The 2024 NFL postseason is upon us, with 14 teams still in the running for the ultimate prize — a trip to Super Bowl 59 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. After 272 regular-season games, the NFL playoff picture is set, and the road to the Lombardi Trophy is filled with daunting challenges, fierce competition, and star-studded rosters. From the AFC to the NFC, every team has a distinct path to the Super Bowl, but some are better equipped to make that journey than others.
We’ve ranked all 14 playoff teams based on their Super Bowl chances, from the long shots to the legitimate contenders on 2025 NFL draft: Updated first-round order, list of picks after Week 18
14. Denver Broncos
In a year that was supposed to be a rebuilding one, the Denver Broncos have overachieved in many ways. Coach Sean Payton, with his veteran leadership, has managed to guide this team to the playoffs despite rookie quarterback Bo Nix’s struggles and an offense that’s still finding its footing. The defense, led by standout performers, has been solid, but the Broncos have been inconsistent, particularly against high-powered offenses.
The road to the Super Bowl will be a brutal one, with tough matchups likely against teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Cincinnati Bengals. While it’s been a nice turnaround for Denver, this is likely the end of their postseason journey for this year. The Broncos’ chances of advancing far are slim unless they experience a major upset.
13. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers enter the playoffs on the back of a four-game losing streak. In those losses, they’ve struggled mightily to move the ball, with quarterback play being inconsistent. The defense has underperformed by its standards, and while T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward remain formidable, Pittsburgh’s roster as a whole looks unfit to challenge the NFL’s elite.
Still, the Steelers have a storied postseason history and could always play the role of spoilers. The potential for an upset against division rivals like the Baltimore Ravens exists, especially considering their ability to neutralize Lamar Jackson. However, their lack of offensive firepower and a weakened defense means their playoff run will likely be short-lived.
12. Houston Texans
After a promising start to the season, the Houston Texans have plateaued, struggling with injuries and an offense that lacks the consistency needed to win games in the postseason. Quarterback C.J. Stroud has had his ups and downs, and the Texans’ defense has been exposed at times, particularly in high-scoring matchups.
Despite a home playoff game thanks to their AFC South title, the Texans are likely one-and-done in the playoffs. The lack of experience and an unproven team makes it hard to imagine them advancing past stronger, more established teams.
11. Washington Commanders
Washington’s journey to the playoffs has been highlighted by the remarkable rise of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, whose poise and playmaking ability has given the Commanders new hope. However, it’s still a tough task for any rookie QB to carry a team deep into the playoffs, especially one without a proven offensive line or superstar playmakers.
While Daniels has been excellent, Washington’s defense is solid but not elite, and the overall roster is still coming together. A tough first matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will likely be too much to overcome, especially for a team with so much inexperience at quarterback and coaching. Washington’s run, though impressive, is likely to end early.
10. Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers have shown flashes of brilliance under first-year coach Jim Harbaugh. Justin Herbert is one of the league’s most talented quarterbacks, capable of carrying a team on his shoulders. The Chargers’ defense has been respectable, and they’ve demonstrated the ability to compete with the league’s best.
However, the Chargers’ Achilles’ heel is their inability to consistently play at a high level against elite competition. While their matchup against the Houston Texans seems favorable, the Chargers’ ability to survive against the AFC’s top teams — such as the Chiefs or Bills — remains questionable. Their playoff journey could end in the divisional round unless they can show they can compete with the NFL’s heavyweights.
9. Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers quietly put together a solid season, sneaking into the playoffs as the NFC’s seventh seed. With the versatile Jordan Love at quarterback and one of the league’s most respected coaching staffs, they’re well-coached and have a potent offense. Despite losing a key player in WR Christian Watson and struggling with injuries, Green Bay has a strong foundation to build upon.
However, their playoff path is a tough one, as they’ll have to win on the road in Philadelphia and Detroit, two teams that have been among the best in the NFC. The Packers have struggled against these elite teams this season, and without a fully healthy roster, their chances of advancing far in the postseason look slim. They may manage to secure a win, but a Super Bowl run is unlikely.
8. Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings put together a surprising 14-win season but now find themselves in a difficult position starting their postseason run as a wild card. Their offense has been dynamic, especially with wide receiver Justin Jefferson, but they’ll need a lot more from quarterback Sam Darnold to succeed in the playoffs.
The Vikings have struggled in high-pressure games, as evidenced by their loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 18, which cost them a higher playoff seed. Their defense, while opportunistic, has too many holes, and they’ll have to overcome a lack of consistency in their offensive play. While a playoff run isn’t out of the question, the odds of the Vikings making a deep run are slim, especially with so many questions surrounding their overall playoff readiness.
7. Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams are a team that no one is truly counting out. With experience in key areas — coach Sean McVay, quarterback Matthew Stafford, and star wide receiver Cooper Kupp — the Rams have the pedigree to make a deep playoff run. Their defense has remained strong, and they are capable of turning the tide with a big play at any moment.
However, the Rams are coming off an up-and-down season, and Stafford hasn’t been as sharp as he was during their Super Bowl 56 run. Injuries have also taken a toll on key players. If they can find a rhythm and Stafford elevates his play, they could make noise in the playoffs, but they will need to perform at their best against tougher competition.
6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
With QB Baker Mayfield at the helm, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have managed to remain competitive, winning the NFC South and proving that they’re more than just a one-hit wonder from their 2020 Super Bowl win. The Bucs have several key players left over from their championship team, and their defense, while not elite, is capable of making game-changing plays.
Mayfield has had his share of ups and downs, but he’s been effective when it matters most. With playmakers like wide receiver Mike Evans and tight end Chris Godwin, the Bucs can strike quickly on offense. However, their defense remains a question mark, and their lack of consistency on both sides of the ball means they will likely struggle against stronger teams in the NFC. Still, the experience and fearlessness of the team make them a potential dark horse.
5. Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills have been a consistent powerhouse in the AFC, and they have all the ingredients needed for a Super Bowl run. With MVP candidate Josh Allen leading the charge, the Bills’ offense can attack from all angles. The defense has been stingy, and they have the depth and experience to compete with anyone.
The Bills’ postseason struggles in recent years are well-documented, but they have the tools to overcome them. Their biggest hurdle will be overcoming teams like the Chiefs and Bengals, who have proven more capable of winning in the postseason. If Allen plays at his peak, Buffalo can go all the way. However, the inconsistency on defense and the overall lack of a true running game could be their downfall.
4. Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles have the talent to make another Super Bowl run. With a potent offense, including MVP candidate Jalen Hurts, and a defense that can stifle opposing quarterbacks, they are well-balanced and dangerous. The Eagles’ experience from last season’s Super Bowl loss has made them even more focused on capturing the title this year.
Despite a strong roster, their path is difficult, and they’ll need to win against top-tier teams like the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys. The Eagles have proven they can beat anyone, but they must stay healthy and avoid any costly mistakes, as the NFC playoffs will be brutal this year.
3. San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are one of the best-rounded teams in the NFL. With a dominant defense and a high-powered offense, they are capable of shutting down opponents and scoring at will. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has proven to be a postseason master, and quarterback Brock Purdy, while inexperienced, has shown that he can manage the offense efficiently.
The 49ers’ biggest advantage is their defense, which can be overwhelming at times. If Purdy continues to play mistake-free football and their offense finds a rhythm, the 49ers could be a tough team to beat. They have all the tools to win the Super Bowl, but they will have to overcome elite teams like the Eagles and Cowboys.
2. Kansas City Chiefs
The defending Super Bowl champions, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, are always a threat in the postseason. The Chiefs have been consistently dominant, and Mahomes’ ability to perform under pressure makes them dangerous in every game. The Chiefs’ offense is explosive, and their defense has made strides this year.
However, the Chiefs will have to go through a gauntlet in the AFC, including teams like the Bengals and Bills. But with Mahomes at the helm, the Chiefs are always a top contender. If they can stay healthy and their defense continues to improve, they will be tough to stop at NBA
1. Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are the team to beat in the AFC. With superstar quarterback Joe Burrow and one of the league’s most potent offenses, they can score in bunches. Their defense has quietly been one of the league’s best, and their balance on both sides of the ball makes them a well-rounded team.
The Bengals have experience from last year’s Super Bowl appearance, and they’ve been more consistent than any other AFC team this year. Their road to the Super Bowl will likely involve tough matchups against Kansas City and Buffalo, but if Burrow stays hot and their defense performs at a high level, they’re a real threat to win it all.
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