The NFL playoffs are set to begin with an exciting three-day lineup of games. All 14 playoff teams are competing for the chance to lift the Lombardi Trophy at Super Bowl 59, which will be held at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. The Kansas City Chiefs aim to make history as the first NFL team to win three consecutive Super Bowls. Both Kansas City and the Detroit Lions have secured the top seeds in their respective conferences. The question remains whether teams like the Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, or another AFC contender can dethrone Kansas City on the path to New Orleans. Additionally, the Lions are looking to reach the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history. Alternatively, will a lower-seeded team emerge from each conference? Answers will begin to take shape starting Saturday.
AFC
7. Denver Broncos (10-7) vs. 2. Buffalo Bills (13-4)
Josh Allen and the Bills will host the Broncos in a wild-card playoff matchup. The Bills have won the AFC East for the fifth consecutive season. Under the leadership of MVP candidate Josh Allen, the Bills have become the first team in NFL history to achieve at least 30 touchdown passes and 30 rushing touchdowns in a single season. The Broncos have secured their first playoff appearance since 2015, marking significant progress in their rebuild. While it is an achievement for Denver to reach the postseason, the Bills are considered strong Super Bowl contenders. It will be a challenging game for the young Broncos team in Buffalo. Denver’s tough defense will make some plays, but the Bills have the stronger roster. Buffalo remains unbeaten at home this season.
6. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7) vs. 3. Baltimore Ravens (12-5)
Whenever these AFC North rivals meet, it’s always a physical contest, and the stakes are even higher in a playoff setting. Lamar Jackson has set records by becoming the first player in NFL history to pass for over 4,000 yards and rush for over 900 yards in a single season. He is also the first player to record at least 40 touchdown passes with fewer than five interceptions in a season. Jackson has been the standout player this season, but now he must carry that performance into the playoffs. At this stage in his career, Jackson’s success will be measured by his playoff performance as the Ravens’ starting quarterback. The Steelers enter the playoffs on a four-game losing streak and lack momentum. Jackson, along with Derrick Henry and the Ravens’ high-powered offense, is expected to overpower the struggling Steelers.
5. Los Angeles Chargers (11-6) vs. 4. Houston Texans (10-7)
The Texans have won the AFC South for the second consecutive year but have lost two of their last three games. They ended the regular season with a victory, albeit against the struggling Tennessee Titans. In his first year, Jim Harbaugh led the Chargers from five wins in 2023 to securing the AFC’s No. 5 seed. Justin Herbert, yet to earn a playoff victory, has a great opportunity to secure a postseason win in Houston. Quentin Johnston had an impressive performance with 13 catches for 186 yards. The Chargers will rely on him to be a dependable receiver for a successful playoff run. Los Angeles boasts the NFL’s top-scoring defense.
NFC
7. Green Bay Packers (11-6) vs. 2. Philadelphia Eagles (14-3)
The Eagles have a successful formula, combining a strong rushing attack with the NFL’s No. 1 total defense. They are considered the most complete team in the NFC. The two teams faced off in Week 1 in Brazil, where Saquon Barkley rushed for 109 yards and two touchdowns. The Eagles rested their star 2,000-yard running back in the regular-season finale to prepare for their Super Bowl pursuit. Expect the Eagles to rely on their star running back and MVP candidate throughout the postseason. Jordan Love and the Packers will make this wild-card game competitive, but the Eagles should prevail at home.
6. Washington Commanders (12-5) vs. 3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7)
The Buccaneers, winners of the NFC South for the fourth consecutive season, will host the Commanders, who are returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2020. Mike Evans has achieved 1,000 receiving yards for the 11th straight year and may face off against his former rival, Commanders CB Marshon Lattimore, if Lattimore returns from a hamstring injury. Evans is expected to have an advantage against the Commanders’ secondary, and Tampa Bay will also focus on the running game with emerging RB Bucky Irving. Tampa Bay defeated Washington 37-20 in Week 1, but that was Jayden Daniels’ first NFL game. Since then, the rookie QB has developed into a leading candidate for the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Daniels has the potential to be the most impactful player on the field in Tampa Bay.
5. Minnesota Vikings (14-3) vs. 4. Los Angeles Rams (10-7)
The Rams’ offensive strategy focuses on getting the ball to Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams in favorable situations. Nacua recorded 79 catches for 990 receiving yards in 11 games, while Williams rushed for 1,299 yards and 14 touchdowns in 16 games. The duo combined for 227 yards from scrimmage and one touchdown when Los Angeles defeated Minnesota in Week 8. The Vikings are coming off a disappointing Week 18 loss, ending their nine-game win streak.
