No team is limping into the postseason more than the Steelers. Losers of four straight, the Steelers haven't won a playoff game in 9 years. They are the largest underdog of the Wild Card Round.
The Broncos already exceeded expectations by reaching the playoffs for the first time in 9 years. Behind rookie QB Bo Nix, they have a bright future...but they are not about to go into Buffalo and win.
The Texans certainly aren't the least likely team to win this week. But can anyone really see this team winning the Super Bowl? The Texans are, by far, the worst team in the postseason with a -66 scoring margin vs. fellow playoff teams. Even if they squeak by the Chargers, it's hard to envision this team defeating the Bills, Ravens, or Chiefs.
Jim Harbaugh is a winner. He's won everywhere he's been. For that reason, it wouldn't be totally shocking if the Chargers went on a mini-run. But is this team about to win three straight road games to reach the Super Bowl? Probably not.
Jayden Daniels already looks like one of the best QBs in the NFL. The Commanders are poised to be a playoff team for years to come. However, this is still a rookie QB who will likely have to win three straight road games to reach the Super Bowl. Unlikely.
Out of all the Wild Card teams, the Packers actually are the most equipped to go on a run. Unfortunately, they're the 7 seed and drew the Eagles in the first round. To even reach the NFC Championship Game, they have to take down the top two teams in the NFC.
The Bucs are so much fun. Baker Mayfield is so easy to root for. Unfortunately, this team isn't good enough defensively and has a head coach ill-equipped to make the big decisions necessary to propel his team forward.
The Rams are better than their record. As a reminder, this team had to go six games without Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp. The Rams went 7-2 in games where Nacua played and did not leave early. This team has championship experience making them the best dark horse from the NFC.
You could easily flip flop the Vikings and Rams. However, the Vikings did win 14 games. That has to count for something. The problem is for as good as the Vikings are, their path almost certainly goes through Detroit and they have not proven they can take down the mighty Lions.
In a vacuum, the Ravens would be much higher. They're probably the second best team in the NFL behind the Lions. Unfortunately, their road to the title is exceedingly difficult. Assuming they easily dispatch the Steelers, they will likely have to win road games in Buffalo and Kansas City. They have the talent to do it, but that's a tall ask.
Even though they got blown out by the Ravens earlier this season, the Bills get the edge over Baltimore because they get two home games. This also feels like the year the Bills finally take down Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs...if they can get there.
After their disastrous finish to the 2023 season, the Eagles were somewhat overlooked this year. They put on a dominant performance and locked up the No. 2 seed, which comes with two home games, prior to Week 18. It's hard to imagine the NFC doesn't come down to Philly and Detroit. If the Eagles can get by the Lions, they may very well be favored against any AFC team.
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16), leads teammates out of the tunnel for warm up before the game between Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025.
Every year of Dan Campbell's tenure, the Lions have gotten closer and closer. This sure looks like the year they get over the hump. The best team in the NFL all season, the Lions are justifiably the favorites to make it out of the NFC. Their path is also the easiest of any team, as they shouldn't face serious resistance until presumably the Eagles in the NFC Championship Game.
Are the Chiefs the best team in the NFL? No. Are they top three? Also, no. But how often were Tom Brady's Patriots the best team in the league? They won anyway. That's what Patrick Mahomes does. He wins. The Chiefs are the AFC's top seed, making the Super Bowl run through Arrowhead yet again. Never bet against Mahomes.
