With the 2022-23 NFL Regular Season behind us, Danny looks ahead and ranks the 14 remaining postseason teams.
#1. Kansas City Chiefs (14-3) (First-Round Bye)
Patrick Mahomes threw for a record breaking 5,562 passing yards this season, which helped the Chiefs finished the regular season by locking up the #1 seed in the AFC. Ever since Mahomes has been the starting QB, Kansas City has played in the AFC Championship game. The #1 offense in the NFL, led by the Coach Andy Reid will keep up their winning ways, and hoist the Lombardi trophy.
#2. San Francisco 49ers (13-4) (Wild Card Matchup: Seahawks)
The Niners had a hard start to the season when their top 2 QB’s Trey Lance and Jimmy Garapolo suffered injuries. But “Mr. Irrelevant”, Brock Purdy, has stepped up to lead a talented 49er roster, and secured the #2 seed in the NFC. The 49ers defense is among the best, as they lead the NFL in Interceptions (20). Watch out for this team, as I plan to see them face the Chiefs in the Super Bowl.
#3. Cincinnati Bengals (12-4) (WC Matchup: Ravens)
Cincinnati started off the season slow, with a meager 0-2 start, but Burrow and the Bengals quickly found their winning ways, ending the year with 8 Ws. Cincy clinched the AFC North, along with the #3 seed, and as they look ahead to another matchup against Baltimore, in the Wild Card round.
#4. Buffalo Bills (13-3) (WC Matchup: Dolphins)
The Bills finished hot, winning their last 7 games, which helped them capture the AFC East. Buffalo secured the #2 seed in the AFC, just one week after Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest. A high powered offense, as well as a strong defense heads into the playoffs, in search of the Lombardi.
#5. Philadelphia Eagles (14-3) (First-Round Bye)
Thanks to a Pro-Bowl season from Jalen Hurts and the NFL's best O-Line, Philly blazed to an 8-0 start. The Eagles defense has also stood strong, ranking 2nd in sacks, only behind the Patriots. The Eagles won the NFC East, and earned the first round bye.
#6. Minnesota Vikings (13-4) (WC Matchup: NY Giants)
Minnesota clinched the NFC North back in Week 15, for the first time since 2017. It’s been a wild year for the purple and gold. The team pulled off the biggest comeback in NFL history vs. the Colts in Week 15(down 33-0) and were 11-0 in one score games. An area of concern has been the Vikings defense, which ranks 31st in total yards allowed. On the bright side, Justin Jefferson has been the focal point of O'Connell's offense, and led the league in receiving yards (1,809).
#7. Dallas Cowboys (12-5) (WC Matchup: Buccaneers)
How 'bout them Cowboys! Dallas had a solid regular season, but finished on a sour note, after being defeated 26-6 by division rival, Washington. Dallas’ defense has been one to watch out for, led by young star Micah Parsons (13.5 sacks). One thing Dallas fans should be concerned about is Dak Prescott's turnovers, as he leads the league with 15 Interceptions.
#8. Los Angeles chargers (10-7) (WC Matchup: Jaguars)
The Chargers clinched a spot in the playoffs for the first time since 2017, one year after Daniel Carlson’s leg ended their hopes last season. Justin Herbert has been the leading force for this L.A. team, with 4,739 passing yards (3rd in NFL). Injuries have surely been a problem for the Chargers, as their top WRs Allen and Williams, have seen limited game action.
#9. Jacksonville Jaguars (9-8) (WC: Matchup: Chargers)
The 9-8 Jags started off 3-7, and many saw their season as lost. But the team from Jacksonville found a spark and won 6 of their last 7 games. Come January, the Jags find themselves hosting a playoff game, partly due to a 7 game collapse by division rival, Tennessee. This team is gutsy, flashy and fun. Football fans will be in for a treat, as young QBs Lawrence and Herbert face off for their playoff debuts, in Jacksonville.
#10. New York Giants (9-7-1) (WC Matchup: Vikings)
Rookie head coach Brain Daboll led the Giants back to the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Daboll has done a nice job with this Giants team that went 4-13 just one season before. A majority of the Giants players are making their postseason debut, such as RB Saquon Barkley, QB Daniel Jones, and rookie LB Kayvon Thibodeaux. Coach Daboll isn't worried about the lack of playoff experience, and is excited for a chance to beat Minnesota. Thanks to Greg Joseph’s 61 yard field goal, the Giants were defeated by Minnesota on Christmas Eve, back in week 16.
#11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9) (WC Matchup: Cowboys)
Tampa squeaked out the lowly NFC South with just a record of 8-9, which secured the #4 seed in the NFC. Tom Brady helped the Bucs secure its ticket by throwing for 4,964 yards (2nd in NFL) and 25 touchdowns. Brady has never lost to the Cowboys and he will look to keep it that way, as Tampa hosts Dallas, on Monday night.
#12. Baltimore Ravens (10-7) (WC Matchup: Cincinnati Bengals)
You might wonder why Baltimore is only at #12, despite a 10-7 record. This of course is because Lamar Jackson has been sidelined since Week13 with a knee sprain. Jackson is listed as questionable for their playoff matchup, against the Bengals, who they played just last week. On the bright side, Baltimore’s defense has stepped it up, partly thanks to the Roquan Smith signing. But their postseason hopes will largely depend on Lamar’s health, as they head into Wild Card weekend, looking to keep their season alive.
#13. Miami Dolphins (9-8) (WC Matchup: Buffalo Bills)
Miami snuck into the Playoffs, after squeaking by the New York Jets, 11-6, in Week 18. Miami’s season started off strong, going 8-3. The squad then lost their next 5, and had to win their final game to clinch a spot. The Fins were able to get it done, with third string QB, Skylar Thompson, and will head to Buffalo, to take on the Bills. Miami has definitely had a fair share of injuries this season, as QB Tua Tagovailoa has been sidelined many games this year, and is why Miami falls in #13. Tua is ruled out of this week's game.
#14. Seattle Seahawks (9-8) (WC Matchup: San Francisco 49ers)
No one expected the Seahawks to make the playoffs after trading away QB Russell Wilson. But Seattle did just that. Veteran QB Geno Smith, made his first Pro Bowl, and more importantly punched Seattle a ticket to the Playoffs. Thanks to Detroit for defeating Green Bay in Week 18, Seattle snuck in. It’s been a fun, unexpected year for Seattle, but they will have their hands full as they travel to San Francisco, to take on the 49ers.