DETROIT, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 20: Wilson brand footballs with the NFL logo are pictured during the game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns at Ford Field on November 20, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
The NFL Playoffs began on Saturday afternoon, and here is how each remaining team ranks after Sunday’s games:
Kansas City Chiefs
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JANUARY 13: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts as he takes the field before the AFC Wild Card Playoffs against the Miami Dolphins at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 13, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
They got the first-round bye in the AFC and will now face the Texans in the divisional round. The Texans are lucky to have even made the playoffs and caught a big break that the Chargers completely choked in the Wild Card round.
Detroit Lions
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – AUGUST 12: Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions takes the field to play the Atlanta Falcons for a NFL preseason game at Ford Field on August 12, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
They got the bye in the NFC, thanks to their huge win on SNF. They are a very tough team to beat in Detroit, which is why they are the favorite in the NFC. They will host Jayden Daniels and the Commanders in the Divisional round.
Buffalo Bills
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – OCTOBER 16: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills calls a play at the line during the third quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on October 16, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jason Hanna/Getty Images)
They are only ahead of the Ravens here because they have home field advantage when the two teams meet in the divisional round. They beat up the Broncos handily in their Wild Card round win.
Baltimore Ravens
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 06: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after a play against the Los Angeles Chargers during the fourth quarter in the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 06, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
They are playing their best football at the right time. They are as good as any team in the league right now, but possibly having to play in Buffalo and then possibly in KC to get to the Super Bowl affects their ranking. They made it look easy against the Steelers on Saturday night.
Philadelphia Eagles
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 29: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles takes the field against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter in the NFC Championship Game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 29, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
They could be as high as second on this list, but Jalen Hurts was out with a concussion, and the Eagles pass offense didn’t look good in their win over the Packers on Sunday. Their defense and the Packers mistakes is what carried them through their Wild Card round win.
Washington Commanders
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 06: Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders rushes against the Cleveland Browns at Northwest Stadium on October 06, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
It is tough for a rookie QB to win in the playoffs and even tougher to do it on the road. Daniels was able to do it in the divisional round in Tampa, but this week, he has a much tougher task as they head to Detroit to take on the Lions.
Minnesota Vikings
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – SEPTEMBER 15: Quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the Minnesota Vikings throws a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
Their loss on SNF sent them down to the fifth seed and also raised questions about how Sam Darnold can handle big situations like a playoff game. They have a tough task going up against the Rams tonight. If they win, they will play the Eagles.
Los Angeles Rams
ARLINGTON, TX – OCTOBER 29: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams drops back to pass during an NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on October 29, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
They will host a good Vikings team, but it will be in Arizona. At this point in the season, the Rams can beat anyone. They have a Super Bowl winning combo at QB and Head Coach and have gotten much stronger as a team as the season has progressed. If they beat the Vikings, they will go to Philadelphia to play the Eagles.
Houston Texans
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 10: C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans attempts a pass against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium on September 10, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
They are arguably only in the playoffs because they play in the worst division in the NFL. Still, they won their game on Saturday against the Chargers, thanks to a terrific game from their defense. Now they have to go to KC though, and their season is likely over.
