Unsurprisingly, the defending Tremendous Bowl champion Kansas Metropolis Chiefs clinched the AFC’s No. 1 seed following a dominant 15-win season. Having clinched their tenth consecutive playoff berth, the Chiefs now look to do one thing that has by no means been achieved in NFL historical past by finishing a Tremendous Bowl three-peat. Nonetheless, successful their third consecutive title can be no small job for Kansas Metropolis, as this yr’s playoff subject is loaded with proficient groups wanting to knock off the defending champs. Let’s check out 5 playoff groups that pose the most important risk to thwart the Chiefs’ Tremendous Bowl three-peat bid.
Philadelphia Eagles
Regardless of not securing the NFC’s No. 1 seed, its laborious to argue in opposition to the Eagles as the most effective staff within the convention (and NFL) this season. Defensively, Philly completed with the No.1 protection in yards allowed per recreation (278.4) and No. 2 scoring protection (17.8 PPG). The staff was particularly stingy within the secondary, permitting simply 174.2 passing yards per recreation, the lowest total in the NFL.
Behind the stellar play of MVP candidates Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley, Philly was equally spectacular on offense. The bottom recreation was just about unstoppable, as Barkley was inside arm’s attain of breaking Eric Dickerson’s single-season speeding document. Moreover, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith continued to wreak havoc within the passing recreation. Coming into the postseason, the Eagles are arguably the most complete team within the NFL and the most important risk to the Chiefs’ three-peat bid.
Baltimore Ravens
Boasting arguably the league’s greatest backfield duo in Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, the Ravens should not be ignored on this yr’s playoff race. Baltimore completed with essentially the most complete yards (7,224) and have been the one staff to surpass 7,000 complete yards this season. In yr’s previous, the Ravens primarily relied upon their protection to hold them to victory. This yr, nevertheless, the Ravens’ electrical offense could possibly be the driving drive of a Lombardi trophy-clinching run in Baltimore. Fueled by a two-time MVP quarterback and generational working again in Henry, Baltimore can be a tricky out for any playoff staff and will stop the Chiefs from reaching the Tremendous Bowl solely ought to they cross paths.
Detroit Lions
After a large NFC Championship implosion final season, the Lions purpose to proper some wrongs this postseason. Just like the Eagles and Ravens, Detroit boasts an elite offense that may rating in bunches. This season, Detroit recorded the third most 20+ yards performs (62) within the NFL. It stays to be seen if quarterback Jared Goff can ship when the highlight is on, however Detroit has confirmed itself as a legit title risk this season.
Minnesota Vikings
Few folks anticipated the Vikings to thrive this season after shedding 2024 first-round draft decide J.J McCarthy to a torn meniscus previous to the common season. As a result of profession resurgence of signal-caller Sam Darnold, although, Minnesota finds itself within the hunt for a Tremendous Bowl title. Plus, with the league’s greatest receiver in Justin Jefferson, the Vikings are a viable darkish horse choice to punch their ticket to New Orleans.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams received off to a sluggish begin this season, however caught fireplace on the proper time to seize the NFC West crown. Ought to the proficient triumvirate of Cooper Kupp, Puka Nucua and Kyren Williams get rolling, it would not be shocking to see the Rams reel off a Tremendous Bowl run.
