NFL playoff predictions to win AFC, NFC, Super Bowl 59
The NFL is entering its penultimate week of the regular season.
The Kansas City Chiefs (14-1), Buffalo Bills (12-3), Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5), Houston Texans (9-6) and Baltimore Ravens (10-5) have already clinched playoff spots in the AFC. While the Detroit Lions (13-2), Philadelphia Eagles (12-3), Minnesota Vikings (13-2) and Green Bay Packers (11-4) all earned playoff berths in the NFC.
There are two remaining spots in the AFC and three more playoff openings in the NFC.
In the AFC, the Los Angeles Chargers (9-6) have a 94% chance to reach the postseason. Los Angeles travels to New England to take on the Patriots (3-12) on Saturday. The Denver Broncos currently hold the final wild-card spot. Denver is at Cincinnati to face a hungry Bengals (7-8) club which is still in the hunt.
The Indianapolis Colts (7-8), Miami Dolphins (7-8) and Bengals are the teams on the AFC playoff bubble. Each of them have less than a 15% chance to make the postseason.
In the NFC, the Los Angeles Rams (9-6) sit atop the NFC West. The Rams have an 85% chance to reach the postseason. The Atlanta Falcons (8-7) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7) are tied for the best record in the NFC South, but Atlanta owns the head-to-head tiebreaker. The Washington Commanders (10-5) have a 94% chance to make the postseason. Washington hosts the Falcons Sunday night. The Commanders and two NFC North teams will likely fill the three NFC wild-card spots.
The 2024 NFL playoffs begin in a few weeks. Here's an early look at some predictions and picks to win the AFC, NFC and which team will be the Super Bowl 59 champion.
(All postseason probabilities provided by Next Gen Stats)
AFC standings
- Kansas City Chiefs: AFC West winners (14-1)
- Buffalo Bills: AFC East winners (12-3)
- Pittsburgh Steelers: AFC North leaders (10-5)
- Houston Texans: AFC South winners (9-6)
- Baltimore Ravens: First wild card (10-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers: Second wild card (9-6)
- Denver Broncos: Third wild card (9-6)
AFC Championship prediction
Chiefs outlast Ravens (again)
I picked the Ravens to dethrone the back-to-back Super Bowl champions in my preseason NFL predictions. Lamar Jackson and the Ravens have the talent to beat Kansas City, but their pass defense and inability to consistently rush the passer are both concerning.
Patrick Mahomes might not have the eye-popping numbers this year, but he’s still the best and most clutch quarterback in the game. It shouldn’t be understated that the Chiefs wide receiving corps got a boost with the return of Hollywood Brown. Plus, DeAndre Hopkins has emerged as a go-to WR option.
The Chiefs have the most efficient third down offense in the league. Can Baltimore’s defense make crucial stops versus a Mahomes-led offense in Kansas City? It’s hard to bet against the Chiefs, especially at Arrowhead Stadium.
Of the Chiefs' 14 wins, 12 have been by one score. They have an uncanny ability to win in a variety of ways. That’s a testament to all three phases.
NFC standings
- Detroit Lions: NFC North leaders (13-2)
- Philadelphia Eagles: NFC East leaders (12-3)
- Los Angeles Rams: NFC West leaders (9-6)
- Atlanta Falcons: NFC South leaders (8-7)
- Minnesota Vikings: First wild card (13-2)
- Green Bay Packers: Second wild card (11-4)
- Washington Commanders: Third wild card (10-5)
NFC Championship prediction
Eagles soar over Lions
The Eagles missed Jalen Hurts after he was concussed during Week 16’s loss to the Commanders. Hurts isn’t expected to miss an extended period of time. That’s good news for Philly, because the Eagles are the most complete team in the NFC when they are healthy.
Conversely, the Lions have been decimated by injuries, especially on the defensive side of the football. The Lions deserve credit for being able to withstand multiple injuries. However, it’s going to catch up with them at some point.
The Lions will advance to their second straight NFC Championship game but lose a high-scoring affair to the Eagles.
Running back Saquon Barkley, who leads the NFL in yards from scrimmage, has a stellar performance on the road in Motown. Plus, Jalen Carter and the Eagles defense make a few crucial plays to help assist in the victory.
Super Bowl 59 predictions
Chiefs 27, Eagles 26
History is made in the Big Easy.
Patrick Mahomes saves his best for the last game of the season. His performance helps the Chiefs to become the first team in NFL history to win three consecutive Super Bowls.
Mahomes passes for a season-high (including playoffs) 335 yards and three touchdowns versus the No. 1 pass defense in the NFL. Hollywood Brown and Xavier Worthy both have the ability to take the top off of the defense. While DeAndre Hopkins and Travis Kelce are always threats on short and intermediate routes.
Mahomes showcases why he’s the best quarterback as he methodically orchestrates touchdown drives in what will be an MVP performance. On the other side of the football, Chris Jones and the Chiefs’ defense contain Philly’s rushing attack.
The Chiefs have taken the best shot of all their opponents and have been in big games all season long. It’ll work to their advantage on the biggest stage in football. They’ll rise to the moment with history on the line.
Super Bowl 59 odds breakdown
According to the current betting odds at BetMGM, the Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions have the best odds of winning Super Bowl 59 at +425.
NFL playoff schedule
- Wild card round: Saturday, Jan. 11 to Monday, Jan. 13, 2025
- Divisional round: Saturday, Jan. 18 to Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025
- Conference championship: Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025
- Super Bowl: Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025
Follow Paste BN Sports' Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.