The NFL Playoffs are finally here. After 18 games filled with joy, heartbreak, and every emotion in between, just 14 teams remain. The Kansas City Chiefs (15-2) and the Detroit Lions (14-3) claimed the first round bye, and have already punched their tickets into the Divisional Round. But what about the other 12 teams? What is there road to joining those two teams, and will they be able to win when it really matters to survive to the next round.
Los Angeles Chargers (11-6) vs Houston Texans (10-7)
NFL players and coaches always mention the importance of momentum heading into the playoffs. If that’s to be believed, the Houston Texans might be in trouble. Despite a strong 6-2 start, Houston has dropped five of its last nine games to end the season. And outside of a dominant win against the Dallas Cowboys, close wins against the Jaguars, Titans, and Dolphins aren’t that impressive. They’ve lost two of their three star receivers to injuries for the rest of the season, to go alongside a struggling offensive line, and CJ Stroud who is going through a sophomore slump. Even their stout defense hasn’t been living up to expectations lately. Needless to say, momentum isn’t on the Texans side going into this game. On the other end, the Chargers enter the playoffs on a three game win streak, including a defining win against the Denver Broncos in week 16. Jim Harbaugh has done a remarkable job, particularly on defense. The Chargers only allow 17.1 points per game, which is the least of any NFL team. They’re also in a three way tie for third in turnover margin with +12. Justin Herbert is a dynamic quarterback in his own right, but the Chargers have also been able to run the ball well this season thanks to Comeback Player of the Year candidate JK Dobbins. Everything seems to be leaning towards the Chargers in this matchup.
Los Angeles 27, Houston 10
Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7) vs Baltimore Ravens (12-5)
The Steelers have lost four straight coming into the playoffs. This is a statement that describes the way the whole team has been playing to end the season. Russell Wilson, despite a strong start, has struggled in recent weeks. George Pickens has been injured, and when on the field, not performing to the level he had been playing at earlier in the season. The running game has been struggling, which shows the offensive line struggles. Even their usually strong defense has been weak as of late. However, if they can play up to how they were playing earlier in the season, they’re going to be a tough out. The Baltimore Ravens have been on a completely different trajectory, having won four straight to close out the year and win the AFC North. The main stigma against this team is recent postseason performances. Lamar Jackson, who is usually impossible to stop in the regular season, has struggled with turnovers in the playoffs. However, this postseason they have Derrick Henry to help take some pressure off of Lamar. The two combined for the number one rushing offense in the league. To go along with the number one rushing defense, Pittsburgh is going to have their hands full.
Pittsburgh 6, Baltimore 30
Denver Broncos (10-7) vs Buffalo Bills (13-4)
The Denver Broncos routed the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 18 to punch their tickets into the playoffs. This rounded out an end of season in which the Broncos won five of their last seven games. However, the two losses were against playoff caliber teams, which include the Los Angeles Charges in week 16, and the Cincinnati Bengals in week 17, who just barely missed out on a playoff spot. But that shouldn’t take away what the Broncos have accomplished this season. Most of this success has come from their elite defense. The Broncos led the league in sacks, were top 3 in fewest rushing yards a game, and allowed the third fewest points per game in 18.3. Bo Nix has also proved his first round price, with over 4,000 all purpose yards on the season. Despite the Broncos strengths, the Buffalo Bills have just been on another level this season. Josh Allen is once again in the MVP conversation, despite not having an alpha wide receiver. James Cook has enjoyed a breakout third year. The defense is a turnover machine, generating 32 throughout the course of the season. And when your offense only gives the ball away eight times all season, that’s a recipe for success.
Denver 13, Buffalo 38
Green Bay Packers (11-6) vs Philadelphia Eagles (14-3)
If the Green Bay Packers played anywhere other than the NFC North, they would have a much better record. All but one of their losses have come from divisional opponents. The Packers had a top-5 offense in terms of yards per game throughout the season, thanks to Josh Jacobs having a great first season as a Packer. Their other big signing, Xavier McKinney, has turned into an All-Pro in his first season for the team. He leads a top-10 defense into the postseason, rounding out one of the most complete teams the Packers have had in recent years. Unfortunately for Green Bay, their one non-divisional loss was against the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil. Saquon Barkley would go for over 100 all purpose yards and 3 touchdowns in what would become his best season to date, tallying over 2,000 yards on the ground. Like former Giant Xavier McKinney, he would also make the All Pro team. Barkley’s successes this season has overshadowed the rest of the offense. Jalen Hurts is healthy and expected to start this game, giving the passing game a huge boost. AJ Brown and Devonta Smith both had solid seasons. Their defense allowed the fewest yards and passing yards per game this season. The Eagles are arguably the most complete team in the postseason, and they’re going to be a tough out.
Green Bay 17, Philadelphia 34
Washington Commanders (12-5) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7)
Jayden Daniels and Dan Quinn have turned around Washington team. Daniels is the overwhelming Offensive Rookie of the Year favorite, thanks to his rushing ability and how clutch he’s been. Down the stretch, the Commanders have won five straight games, including a last second victory over Philadelphia, and outlasting Atlanta in overtime. The one question that will be prominent this game is their defense. Their passing defense was top-3 during the regular season, but their rushing defense has been underwhelming, especially since Jonathan Allen went down with injury. Tampa Bay also come into the playoffs on a hot streak, winning six of their last seven. Baker Mayfield is playing some of the best football of his career, with 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns throughout the regular season. Fourth round running back Bucky Irving went for over 1,500 all purpose yards. However, like Washington, Tampa’s defense has been their week point throughout the season. However, it’s the passing defense that has struggled for Tampa Bay, as they are bottom five in that category, while the rushing defense is top five. This will likely be the closest matchup of the wild car slate.
Washington 27, Tampa Bay 24
Minnesota Vikings (14-3) vs Los Angeles Rams (10-7)
The fact that a 14 win team is a wild card team is still crazy. If the Vikings were in any other division, they would’ve won it with ease. In fact, two of their losses were against the Detroit Lions. Many people forget that before their week 18 blowout against Detroit, the Vikings were on a nine game winning streak. Sam Darnold has completely revived career, going for over 4,300 yards on the season, and Justin Jefferson is still as good as ever. Brian Flores has his defense blitzing at a higher rate than anyone in the league, while disguising the play calls to generate free rushers. Unfortunately for Minnesota, their sole loss not to Detroit was against the Rams. Los Angeles has had a major bounce back since starting the season 1-4, rebounding to winning five straight towards the end of the season to clinch the playoffs. Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams continue to establish themselves as cornerstones on this team. Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp are also playing good football at their age. The offense also doesn’t turn the ball over very often, making the defense’s life even easier. Their defense hasn’t been a top unit in the league, but they’ve stepped up when they needed to. Both of these teams are built for playoff football, but I have the Vikings moving on.
Minnesota 23, Los Angeles 17
