NFL · 1 year ago

Power Ranking the 8 Teams in the NFL Divisional Playoffs

Danny Mogollon

Host · Writer

1) Kansas City Chiefs (12-6): @ Buffalo (+2.5)
You can bet against Patrick Mahomes… I won’t. He’s still the best player at the most critical position. This is the best defense the Chiefs have fielded of the Mahomes era. It’s not just Chris Jones. Nick Bolton is a force, and they have productive edge rushers and top-notch cornerbacks. With a healthy Isiah Pacheco, KC has a balanced offense. Oh, and head coach Andy Reid is a proven winner. I like their odds. AFC Odds: +330 | Super Bowl Odds: +700
8) Houston Texans (11-7): @ Baltimore (+9.5)
The Texans not only made the playoffs with a rookie head coach and a rookie quarterback, but they’ve also won a playoff game. Impressive, considering a year ago, the NFL world was laughing at them for winning their final game to lose the No. 1 overall pick. C.J. Stroud was outstanding in his postseason debut; he was accurate, explosive, and efficient. They might be the least likely team to win this weekend, but they must be happy about the future. AFC Odds: +1300 | Super Bowl Odds: +3300
7) Tampa Bay Bucs (10-8): @Detroit (+6.5)
I don’t want to take too much away from the Bucs. Baker Mayfield was fantastic as he won his second playoff game with a second franchise. If not for some drops, his numbers would have been even gaudier. But much of what we saw on Monday night was the product of a disinterred Eagles team. Having said that, if Tampa’s defense (strong linebackers and secondary) shows up in Detroit, don’t count them out. NFC Odds: +1000 | Super Bowl Odds: +3300
6) Green Bay Packers (10-8): @ San Francisco (+9.5)
It’s too soon to say the Packers have their third elite QB with Brett Favre-to-Aaron Rodgers-to-Jordan Love, but boy, the kid looked impressive dropping dimes while under pressure in his playoff debut. With a proven veteran rusher in Aaron Jones and a deep group of young pass catchers, the Pack attack is legit. The defense has flashed, but can they stop the run enough to hang with San Fran? NFC Odds: +950 | Super Bowl Odds: +3000
5) Detroit Lions (13-5): vs. Tampa Bay (-6.5)
The Lions are on a steady upward trajectory. They set the offense in the right direction last season, led by Jared Goff, who surprised the NFL with his second act. It would be silly to say they won the Stafford trade, but Detroit certainly didn’t lose it, as they’ve accumulated enough assets to build a foundation. Second-year man Aidan Hutchinson is the ideal building block for a much-improved defense, but they’re at least a year away. NFC Odds: +310 | Super Bowl Odds: +900
4) Buffalo Bills (12-6): vs. Kansas City (-2.5)
Only four teams probably have a chance at winning the Super Bowl this season, and the Bills sneak into that top four. Josh Allen is by far the biggest reason why. This is also the most robust supporting cast he’s had on offense since they became a contender, including an improved running game. But with so many injuries on the other side of the ball, do they finally have the defense to finish on top? AFC Odds: +220 | Super Bowl Odds: +490
3) San Francisco 49ers (12-5): vs. Green Bay (-9.5)
If you have San Francisco ranked first, I get it. The roster is elite on both sides of the ball. Their top foursome on offense is a murders’ row of skill players with unmatched versatility. The Niners appear to be juggernauts who will make their second Super Bowl appearance under Kyle Shanahan. Here’s the rub: They’ve had one of the best rosters his entire tenure, and it’s unlikely they will have the best quarterback in the Super Bowl. NFC Odds: -180 | Super Bowl Odds: +175
2) Baltimore Ravens (13-4): vs. Houston (-9.5)
The college football fan in me — the games have to mean something, damn it! — has the Ravens ahead of the 49ers. We saw these teams play. This might be the deepest group of skill players surrounding Lamar Jackson, and how about that defense? DC Mike Macdonald has helped unlock career years for Justin Madubuike, Jadeveon Clowney, and Kyle Van Noy (9+ sacks each), with John Harbaugh’s steady hand guiding the ship. AFC Odds: +115 | Super Bowl Odds: +270
1) Kansas City Chiefs (12-6): @ Buffalo (+2.5)
You can bet against Patrick Mahomes… I won’t. He’s still the best player at the most critical position. This is the best defense the Chiefs have fielded of the Mahomes era. It’s not just Chris Jones. Nick Bolton is a force, and they have productive edge rushers and top-notch cornerbacks. With a healthy Isiah Pacheco, KC has a balanced offense. Oh, and head coach Andy Reid is a proven winner. I like their odds. AFC Odds: +330 | Super Bowl Odds: +700
8) Houston Texans (11-7): @ Baltimore (+9.5)
The Texans not only made the playoffs with a rookie head coach and a rookie quarterback, but they’ve also won a playoff game. Impressive, considering a year ago, the NFL world was laughing at them for winning their final game to lose the No. 1 overall pick. C.J. Stroud was outstanding in his postseason debut; he was accurate, explosive, and efficient. They might be the least likely team to win this weekend, but they must be happy about the future. AFC Odds: +1300 | Super Bowl Odds: +3300

Power Ranking the 8 Teams in the NFL Divisional Playoffs

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