As the NFL’s regular season wraps up, we approach the postseason. We are at the point in the year where playoff standings are not entirely certain, but we have seen enough of each team to know how good they truly are. Below are playoff-caliber teams that I think are either legit or frauds.
Contenders: Buffalo Bills
The Bills are one of the scariest teams in the AFC. Their offense is entirely based on Josh Allen, who is the clear-cut MVP to me. His level of play has been the key factor in elevating this Bills roster from a solid team to a consistent playoff team. Josh Allen manages to put up insane numbers with Khalil Shakir as his leading receiver. So far, he has 37 touchdowns and 11 turnovers. Josh Allen is their offense. Pair this along with their underrated defense led by Ed Oliver, Matt Milano, and Terrel Bernard, and they can do some serious damage in the postseason. After many deep playoff runs the past few years, expect this hungry Bills team to be ready to play.
Pretenders: Kansas City Chiefs
Don’t let the Chiefs’ inflated record of 15-1 fool you. They are not nearly as good as the record suggests. Eleven of their wins were one-score games and could have easily gone the other way. I’m not saying that the Chiefs are not contenders simply because they won some close games, but it’s gotten to a point where it looks more like luck than skill. Their offense has taken a step back without any doubt. Kelce has somewhat shown signs of aging; Mahomes needs more weapons; and they can’t seem to find solid offensive tackles. The Chiefs defense has been their strong suit this season, but they can still use some help on the defensive line and in the secondary to get them over the edge. Unfortunately, it’s nearly impossible for them to get the help they need until the off-season. Until then, they won’t be able to keep up with the better teams in the league.
Contenders: Detroit Lions
Everyone knows that the Lions are true contenders in the NFC this season. They are the number one seed for a reason. Despite getting hit with the injury bug this season, the Lions have still managed to look dominant. They continue to find ways to pile on the wins. Head coach Dan Campbell and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson’s gutsy calls are what separates this Lions team from the rest of the NFC teams. Key guys like Goff, Gibbs, St. Brown, LaPorta, and the entire offensive line have been exceptional this season.
Also, credit is due for Aaron Glenn who has this injury-ridden Lions defense allowing the seventh-least points per game. We may also see the return of Aidan Hutchinson, Alex Anzalone, and Carlton Davis III as the Lions make a push in the postseason. This well-rounded team will continue to do some serious damage and I don’t see another NFC team beating them anytime soon.
Pretenders: Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders are currently one of the most fun teams to watch in all of football. The turnaround since the sale of the team is unbelievable. The Commanders currently sit at 10-5 and are on their way to the playoffs with their newfound franchise quarterback. Who would’ve thought? Still, they have benefited heavily from an easy schedule and injuries to opposing teams. Jayden Daniels is surpassing everyone’s expectations, but he is still a rookie.
He could use more weapons outside of Terry McLaurin and a more reliable offensive line. On the defensive side, they need major upgrades on the defensive line. They aren’t generating enough pressures and are allowing the fourth-most rushing yards per game. While the turnaround of this Washington franchise has definitely been entertaining, they are not yet at the level where they pose a serious threat. They still need to prove that they can consistently beat the great teams.
Contenders: Minnesota Vikings
When rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy went down early in the preseason with a meniscus tear, the Vikings turned to backup quarterback Sam Darnold. Surprisingly, Darnold has been playing at a Pro Bowl level, leading this Vikings team to a 13-2 record. He is just one critical piece of this well-rounded offense. Their rushing game is solid in large part due to Aaron Jones and the offensive line.
Also, their receiver room, consisting of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson, is one of the most productive in the league when healthy. This offense ranks ninth in points per game. On the other side of the ball, Brian Flores, who is now in his second season with the team, is commanding this defense like no other. Although they do not have the most talented players on defense, they fly around and make it work.
They only allow 18.4 points per game which is the third-best in the league. They have been competitive with some of the better teams in the league and will continue to compete in their playoff run.
Pretenders: Houston Texans
Similar to this year’s Commanders, the Texans quickly turned around their franchise in 2023 with a rookie quarterback and new head coach leading the charge. However, this year’s Texans are just not the same as last year’s. It seems like rookie phenom C.J. Stroud has hit a sophomore slump. His stats have clearly regressed from last year. For example, he is on pace for 200 less passing yards while playing two more games; he has more than doubled his interceptions from last year; and his passer rating has dropped by 14.
It doesn’t help that Stefon Diggs and Nico Collins have missed significant time, but he still has other great weapons outside of his two best receivers. Their secondary, however, has been one of their stronger position groups this season, despite Jalen Pitre and Jimmie Ward missing some time. Held down by Derek Stingley Jr. and rookie Kamari Lassiter, this secondary is still allowing the sixth-fewest passing yards per game. But, their wins are all coming against the easier teams in the league. Just recently, they were exposed in a blowout win on Christmas by the Ravens.
The only good team they have beaten was the Bills by a hair. This young team needs another season or two to grow and recuperate, but they do have a bright future.
