ClutchPoints
If you are a fan of one of the final 14 teams left standing, congratulations. Now the fun can begin. Our NFL Playoff Power Rankings have the usual suspects leading the way, but don’t expect all favorites to earn wins in the Wild Card round.
While the Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs each earned the top seed in their respective conferences, they will have plenty of competition to earn a bid to Super Bowl LIX.
Here’s the Wild Card round version of ClutchPoints’ NFL Playoff Power Rankings.
Handedly winning their Week 18 battle for the division, the Lions are back-to-back NFC North champions. Having earned a much-needed week of rest, Detroit gets to sit back and watch the rest of the NFC go at it.
The Week 18 win over the Minnesota Vikings was quite one-sided in favor of the Lions, as their offense eventually overwhelmed the stout Minnesota defense. Plus, with a rumored return for running back David Montgomery in the Divisional Dound, this already-strong team just might be getting better in time to make another run at the Super Bowl.
Expecting to see the top seed in the AFC here? Sorry, but the Buffalo Bills and their 13-4 record have a lot to say about that. While not having earned the number one seed in their conference, Buffalo has put together a super strong season so far, and they match up with the seven-seed Denver Broncos on Sunday.
Josh Allen will look to put another feather in his cap as he tries to make a strong case for winning the MVP, as the Bills will play host to a pesky Broncos team that should absolutely not be taken lightly. However, it’s up to Buffalo’s defense on Wild Card weekend, as they will be tested by a Denver offense that excels in the trenches and can set the tone for an upset early on if allowed.
While holding the top spot in the AFC, the Chiefs are not the first team from the AFC in our NFL Playoff Power Rankings. While it was foolish in the past to doubt the Chiefs in the playoffs, there is just something off about this year’s team, as they just don’t jump out at you.
Granted, a 15-1 record is nothing to scoff at, and neither is earning a bye in the playoffs. But the Kansas City offense has looked like a shell of itself at times this season, as Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce both have put up disappointing seasons.
So doubt this team at your own risk, but there are at least a few elements of doubt creeping into the conversation that can give you pause for their Super Bowl chances.
A run-heavy team loves to see the calendar turn to the cold months. The Baltimore Ravens and their two-headed rushing attack have certainly put their foot on the pedal down the stretch....
