Nolan Anderson’s Power Rankings: Playoff Special
We’re back! The NFL regular season is officially in the books, and the post-season is upon us! Let’s take a look at the power rankings for the teams ahead of the playoffs.
The Favorites
- Kansas City Chiefs (#1 seed AFC and first round bye)
Was there any doubt on the Super Bowl favorites, Mahomes quietly put together an MVP season en route to the AFC one seed. The AFC is crowded at the top with the Bills and Bengals all making a strong case to be the ‘best’ team, but with Mahomes and Andy Reid running the show, expect the Chiefs to make another deep playoff run.
- Buffalo Bills (#2 seed AFC)
With the second touchdown return on the day by running back Nyheim Hines, and Bills safety Damar Hamlin tweeting from his hospital bed, the Bills are certainly looking like a team of destiny. On paper the Bengals and Chiefs may have more complete rosters, but would you bet against this team?
- Cincinnati Bengals (#3 seed AFC)
After the game, Joe Burrow said the Bengals Superbowl window is open as long as he is playing. Heading into the post season, Burrow is playing at an elite level and a true threat to get back to the big game.
- Philadelphia Eagles (#1 seed NFC and first round bye)
The Eagles won a franchise record 14 games this season, and while quarterback Jalen Hurts looked rusty in his first return in action since his injury, the Eagles still have one of the most explosive offensives in the entire league. The bye week should allow the Eagles to hit the divisional round at full strength.
- San Francisco 49ers (#2 seed NFC)
It is the Brock Purdy world, and we are just living in it. The Mr. Irrelevant is one a six-game winning streak and has looked stellar on the field orchestrating Kyle Shanahan’s offense. With explosive weapons abound, and the top defense in the NFL, the 49ers are going to make noise this January.
The ‘we might surprise you’ tier
- Los Angeles Chargers (#5 seed AFC)
The Chargers have Justin Herbert behind center, and as one of the top young QB talents, they have a chance. Herbert needs to take a step and prove he should be mentioned in the same breath as Joe Burrow and Josh Allen this post season.
Here is hoping for his top weapon, wide receiver Mike Williams isn’t sidelines with the apparent injury he suffered in the season finale.
- Dallas Cowboys (#5 seed NFC)
The Cowboys were blown out in the finale game of the season against the Washington Commanders, with owner Jerry Jones calling it a nightmare of a loss. Heading into Wild card weekend, look for Prescott to get Cede Lamb involved early. The Cowboys will go as far as that duo can carry them.
- New York Giants (#6 seed NFC)
Danny Dimes, Brian Daboll, Kayvon Thibodeaux! This team is ahead of schedule and has real talent on the roster. Do not count out this team.
The ‘we’re just happy to be here’ tier
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (#4 seed NFC)
I am a big believer that you need to go at least .500 to earn a home playoff game. Tom Brady is 45 years old and is the GOAT, that is not in question. Tom Brady is a Super Bowl quarterback, but this team is not a Super Bowl roster.
- Minnesota Vikings (#3 seed NFC)
Does anyone believe in this team? I certainly don’t. Justin Jefferson can’t play on defense and this team cannot hold a lead. Im expecting a first round bounce out from the Vikes.
- Jacksonville Jaguars (#4 seed AFC)
The first team in NFL history to go from the first pick in the NFL draft to winning their division. They maybe ahead of schedule but the Jags may surprise some people as head coach Doug Marrone knows how to lead a team to victories in January.
- Seattle Seahawks (#7 Seed NFC)
The Seahawks will need to send some flowers to Detroit for knocking the Packers out of the playoffs.
The ‘we are happy to be here but don’t know who our QB is’ tier
- And 14. The Baltimore Ravens (#6 seed AFC) & Miami Dolphins (#7 seed AFC)
The Ravens and Dolphins are in the same boat, promising starts to the seasons ended when their starting quarterback missed extended time. Its unclear if either starter will play in wildcard weekend, without their quarterbacks, these teams aren’t going anywhere.
