If you’re a supporter of one of the 14 remaining playoff teams, congratulations. The real excitement starts now. Our NFL Playoff Power Rankings are dominated by the usual contenders, but don’t expect all the favorites to win in the Wild Card round.
Here’s the Wild Card round edition of ClutchPoints’ NFL Playoff Power Rankings.
1. Detroit Lions
After dominating their Week 18 matchup for the division title, the Lions are back-to-back NFC North champions. Thanks to their first-round bye, Detroit can relax and watch the rest of the NFC battle it out.
Their Week 18 victory over the Minnesota Vikings was a one-sided affair, with their offense eventually overpowering Minnesota’s strong defense. With running back David Montgomery possibly returning for the Divisional Round, this already formidable team might be getting even stronger just in time for a Super Bowl push.
2. Buffalo Bills
Expecting to see the top AFC seed here? Think again, as the Buffalo Bills, with a 13-4 record, have something to prove. While they didn’t secure the number one seed in their conference, Buffalo has had a stellar season and faces the seven-seed Denver Broncos on Sunday.
Quarterback Josh Allen will look to bolster his MVP case as the Bills host a tricky Broncos team that should not be underestimated. The real test will be on Buffalo’s defense, as they’ll face a Denver offense that’s tough in the trenches and could make an early upset if not contained.
3. Kansas City Chiefs
Despite holding the AFC’s top spot, the Chiefs aren’t the highest-ranked AFC team in our NFL Playoff Power Rankings. In previous seasons, doubting Kansas City in the playoffs was unthinkable, but something feels off about this year’s squad.
Although their 15-1 record and playoff bye are impressive, the Chiefs’ offense has at times looked uncharacteristically flat, with both Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce having underwhelming seasons. While you should never underestimate them, there are some doubts about their Super Bowl chances this year.
4. Baltimore Ravens
A run-heavy team thrives in colder months, and the Baltimore Ravens, with their two-pronged rushing attack, have been clicking as the season winds down. They clinched the AFC North title, going back-to-back as divisional champions, but are aiming for much more this year.
Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry form one of the toughest duos in the postseason, and their third matchup with the sixth-seeded Pittsburgh Steelers awaits. Having split the season series, the Ravens are favored to win this one, especially with home-field advantage and a defense that’s hitting its stride. With an MVP-caliber quarterback and strong defensive play, they’re a formidable playoff contender.
5. Philadelphia Eagles
Entering their two-seven matchup with the Green Bay Packers, the Eagles’ prospects look cautiously optimistic, largely depending on Jalen Hurts’ health. While Hurts is trending toward returning, missing three weeks is concerning.
If Hurts plays, the offense’s performance will hinge on his ability to perform, or it might be up to Saquon Barkley to lead the charge. Against a Packers defense susceptible to the run, the Eagles may have to rely on a gritty, ground-and-pound approach to succeed.
6. Minnesota Vikings
After missing out on the top NFC seed and the NFC North title, the Vikings are left with the task of setting the NFL record for most wins by a Wild Card team. A 14-3 record is impressive, but their Week 18 loss to Detroit exposed several troubling signs.
Quarterback Sam Darnold regressed, playing more cautiously and passing up open receivers, leading to stalled drives. If the Vikings want to advance past the Los Angeles Rams, they’ll need to feature their star player, Justin Jefferson, more prominently in the offense than they have in recent games.
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