The NFL playoffs have officially arrived. We now know the 14 teams who will be battling it out to win this years Super Bowl. With the 2022-2023 regular season in the books we can look forward to who will be hoisting the Lombardi trophy in February. To get a better look at the NFL playoff picture and how it will play out we first need to rank the teams. Take a look below and let us know what you think of our NFL playoff rankings.
14. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins barely made it in thanks to a defensive slugfest win vs the New York Jets. There is no doubt the injuries at quarterback have hurt this team but even when Tua Tagovailoa was healthy the team was still struggling.
13. Baltimore Ravens
Another team hit hard with injuries at the quarterback position was the Ravens. There is no question this team is built around Lamar Jackson and his strengths. Without him they are tough to watch offensively and unless Lamar is healthy they really don’t have a chance.
12. Seattle Seahawks
Geno Smith and the Seahawks are the feel good story in the NFL this year. Geno has stepped into that starting role and really shined. Seattle will almost certainly bring him back and continue building around him next year.
11. New York Giants
The Giants are a prime example of why coaching matters. Brian Daboll has turned the Giants into a playoff team in his first year in charge. He’s done so with a depleted wide receiver core that lacks a true number one threat. He has also helped Daniel Jones cut down on turnovers while maximizing his strengths.
10. Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert continues to impress at the quarterback position. He guided this team to the playoffs while his top two threats (Mike Williams and Keenan Allen) battled through injuries all year. There is speculation that head coach Brandon Staley could lose his job if the Chargers don’t beat the surging Jaguars.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars
Like the Giants the Jaguars benefited greatly from a coaching change. It started out rough for Doug Pederson and the Jags but things have really taken off. They have won five straight and are one of the hottest teams in the league.
8. Minnesota Vikings
What do we make of the Vikings? Yes they won the NFC North going away but they did so with a -3 point differential. It’s hard to trust this team in the playoffs even if they are at home.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Has Tampa Bay turned it around? Well they wouldn’t be in the playoffs if it weren’t for the dreadful NFC South. Still though we are talking about Tom Brady and the GOAT may just have another run in him.
6. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers have one of the best all around rosters in the league. Their defense has been top tier and their offense is full of weapons. Still I can’t put them in the top 5 yet. Brock Purdy is still a rookie and you have to think eventually that will catch up with them.
5. Dallas Cowboys
Dallas was destroyed last weekend by the Commanders who started rookie Sam Howell and were sitting many starters. You have to think they were just going through the motions because they knew they didn’t have a shot at the Division title.
4. Philadelphia Eagles
Jalen Hurts returned to his starting role last weekend but did show some rust. Thankfully they have another week off to rest and he can get back to full health. Hurts is not the injury that scares me though. If Lane Johnson can’t play or is hampered in any way its a big blow for the Eagles and their hopes.
3. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals have won 8 straight games and are really coming into form. This is not like last year though when they came into the playoffs flying under the radar. They are very much the hunted and will need to bring their A game.
2. Kansas City Chiefs
No Tyreek Hill no problem for Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. Even without Hill the Chiefs were able to slice and dice teams all year long leading to another Division title.
1. Buffalo Bills
Has this year been perfect for Josh Allen? Well no, as he has had some costly turnovers in the red zone. Still this very much feels like a team of destiny and they just received a huge boost knowing Damar Hamlin was released from the hospital.
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