Eight groups stay within the NFL playoffs, all of which have a reputable alternative on the Super Bowl. The Inexperienced Bay Packers had been the No. 7 seed and upset the Dallas Cowboys, turning into the primary No. 7 seed within the expanded playoff period to get up to now — so something is feasible.
The Detroit Lions have a chance to achieve the convention championship sport for the primary time because the 1991 season. Two of the groups remaining have by no means been to a Super Bowl and three have by no means gained one.
Which staff has the most effective likelihood to signify its convention in Las Vegas? We’re going by the best path to Vegas, not the expertise on the roster (though that may assist).
For all DeMeco Ryans and C.J. Stroud have achieved in Yr 1 collectively, the Texans simply have the hardest path to Vegas. Stroud has to face the seemingly MVP in Lamar Jackson and the Ravens on the street (towards the No. 1 scoring protection).
If the Texans survive in Baltimore, Houston is both going to Buffalo or Kansas Metropolis within the AFC Championship. Both staff can be robust to beat on the street, particularly any staff quarterbacked by Patrick mahomes and Josh Allen.
Can by no means rely out a No. 7 seed, particularly one which destroyed the Dallas Cowboys on the street. Being a No. 7 seed is a troublesome draw regardless, particularly when dealing with the No. 1 seed within the convention that has primarily rested its starters for 3 weeks.
The 49ers are going to be well-rested for this one. If the Packers had been to outlive this, they will be happening the street once more. The NFC Championship is arguably their best take a look at.
The Buccaneers could have a neater path than most suppose weather-wise. Tampa Bay performs Detroit in a dome and would both play host to Inexperienced Bay or journey to San Francisco — ought to the Buccaneers advance. The Buccaneers can be dealing with double-digit win groups the remainder of the way in which, however that wasn’t an issue within the wild-card spherical.
Taking part in the Lions of their first divisional spherical sport because the 1991 season is a really robust job.
Patrick Mahomes has by no means performed a real street sport within the playoffs, so it is a thriller how he’ll carry out — in Buffalo of all locations. Until the Texans pull off a stunner in Baltimore, the Chiefs will face the Payments and Ravens to get to the Super Bowl.
The Chiefs will face two top-five scoring defenses if that occurs — on the street. Onerous to rely out Mahomes and Andy Reid, however that is a tall job.
Good factor the Payments are enjoying one other sport in Buffalo in winter climate circumstances, giving them a bonus over any opponent. The Chiefs are used to the chilly climate because of their wild-card victory in destructive temperatures, so that they’re ready for what’s coming.
Buffalo can match up towards any of the groups remaining within the AFC playoffs with the way in which they’re enjoying, however Chiefs and Ravens is a brutal stretch (if the Ravens advance). The AFC playoffs actually are a gauntlet.
The Lions are enjoying their first divisional spherical sport since 1991, towards an opponent that had simply 9 wins this yr. Detroit truly beat Tampa Bay on the street this season, although the Buccaneers are a totally completely different staff than the one the Lions performed in Week 6.
If the Lions get previous the Buccaneers at residence, they will face the 49ers within the NFC Championship (assuming the 49ers win). Every thing proper now’s a bonus for the Lions, which makes them harmful.
House-field benefit within the postseason has benefit, although the Ravens blew this chance to an inferior opponent in 2019 (with Lamar Jackson at quarterback). Going through a rookie quarterback and rookie head coach is good for Baltimore, particularly for a staff that gained 13 video games and outscored their opponents by 203 factors.
The Texans aren’t a straightforward job, and dealing with the Chiefs or Payments can be extra of a problem. Taking part in at residence and having a bye has vital benefit on this 14-team playoff, which the Ravens ought to have the ability to capitalize on over the subsequent few weeks.
The 49ers have a straightforward draw within the NFC because of the Cowboys getting upset by the Packers, incomes the appropriate to face the No. 7 seed within the divisional spherical. Assuming the 49ers get previous the Packers, they will play host to both the Lions (who’ve by no means been to a Tremendous Bowl) or the Buccaneers (who gained 9 video games this yr) within the NFC Championship.
Would not harm the 49ers have the most effective roster within the convention and have been almost unstoppable towards NFC opponents. Onerous to seek out a neater path to Vegas than the one in entrance of the 49ers.
