With the NFL playoffs now upon us, our man Aaron Rose gives his lowdown of who he expects to make a deep run toward the promised land of the Super Bowl.
The NFL playoffs are here, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. At the top of the NFC, the Detroit Lions have transformed into a powerhouse, earning the top seed and setting their sights on a historic Super Bowl run. In the AFC, the Baltimore Ravens boast the league’s most dangerous offense, challenging the Kansas City Chiefs’ reign atop the conference. Meanwhile, teams like the Philadelphia Eagles bring a blend of physicality and postseason experience, making them a wildcard no one should underestimate.
This year’s playoff field is a perfect mix of dominant favorites and teams built to disrupt the hierarchy. Can the Lions deliver on their breakout season and bring Detroit its long-awaited moment of glory? Will Lamar Jackson and the Ravens finally overcome the playoff hurdles that have defined their past? And could a team like the Eagles, with their elite rushing attack and stout defense, surprise everyone on the road to the Super Bowl?
As the journey to February begins, we’re diving into the favorites, the challengers, and what it will take for each to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.
The Favorites: Detroit’s Offense and Grit Set Them Apart
The Detroit Lions are no longer the NFL’s underdog story—they’re the real deal. A 15-2 record, the NFC’s top seed, and an offense that can dismantle defenses in countless ways have propelled Detroit to Super Bowl favorites. This isn’t just a feel-good tale of a long-suffering franchise finding success; it’s a showcase of what happens when talent, toughness, and timing converge.
Jared Goff, once dismissed as a placeholder, has become the unshakable leader of an offense that can beat you with precision or power. Amon-Ra St. Brown operates like a cheat code in the slot, seemingly always open, while Jahmyr Gibbs has brought a burst of speed and versatility to the backfield, making the Lions’ offense even harder to contain. Behind them, the Lions’ offensive line has been a fortress, keeping Goff clean and allowing the playmakers to shine.
Defensively, the Lions bring a relentless energy that reflects their head coach Dan Campbell. They may not be perfect, but they’re resilient, and they have a knack for stepping up in the game’s biggest moments. After years of irrelevance, Detroit has built something real, something sustainable, and something every other team in the NFC now has to reckon with.
AFC’s Team to Beat: Baltimore’s Offense Makes Them Unstoppable
The Kansas City Chiefs might have the AFC’s top seed, but the Baltimore Ravens are the team everyone is watching. With the league’s best offense leading the way and a dynamic quarterback in Lamar Jackson playing at an MVP level, the Ravens have established themselves as the most dangerous team in the conference. Their league-leading Expected Points Added (EPA) only underscores their offensive dominance.
What sets this Ravens team apart heading into the playoffs is their growth on defense. Early in the season, stopping opposing offenses felt like an afterthought—they gave up yards and points at an alarming rate. But in the back half of the season, they’ve tightened things up. A few strategic shifts and a stronger presence in the secondary have brought a much-needed edge to a unit that looked lost at times. While it’s still not their strength, the defense has improved enough to complement Baltimore’s juggernaut offense.
The formula is simple: Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, and an arsenal of weapons on offense will outscore you, and the defense is finally holding its own. Even with Kansas City in the picture, Baltimore feels like the team to beat in the AFC.
The Long(er) Shot: Why the Eagles Are Built for a Playoff Run
The Philadelphia Eagles may not have the NFC’s top seed, but they’re one of the most well-rounded teams in the playoffs. With a 14-3 record, the league’s No. 1 rushing offense led by Saquon Barkley, and a defense ranked first in Expected Points Added (EPA) and second in points allowed per game, the Eagles are built to thrive in high-stakes January football.
Offensively, the Eagles’ identity revolves around the ground game. Barkley has been nothing short of spectacular, combining power and explosiveness to lead the NFL in rushing yards. His ability to dominate time of possession and wear down defenses is a crucial asset in the playoffs. Jalen Hurts has provided steady leadership, distributing the ball efficiently and adding his own dual-threat element to complement Barkley’s dominance.
Defensively, the Eagles have been elite, shutting down opponents with a unit that thrives on both physicality and efficiency. Their ability to limit scoring opportunities and disrupt opposing offenses gives them the kind of edge that becomes invaluable in tight playoff matchups. While the Lions have captured the NFC’s spotlight, the Eagles have all the tools to make a deep run. With their elite rushing attack and a defense that can stop anyone, Philadelphia is the perfect dark horse contender.