Just eight teams remain standing in the NFL Playoffs and the hunt for a coveted Super Bowl victory.
These divisional games are expected to feature inclement weather and some of the best players in the league giving everything possible to lead their teams to the mountaintop.
But how do the remaining eighth teams stack up leading into an eventful weekend?
Check out The Dallas Express NFL Divisional Round Power Rankings below:1
1. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs remain atop the power rankings following a bye in the wild-card round for very simple reasons: Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid. Kansas City has made the playoffs six times since Mahomes was named the starting quarterback in 2018, winning the Super Bowl three times and making the AFC Championship game in every season.
Although past success does not dictate future performance, a six-year sample size is large enough to account for some factors in the playoffs. Kansas City has also gotten healthier throughout the season while still boasting one of the best defenses in the league. Combine these factors with the home-field advantage in Arrowhead and the Chiefs are the clear favorites to win a third-straight Super Bowl.
2. Detroit Lions
Detroit is entering this divisional round as one of the most injury-riddled teams remaining in the league, yet the Lions should still be the favorites to win the NFC due to an explosive offense and home-field advantage. The Lions have scored an average of 33.2 points per game this season and the offense is still one of the healthiest in the league, but the injury concerns have taken over the majority of the defense.
This defense allowed teams to score 30 or more points three times in the final six weeks of the season, indicating that this team will likely have to win games in shootouts to make the Super Bowl. However, both offensive and defensive coordinators for the team are proving to be some of the most impactful in the NFL and should be able to alleviate any of the biggest concerns. Detroit is the obvious favorite to win the NFC and make the first Super Bowl in franchise history.
3. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles’ win over the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round was incredibly impressive due to the struggles the offense had scoring the ball. Defense has been one of the few concerns for this team in previous seasons and the continued performance of the defense will be incredibly beneficial for this team in the coming games. Additionally, the upcoming matchup against the Rams is expected to be very cold with a chance of snow during portions of the game. This means that Philadelphia wilk be able to utilize the strengths of the offense and build around a dominant offensive line and running back.
The biggest concern for Philadelphia is a seemingly lackluster passing offense, highlighted by quarterback Jalen Hurts throwing for over 200 yards just once in his last five full games. The Eagles may not have the best odds of representing the NFC in the Super Bowl, but this team is a clear favorite behind the Lions for that spot.
4. Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen and the Bills’ offense has proven to be one of the most impressive in the league this season and can carry this team to the Super Bowl. Buffalo must control the game clock and focus on running the ball during a divisional matchup that is expected to feature snow. This will allow the team to gain momentum and open up larger plays later in the game. While Buffalo ranks among the top of the league in scoring defense, this team has also allowed multiple opponents to run up the score in previous games during the regular season. Despite Head Coach Sean McDermott contributing a large part of the defensive game plan, the ability to contain the Ravens in this matchup stands out as the biggest concern. Playing at home will be beneficial for a team that thrives off momentum and staying on schedule against opponents. This game will be the most difficult of the season for Buffalo, but the right game plan and points of emphasis will set this team up for success.
5. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens have looked more impressive as the season has continued with both the offense and defense seemingly beginning to click on all levels. Baltimore utilized option plays against the Steelers to perfection and allowed both Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry to thrive in the run game. This team will likely look to use a similar style of play with wide receiver Zay Flowers likely to miss another game with a knee sprain. Baltimore has many of the pieces to take down Buffalo on the road and compete for a Super Bowl this season.
However, the ghosts of defensive struggles and previous playoff losses could still haunt this team in the coming games. Baltimore has improved significantly on defense throughout this season but has still shown moments of weakness in the back half of the year. Similarly, previous playoff appearances ended in losses featuring odd game plans that allowed other teams to take advantage of offensive weaknesses, which is something this coaching staff will look to avoid in a potential snow game this weekend. Regardless, Baltimore is playing at an incredibly high level and has the potential to beat any team in the league when playing at its best.
6. Los Angeles Rams
Los Angeles has two of the biggest keys to winning any games in the playoffs, as Head Coach Sean McVay and quarterback Matthew Stafford are two of the best remaining at each of their roles. This offense has continued to win in various ways during the season with McVay and Stafford at the helm. This team also features an impressive receiving corps and an improving offensive line that could be the key to victory.
The Rams must focus on getting to the quarterback quickly on every passing possession as the secondary is still growing and could struggle against a dominant group of receivers. While there is expected to be snow in the Rams’ matchup with the Eagles this weekend, these conditions also favor a physical Eagles team that wins at the line of scrimmage. Los Angeles must focus on getting quick pressure on Hurts to prevent big plays in the passing game.
7. Houston Texans
CJ Stroud put together one of his most impressive games of the season in the wild-card round against the Chargers. The Texans’ offense has been up-and-down all season but has seemingly found its stride during an easy win in the first round. The offense joins a defense that has been impressive all season and features two of the best edges in the league in Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. Maintaining possessions on offense while creating negative plays on defense will be the biggest keys to success for Houston in a difficult road matchup.
Houston still has one major concern, as the interior offensive line could struggle to contain one of the biggest game-wreckers in the league against Kansas City. Defensive tackle Chris Jones has the chance to take over against Houston and an offensive line that has been amongst the worst all season. Combine Jones’s abilities to change a game and Chiefs’ defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s game plans and the Texans’ offensive line could struggle early and often in this matchup.
8. Washington Commanders
Washington has been one of the most explosive and fun teams to watch in the NFL this season and will look to continue this run in a difficult matchup against the Detroit Lions. Just two teams this season, the Commanders and Lions, have scored points on at least 50% of drives this season. The composure and on-field abilities of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels will likely be the biggest factor in how far this team is able to go in the playoffs.
The largest concern for this team entering the divisional round is the issues in rush defense, as Washington allows an average of 135.4 rushing yards per game, which is the sixth-lowest of any team in the league. The Commanders will have to focus on the run to slow down an explosive Lions offense in the divisional round and hope to win the game. While this is not an impossible task and the Commanders can win this game with the right game plan, the environment and odds will both be working against this young team.