The NFL Wild Card round of the playoffs brought some exciting moments, including a big upset. With six teams now eliminated from playoff contention, there are eight teams all vying to advance to the Conference Championship.
More news: NFL Divisional Round Expert Predictions: Who Will Make The Conference Championships?
That said, here are the power rankings for the remaining playoff teams.
8. Houston Texans (4th Seed)
The Houston Texans came out swinging against the Los Angeles Chargers, putting together an incredible defensive performance that left LA stunned. After cruising to a 32-12 final score, the Texans will now face the waiting Kansas City Chiefs.
The Texans advancing to the Divisional Round in dominant fashion is eerily similar to the 2023 playoffs. The big issue will be if they also mimic their Divisional Round exit in 2023, as they were handily beaten by the Baltimore Ravens.
7. Washington Commanders (6th Seed)
The Washington Commanders won a hard-fought game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which proved to be the most competitive game of Wild Card Weekend.
With Daniels proving he can show up during a big game, they have their biggest test when they face the NFC favorite Detroit Lions. If they can stun the Lions, the Commanders have a strong chance to go all the way.
6. Los Angeles Rams (4th Seed)
The Los Angeles Rams also shocked the NFL world, when they came out swinging against the Minnesota Vikings. The Rams' defense was ready for their big moment, and absolutely stopped anything the Vikings had prepared.
Sam Darnold played a horrible game, which could impact his plans to get an extension from the Vikings in the offseason. Either way, the Rams showcased why everyone viewed them as a dark-horse Super Bowl candidate.
5. Baltimore Ravens (3rd Seed)
The Baltimore Ravens were able to prove they could beat a lowly playoff team in the Pittsburgh Steelers. Though Pittsburgh secured their postseason berth early on, their end-of-season collapse led to many believing they wouldn't go far in the playoffs. That belief was proven true.
Baltimore will now face off against their playoff nemesis, the Buffalo Bills. If the Ravens can take the Bills down, they might be in the Super Bowl.
4. Philadelphia Eagles (2nd Seed)
The Philadelphia Eagles steamrolled the Green Bay Packers with a final score of 22-10. Behind a masterful performance from Saquon Barkley, the team was able to use their run prowess to easily cruise past the Packers.
Barkley could be the deciding factor in terms of getting the team to another Super Bowl appearance. For now, can the Eagles get past the Commanders with ease to set up their NFC Championship appearance?
3. Buffalo Bills (2nd Seed)
The Buffalo Bills steamrolled the underprepared Denver Broncos. Even though they beat a team they were supposed to, their biggest challenge comes against the Baltimore Ravens.
The Ravens have been energized by the run game behind Derrick Henry. Allen will need to play on point to elevate the Bills past the well-rounded Ravens.
2. Detroit Lions (1st Seed)
The Detroit Lions are still the team to beat in the NFC. They have had a week off, and are getting David Montgomery back. With the offense healing at the right time, they could skip right into the Super Bowl.
That is not to dismiss the Commanders, and potentially either the Rams and Eagles, but the Lions are still that good.
1. Kansas City Chiefs (1st Seed)
In the same vein as the Lions, the Kansas City Chiefs are the team to beat in the AFC. They also got a week of rest, and have had a mostly positive injury report on their hands.
Mecole Hardman is the only player who was limited, which could mean a very rested and strong Chiefs team is set to face the Texans.
More NFL:
Micah Parsons Says Cowboys Headed for 'Complete Reset' Following Mike McCarthy Departure
Steelers Sign Former Dolphins QB Amid Rumors of Russell Wilson Split
For more on the NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
English (US) ·