
The Steelers are on a 4-game losing streak. While the defense has been solid the offense has been poor since Russell Wilson’s midseason revival. It now looks like a thing of the past and you can’t expect to win in January when you can’t move the ball. Steelers look like a one and done team against the Ravens.
13. Houston Texans
Record: 10-7
C.J. Stroud has struggled all year. But a banged-up line and receiving corps has led the team to struggle against playoff teams. The moment shouldn’t be too big for them, but they’ve been more sloppy than spectacular all season. They seem that the offensive injures will be too much to overcome.
12. Denver Broncos
Record: 10-7
Bo Nix isn’t getting enough credit for leading the Broncos to their first playoff berth since 2016. They have a top three scoring defense that can offset any offensive handicaps. Will the lights be too bright for Nix in his first playoff appearance?
11. Los Angeles Chargers
Record: 11-6
Justin Herbert has looked like he’s worth his contract. Jim Harbaugh has him playing disciplined and limiting his mistakes. But they do lack explosive play making. They rely on the running game and defense. The Chargers give up 17.7 points per game which is the best in the NFL.
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Record: 10-7
Todd Bowles teams are scrappy teams with tenacious defense. But this year Baker Mayfield Under new offensive coordinator Liam Coen unleashed fireworks and a high-powered offense. Bucky Irving is electricity from the running back position and giving them a balance offense.
9. Los Angeles Rams
Record: 10-7
Quarterback Matthew Stafford and head coach Sean McVay have won a Super Bowl. This year they might have Aaron Donald, but they have an unstoppable connection with Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp. Mcvay is one of the best coaches and can scheme his way to victory every game.
8. Washington Commanders
Record: 12-5
The rookie QB in the NFC, Jayden Daniels is electric. He has a quick throws and scrambling speed. Dan Quinn defense is solid but not great. This team is led by the Young QB and his connection Terry Mclaurin. but Washington is banking almost exclusively on his athleticism, considering its otherwise sluggish backfield and so-so Dan Quinn-led defense.
7. Green Bay Packers
Record: 11-6
When he’s on his game, Jordan Love is a topflight QB. The pickup of Josh Jacobs balances out the offense giving a balance attack. Jaire Alexander will be out and he’s one of the best cornerbacks in the league. Love is now dealing with his third noticeable injury of the season and Christian Watson is out with an ACL injury. This limits their ability to stretch the field.
6. Minnesota Vikings
Record: 14-3
The Vikings might be the best Wild Card teams. Their season includes a nine-game win streak. Sam Darnold is the question mark. He can connect with his receives given solid protection. He showed MVP-caliber play under Kevin O’Connell. On defense Brian Flores has gritty group.
5. Buffalo Bills
Record: 13-4
They’ve had trouble overcoming Chiefs in the AFC. Josh Allen has to play hero. He will probably be the MVP. The Amari Cooper trade seems like it won’t workout. Still, Allen remains a dominant force and running back James Cook play making ability are underrated.
4. Philadelphia Eagles
Record: 14-3
Can Nick Sirianni’s play it safe at the right moments or will situational coaching outshine the team? If Jalen Hurts overcomes his concussion he has the best skill of players with Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown, and DeVonta Smith. Vic Fangio’s Defense has turned into one of the best in the league and plays with a physical edge.
3. Baltimore Ravens
Record: 12-5
The two-time MVP is having the best season of his career! With Lamar Jackson, the Ravens possess the most dangerous player in the NFL. The addition of Derrick Henry gives them a powerful running game capable of closing out games. While the defense can be inconsistent at times, their secondary remains a major strength.
2. Kansas City Chiefs
Record: 15-2
The reigning champions are going for a three peat. But this year they have lived dangerously on the edge. The offense has played subpar throughout the season but showed life down the stretch. But Patrick Mahomes is the most clutch QB in the league. Andy Reid is one of the best coaches and Steve Spagnuolo is one of the best coordinators i history.
1. Detroit Lions
Record: 15-2
Dan Campbell’s Detroit Lions in 2024 have evolved from a scrappy underdog story to a legitimate NFL powerhouse. The team is spearheaded by Jared Goff’s decision making. Jahmyr Gibbs made a significant leap in his second season, breaking off explosive runs. The defense has been patched together through injures. But the defense plays with a chip on its shoulder, thanks to defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.
