+2
Predictions:
AFC
Broncos @ Bills
Steelers @ Ravens
Chargers @ Texans
Chargers @ Chiefs
Ravens @ Bills
Bills @ Chiefs
NFC
Packers @ Eagles
Commanders @ Bucs
Vikings @ Rams
Commanders @ Lions
Vikings @ Eagles
Eagles @ Lions
Super Bowl
Eagles vs. Chiefs
I'm an Eagles fan, so obviously I'm biased, but I think they're the most complete team in the NFC. #1 defense in the league; excellent against the pass and rush; arguably the best offensive line; excellent playmakers; best RB; dynamic QB; playoff experience. Special teams is my only concern, as Jake Elliot hasn't been very reliable this season. They finished the season 14-3, but two of those losses can be directly attributed to inexplicable drops late in the 4th quarter (Saquon against Atlanta; Devonta Smith against Washington) that would've sealed each game -- and I doubt the Washington game would've even been that close if Hurts hadn't suffered a concussion early in the 1st quarter. They had some quality wins against fellow playoff teams like the Rams, Ravens and Steelers. I think this Eagles team is better than the team that made the Super Bowl two years ago, particularly in the secondary. Yet I feel like they're flying under the radar a bit. The Lions are intimidating, but I think all the key injuries they've suffered will be their undoing. The Vikings are a very good team, but I can't buy them as a legitimate contender with Sam Darnold. The Commanders and Packers have bright futures, but it's not their time yet. Bucs are scrappy but benefitted from a weak division. Rams are a dark horse but I don't think they have enough talent defensively to make a deep run. Eagles all the way!
As for the AFC, I don't think the Texans, Broncos or Steelers are contenders. I could envision the Chargers surprising people and advancing to the AFC Championship, but it's going to be the Chiefs, Bills or Ravens in the Super Bowl. The Chiefs never looked particularly impressive, and it felt like they were essentially figuring themselves out most of the season with an offense that was often stuck in neutral, yet still they finished as the #1 seed. This team just doesn't lose. They're battle tested, resilient, and they always seem to make big plays in big moments (and if they don't, the refs tend to bail them out anyway). I'd rather see the Ravens or Bills represent the AFC, but no team has ever won 3 consecutive Super Bowls, so if the Chiefs pull off the three-peat, it'll be cool to witness history, I guess. Plus I'll always adore Andy Reid, so I'm not as fatigued by their success as a lot of people.