Happy Festivus NFL fans! With the final week of the NFL season wrapping up, we now have our playoff contenders. While some obvious and some surprising, every team in the race has legitimate reasons to make the Super Bowl. So, who is playing postseason football and who’s passing the dip on the couch?
Authors note: After this week, I’ll only be covering teams in the playoff race for obvious reasons. Thank you for the continued love throughout the season guys!
1.Ravens (0)
Despite the loss to the Steelers Saturday, you’re looking at the obvious Super Bowl favorites right here. With the Ravens benching multiple starters, the Steelers still had trouble with the Ravens. Going into the playoffs, Baltimore’s Defense was historic
Leading the League in Sacks, Points per game, and takeaways is no small matter. Matter of fact, it’s the first time in NFL history that a team has led in all three in the same season. While they’re PPG isn’t historic, it’s still the best in the NFL history. Personally, I think this is the best team the Ravens have ever fielded. A historic Defense that gets off the field, an Offense lead by MVP favorite Lamar Jackson, a healthy mix of passing and rushing, and the NFLs most clutch Kicker. At this point, the question isn’t “Will the Ravens make the Super Bowl?”, it’s “Who can stop Baltimore?”
Make Playoffs: Clinched
Win Division: Clinched
First Round Bye: Clinched
2. Niners (0)
San Francisco is going into the playoffs with a lot of expectations, namely a Super Bowl berth. While they’re the team to beat in the NFC, can they hold off the Challengers? Dallas is dangerous when everything is clicking, The Lions are hungry and would put everything on the line, the Eagles are still the reigning NFC Champs, and the Rams are sneakily good. At this point, they can’t afford another disappointment in the NFC Championship. This team is absolutely boom or bust. While they have over $32 million in cap space, there’s a lot of big boy contracts on the horizon, including; Chase Young, Javon Kinlaw, and Brock Purdy is the next year or two. The Niners have to strike while the iron is still hot.
Make Playoffs: Clinched
Win Division: Clinched
First Round Bye: Clinched
3. Bills (+3)
I’ll admit, I didn’t think the Bills could pull it off. Staring at a 6-6 record after their loss to the Eagles, they needed a lot to go their way for a playoff berth. They rattled off 5 straight wins and an upset of the Division leading Dolphins to quite literally steal the AFC East and the 2nd Seed. Impressive. Although, are we meant to be scared by this team? Josh Allen has had a bit of a down year and averages a turnover a game and the Defense has slumped a bit. This puts a target on their heads for the rest of the AFC and will have to fight them off. First up, a meeting with the Steelers in Buffalo. Should be a win for the Bills, but what Bills team will we see?
Make Playoffs: Clinched
Win Division: Clinched
First Round Bye: Eliminated
4. Browns (-1)
After resting their starters against Cincinnati, the Browns are primed and ready for a playoff run. That being said, how badly will the inability to get a home playoff game hurt Cleveland? They’ve been a tale of two teams, having a home record of 8-1, but an away record of 3-5. They do have “Playoff Joe” on their sidelines, who’s been great this season, but how much can he help this seemingly cursed Browns team?
Make Playoffs: Clinched
Win Division: Eliminated
First Round Bye: Eliminated
5. Cowboys (0)
With the Eagles upset to the Giants, the Cowboys score an NFC East title, the 2nd seed in the NFC, and a home matchup with the Green Bay Packers. While I should be a blowout for the Boys, what team will we see? That depressing loss to the Cardinals in October still rings in my head. If Dallas can ball out like they have recently, this Wildcard game should be easy, but it seems nothing comes easy to them anymore.
Make Playoffs: Clinched
Win Division: Clinched
First Round Bye: Eliminated
6. Dolphins (-2)
Man, I imagine Miami is really wishing they closed that game out against the Titans now. After a blowout loss to Baltimore, the Dolphins entered week 18 with a matchup against the streaking Bills for the AFC East title and fell flat. The Offense has recently been stuck in neutral and couldn’t do much against Buffalo and it cost them the Division and a home playoff game. Now, they have to travel to Kansas City and face off against an angry Patrick Mahomes. If they can get Tyreek Hill involved against his former team, they should be able to move on, even if the Chiefs are favored by 3. Then again, this Dolphins team is unpredictable.
Make Playoffs: Clinched
Win Division: Eliminated
First Round Bye: Eliminated
7. Lions (0)
Welcome to the big dance, Detroit! It’s certainly been a while, huh? The Lions made all of the Motor City proud and have practically erased the memories of former Detroit sports pain out of the memories of Michiganders. That being said, the Lions have to win in the playoffs to make even the most serious doubters believe. Just like a script from Hollywood, Matt Stafford returns to his former hunting grounds with the Rams in the Wildcard. Of all the NFC matchups, this one is the closest to call. The Lions are ready to eat, but the Rams still have a few tricks up their sleeves. Prepare the towels and warn the children, this should be a bloodbath.
Make Playoffs: Clinched
Win Division: Clinched
First Round Bye: Eliminated
8. Chiefs (0)
Kansas City tops my list of concerning teams entering the playoffs. Since the Chiefs became a circus act when Taylor Swift became involved, the Chiefs have looked rough to say the least. Patrick Mahomes has looked at odds with his disappointing receiving corp dropping everything in reach (As a Ravens fan, this feels too familiar). Even usually dependable Travis Kelce has disappointed. Combine an all star QB, a nameless receiving corp, and a young and developing Defense and what do you have? I’ll tell you what you have: The recipe for a one and down playoff team. I truly don’t see it for yall this year, Chiefs Kingdom.
Make Playoffs: Clinched
Win Division: Clinched
First Round Bye: Eliminated
9. Texans (+1)
What a story out of Houston! Expect to finish in the basement of the weak AFC South, they had a spectacular season and finished with a well deserved AFC South Title (courtesy of the Jaguars). Hosting the Browns is a tall order for a young and inexperienced Texans team, but they’re hungry for success and I think they can keep up with Cleveland. That being said, Houston hosting can make a huge difference; The Browns are 3-5 on the road this season.
Make Playoffs: Clinched
Win Division: Clinched
First Round Bye: Eliminated
10. Rams (+3)
After a sudden and drastic turnaround halfway through the season has Los Angeles in the playoffs. While I truly don’t see this team going far in the playoffs (That Defense is atrocious), it’s a sign that things are heading in the right direction at least. Matt Stafford is returning home to Detroit in his playoff return to face the Lions. Can Stafford get his revenge for being swapped to the sunshine of California?
Make Playoffs: Clinched
Win Division: Eliminated
First Round Bye: Eliminated
11. Eagles (-2)
Can someone check on Philadelphia? They’ve lost 4 of 5 and choked away the NFC East coming down to the end of the season. With Dallas taking the Division, the Eagles are stuck playing on the road for what appears to be the entirety of the Playoffs, starting off in Tampa. While the Buccaneers should be an easy win for Philly, nothing is given for this team anymore. Losses to the Cardinals and Giants are worrying, as is glancing at the NFC playoffs. Can Philadelphia get through the likes of San Francisco, Dallas, and Detroit?
Make Playoffs: Clinched
Win Division: Eliminated
First Round Bye: Eliminated
12. Buccaneers (+2)
With their postseason lives on the line, Tampa was able to step up and eeke out a 9-0 over Carolina to clinch another NFC South Title. While it’s good to see the Buccaneers playing postseason football yet again, this is obviously the weakest of the Division winners and have a battle on their hands with Philadelphia coming to town. While I personally don’t think the Buccaneers have a chance in hell of beating the Eagles, weirder things have happened. Best of luck to you Tampa, you’re gonna need it!
Make Playoffs: Clinched
Win Division: Clinched
First Round Bye: Eliminated
13. Steelers (+5)
With their big win over the Ravens, Pittsburgh needed an upset loss to the Jaguars to make the big dance, and they somehow got it. While the Steelers have had a little luck getting to the postseason, its been all for naught, failing to win a playoff game since 2016. Their last win? The Pre-Patrick Mahomes Chiefs. With TJ Watt carrying the team on his back, I could trust the Steelers to possibly get a win. Now that Watt is feared to have torn his MCL? Their date in Buffalo suddenly seems rough. Can Mason Rudolph “the Red Zone Reindeer” lead his team to an upset of Buffalo?
Make Playoffs: Clinched
Win Division: Eliminated
First Round Bye: Eliminated
14. Packers (+6)
Somehow, someway, Green Bay snuck into the 7th seed and made the 2024 NFL Playoffs. While their season has had its share of ups and downs, it’s nice to see some progress, especially from Jordan Love. That being said, it’s highly unlikely the Packers make it out of the Wildcard round. Going into Dallas, where the Cowboys are undefeated, is intimidating enough, but upsetting one of the teams with the highest point differential in the League? Woof.
Make Playoffs: Clinched
Win Division: Eliminated
First Round Bye: Eliminated
15. Seahawks (-4)
The 12th man sat around their TVs after their win against the Cardinals hoping and praying to see the Bears upset the Packers, but were let down. That being said, the blame doesn’t rest on the Bears. With the Seahawks losing 4 straight in the middle of the playoff race made the road to the playoffs only harder on themselves. So, after barely missing the playoffs, what are the Seahawks to do? Do they keep the status quo and chalk it up to bad luck, or do they attempt a change? Geno Smith is a temporary fix, and Drew Lock doesn’t appear to be the answer in the Pacific Northwest, so do they turn to the draft? That pick from the Broncos suddenly isn’t so promising, but there should be some promising candidates at QB, namely JJ McCarthy or maybe Michael Penix Jr?
Make Playoffs: Eliminated
Win Division: Eliminated
First Round Bye: Eliminated
16. Colts (-4)
Despite the heartbreaking loss to the Texans to end their season, the Colts had a helluva season. Shane Steichen has done a tremendous job with the team and could be a dark horse for Coach of the Year, Gardner Minshew proved he can be a serviceable starter in the NFL, and the Defense proved that their no pushover. Indianapolis is trending in the right direction and could make the playoffs, but the team (specifically the Defense) is older, so how long is the Colts competitive window open?
Make Playoffs: Eliminated
Win Division: Eliminated
First Round Bye: Eliminated
17. Bengals (-1)
Not too shabby of a season for Cincinnati. With their 31-14 win over Cleveland, the AFC North became the first division since 1935 to have all their teams finish with a winning record. While this season is still a failure for Bengals fans’ expectations, I’m still proud of them. Losing your star QB isn’t easy, but the Bengals just kept rolling. Heading into the Offseason, all they have to worry about is getting healthy. There’s still hope for ya, Queen City.
Make Playoffs: Eliminated
Win Division: Eliminated
First Round Bye: Eliminated
18. Saints (+1)
Even after blowing the Falcons out to increase their odds for the Division, the Buccaneers win effectively ended their season. Of course, the Saints waited until their last game of the season to unleash their Offensive prowess. This seems like the last season that New Orleans can truly compete. Their cap is an absolute mess and field one of the oldest teams in the League. I don’t know how long the Saints front office thinks this team can compete, but as a knowledgeable NFL fan, this is it. Unless they can cut cap and draft well, the Saints are screwed.
Make Playoffs: Eliminated
Win Division: Eliminated
First Round Bye: Eliminated
19. Broncos (-2)
Now that the season is officially over, it’s time for Denver to start cleaning out their closet. After having no 1st round picks these past two seasons, they finally have one for 2024, but sent their 2nd to New Orleans as part of the Sean Payton trade. Russell Wilson appears to be on his way out to finally put an end to a disappointing era, but who will be at QB next year? If Wilson stays, things will certainly be awkward between him and Payton. If they choose to move on from Wilson, his cap hit will make it hard for the Broncos to be competitive in the off-season, so the draft is their only option. A lot rests on this off-season for the Mile High.
Make Playoffs: Eliminated
Win Division: Eliminated
First Round Bye: Eliminated
20. Jaguars (-5)
Death by Duval? Jacksonville went from a 96% chance of winning the AFC South in week 13, to completely missing the playoffs altogether. Their fall from grace could be blamed on Trevor Lawrence’s injury, but it’s deeper than that. Coaching refusing to adapt, the Offensive slump, and the Defense being unable to stop anyone have all affected the Jaguars 9-8 finish. Somewhat ironic considering Jacksonville ended the Titans season last year after blowing the Division, just for the Titans to end Jacksonville’s season after they blew the Division. If this trend continues, congrats to the Indianapolis Colts for winning the AFC South next year over the Texans. Weird stuff.
Make Playoffs: Eliminated
Win Division: Eliminated
First Round Bye: Eliminated
21. Raiders (+1)
Las Vegas has had a season that would put nights at the casino to shame: Disappointment, celebration, disappointment, celebration, disappointment. From starting 3-5, to getting over .500, to losing some games, to hanging 63 points on the Chargers, to being eliminated. While a 2nd place finish in the AFC West wasn’t in the cards, the Raiders made do. QB is still a huge question going into the offseason, along with the Head Coach position, they have time to make the right decision, but let’s be real, Las Vegas and great decision making have never gone hand in hand.
Make Playoffs: Eliminated
Win Division: Eliminated
First Round Bye: Eliminated
22. Vikings (-1)
Minnesota had one of the most chaotic seasons in recent memory. Starting the season 0-3, many pundits had forgotten all about the Vikings. They were able to temporarily save their season until Kirk Cousins fell to a season ending ACL injury. What followed was an absolute mess; A mid-season trade for Joshua Dobbs, Justin Jefferson going down, Dobbs getting benched for Nick Mullens, Jefferson coming back, then suddenly losing TJ Hockenson for the rest of the season. Even through all of that, the Vikings were still in contention all the way until their loss to the Lions on Sunday. Give credit where credit is due, most teams would falter to less. Now to just get healthy and try again next season.
Make Playoffs: Eliminated
Win Division: Eliminated
First Round Bye: Eliminated
23. Bears (0)
Progress is afoot in Chicagoland, both on and off the field. On the field, the Bears were able to somewhat turn their season around and finish with a respectable 7-10 season, despite starting the season 1-5. Over that stretch, they went 6-5, which isn’t bad whatsoever. Justin Fields is improving and the Bears have the 1st overall pick to play with. Off the field, the McCaskeys are looking at possible stadium sites, with Arlington Park being the front runner and rumors suggesting a stadium just south of Soldier Field. Big things are happening for Da Bears, but can they close on anything they’re planning?
Make Playoffs: Eliminated
Win Division: Eliminated
First Round Bye: Eliminated
24. Cardinals (+1)
Another wasted season in the Desert. Although big wins over playoff teams in Dallas, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh are certainly something to brag about, but what else is there? Kyler Murray’s return was serviceable, the team hadn’t improved much, coaching was OK, and ownership is still middling. There isn’t much to cheer on in Glendale and it’s been the theme since the mid 2010’s. After a Super Bowl run in 2008 and being cheated out of a run in 2015, Cardinals fans have to be wanting more from their team, but when will ownership be dedicated to winning?
Make Playoffs: Eliminated
Win Division: Eliminated
First Round Bye: Eliminated
25. Falcons (-1)
That was nothing short of disappointing. At no point did Atlanta look like a true contender. Desmond Ridder isn’t the answer, Bijan Robinson was aggravatingly underused, the underrated Defense fell apart, and Arthur Smith is out. Whoever comes in next has to find a way to fix the mess that is the Falcons, but it won’t be easy. Atlanta has been a mess since…you know what…and hasn’t fully recovered since. Falcons fans are losing patience.
Make Playoffs: Eliminated
Win Division: Eliminated
First Round Bye: Eliminated
26. Titans (0)
After losing the AFC South on the last week of the 2022 season, Tennessee was supposed to come back stronger and compete again for the Division, what actually happened was a disappointing 6-11 season which slammed the Titans competing window closed. Ryan Tannehill is over the hill, Derrick Henry will probably leave in Free Agency, and coach Mike Vrabel has been fired. At this point, the Titans have to be eyeing a rebuild around Rookie sensation Will Levis. It’s truly the end of an era for Tennessee.
Make Playoffs: Eliminated
Win Division: Eliminated
First Round Bye: Eliminated
27. Giants (0)
Now that this season of “The Sopranos” is over, New York has nothing but questions to ask themselves heading into the playoffs. Who’s fault was the sudden fall from playoff competitor to top 10 pick? What will become of Danny Dimes and his albatross of a contract? Will Saquon Barkley resign this off-season? What about hometown hero Tommy Devito? Coaching looks stable, but nothing else is.
Make Playoffs: Eliminated
Win Division: Eliminated
First Round Bye: Eliminated
28. Jets (0)
Yeesh, what a season for Gang Green. It started so promising, but was heartbreak after heartbreak from kickoff. Jets fans got to see their new Franchise QB in action for a whole 3 minutes until Aaron Rodgers went down for the season. After that, it was a carousel of “The Milfman”, Tim Boyle, Trevor Siemian, and Brett Rypien. New York’s heads are still spinning. The Defense, that should’ve been among the League’s best, was awful. Can the team rebound and truly compete next year with a healthy Offense and reinvigorated Defense, or was this all just a waste of everyone’s time?
Make Playoffs: Eliminated
Win Division: Eliminated
First Round Bye: Eliminated
29. Commanders (0)
Ownership, please do something! Other than let Riverboat Ron go! Ending the season on an 8 game losing streak and possibly ruining another QB in Sam Howell isn’t a good look for things. For DC’s sake, I want the Commanders to be good again! The future is still bright for fans, with the name “Redskins” possibly returning, a possible new Stadium in Northern Virginia, and a fresh start for the team in the plans, but can we trust the new ownership? Josh Harris was able to turn the NBA’s 76ers and NHL’s Devils into competitive and beloved teams, but can he do the same thing in Washington? Hopefully we’ll see some progress this offseason.
Make Playoffs: Eliminated
Win Division: Eliminated
First Round Bye: Eliminated
30. Chargers (0)
Los Angeles is in deep trouble. While the Rams are enjoying their time in the limelight, the Chargers are the former star hoping their agent will call. The Chargers are Gary Sinise (remember him?) to the Rams Tom Cruise. With Brandon Staley getting the boot, whoever takes over for this team is in for trouble; $30+ million over the cap, an underperforming playoff roster, a temporarily broken QB, and a fanbase that wants nothing to do with the team. It’s certainly an ugly situation and will be difficult to fix, but a good coach can turn any team around. A lot of rumors link Bill Belichick to the Chargers, but uncertainty still rests in New England. How long can Los Angeles wait patiently?
Make Playoffs: Eliminated
Win Division: Eliminated
First Round Bye: Eliminated
31. Patriots (0)
Speaking of Bill Belichick, what is to become of him in New England? Some rumors stated he was on his way out, while others state he’s being retained. Surely Robert Kraft is upset with how the Patriots played this season, but how much of it is Bill’s fault? Mac Jones has been outplayed by Bailey Zappe, the rest of the Offense is quiet, the Defense is old, and everything seems to be held together with tape. Gillette Stadium has been empty compared to the glory days, with attendance figures being the worst the over 20 year old building has seen. These are some dark times in Foxborough.
Make Playoffs: Eliminated
Win Division: Eliminated
First Round Bye: Eliminated
32. Panthers (0)
Thank god the season is finally over. Finishing with the League’s worst record and not even having the pick to show for it is damning. Bryce Young has to become a Superstar in the League for the trade to at least be balanced. As of right now, it’s worse than Baltimore’s trade of John Elway. Right now, the Panthers organization is burning from inside and its depressing to see. Once one of the most competitive young teams in the NFL, they’ve got off the deep end. Fans don’t care anymore, both Carolina’s tired of David Teppers crap, and having one of the older stadiums in the League; The Panthers are in deep trouble. I’m going to take an extremely hot take: The Panthers look to relocate before 2027. The teams agreement with the city of Charlotte runs out this off-season, and with the team failing to attract fans, it’s not looking promising. I’m so sorry Panthers fans, you all are great fans and don’t deserve this.
Make Playoffs: Eliminated
Win Division: Eliminated
First Round Bye: Eliminated
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