As the NFL regular season comes to a close, many teams are hoping for a strong, last-minute push to secure a playoff berth. Although some teams have been the clear favorites throughout the entire season, the remaining regular season games present chances for teams that no one would have suspected.
In the NFL, six teams have already secured their spot in the playoffs this year. Four of these juggernauts come from the AFC, including the Kansas City Chiefs, the Buffalo Bills, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Houston Texans. On the other hand, two have come from the NFC: the Detroit Lions and the Philadelphia Eagles. The first team to secure a spot was the Kansas City Chiefs, led by head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs’ 13-1 record proves their dominance in the regular season thus far, even though a handful of wins have come within one possession. The second team that achieved a playoff game was the Buffalo Bills. The season of Bills quarterback, Josh Allen, has created serious MVP talks around the superstar. Allen has led the team to an 11-3 record, and has made Buffalo fans very hopeful for the next weeks to come. Russel Wilson and the Steelers have proved many wrong regarding their team’s success by attaining a 10-4 record. The Steelers are excited for another shot at the playoffs, coming off a first round exit last year.
The final team that has their playoff spot locked in the AFC is the Texans. The second year quarterback C.J Stroud and their strong receiving core has contributed mightily to the team’s success. Their young team is expected to dominate the league in years to come. In the NFC, the Detroit Lions have many convinced that they are a Super Bowl bound team. Their team-wide efficiency is the main factor of their 12-2 record. Star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is having a career year, as he has the third most touchdowns among receivers.
When asked about the playoffs this year, HHS student Kwaku Oppong showed confidence in the Lions as well as the Baltimore Ravens, who are led by MVP candidate Lamer Jackson. Kwaku states, “I would say that right now my pick to win is the Lions or the Ravens, but you can never count out Mahomes.” The final NFC playoff lock is the Eagles. Similarly to the Lions, they have star power throughout each and every position. However, their 12-2 record has been primarily influenced by running back Saquon Barkley, regarding his season-leading 1,688 rushing yards. The NFL’s playoff teams are promising to bring an entertaining postseason.
Although the above teams are guaranteed, many have strong opinions about the remaining AFC teams, such as the Denver Broncos. Their rookie quarterback, Bo Nix, has left Denver fans feeling definite in the playoff odds. Hingham High School student Beckett Williams says, “I believe in the Broncos.” When asked to elaborate, he claimed that Nix is the future of the NFL. In the NFC, the 8-6 Tampa Bay Buccaneers have many convinced that they will achieve a playoff appearance. With Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans, two of the most efficient players in the entirety of the NFL, the Bucs’ leave little doubt in anyone’s mind about the opportunity, but can they capitalize on it?
