NFL Playoff Team Power Rankings: Wild Card Weekend

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The playoffs are set to kick off on Saturday, and there are a total of 14 teams vying for their trip to the Super Bowl. Though only two from the AFC and NFC will make it, every team has a shot at shocking the NFL world.

Here is the full list of power rankings for every team in the playoffs and Wild Card weekend.

14. Houston Texans (10-7)

The Houston Texans secured their second playoff berth early on, but the team has had problems with upper-echelon talent in the AFC. They were handily beaten by both the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs.

Before they can potentially get to those two teams, they have to take on the Los Angeles Chargers in Wild Card weekend. The Chargers have been surging.

13. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)

The Pittsburgh Steelers could make a splash in the playoffs, but they have also struggled with talented teams in their last four outings of the regular season. They lost to the Eagles, Ravens, Chiefs and Bengals.

They are on a four-game losing streak and might not make it out of the first round of the playoffs. They are playing their divisional rivals, the Ravens, but they might not be able to best Baltimore.

Read more: Steelers vs Ravens Expert Predictions for NFL Wild Card Weekend

12. Denver Broncos (10-7)

The Denver Broncos have come out swinging in 2024. Behind rookie quarterback Bo Nix and a top-10 defense, the Broncos have made it into the playoffs for the first time since 2015.

The Broncos will have a lot of competition to get through, including facing the Buffalo Bills in Wild Card weekend.

Read more: Broncos vs Bills Expert Predictions for NFL Wild Card Weekend

11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have also been a bit up and down in 2024, but they have proven they can win. Baker Mayfield played an incredible regular season, despite being snubbed from a Pro Bowl mention.

If Mike Evans can be on point, the Bucs might surprise the Washington Commanders in Wild Card weekend.

10. Los Angeles Rams (10-6)

The Los Angeles Rams emerged as one of the worst teams at the beginning of the season. After posting a 1-4 record in their first five outings, they bounced back with a five-game winning streak at the end of the season.

The Commanders helped them to win the NFC West and with injuries improving — the Rams could be a dark horse Super Bowl candidate. Their first test is facing the surging Minnesota Vikings.

9. Green Bay Packers (11-6)

The Green Bay Packers have a solid team that has led to the team going 11-6 in the regular season, but they dropped games to the Vikings and Chicago Bears at the end of the season which could be concerning.

Christian Watson being out also limits the pass-catching corps quite a bit. The Packers remain a question mark, and will unless they can take down the Eagles in Wild Card weekend.

Read more: Packers vs Eagles Expert Predictions for NFL Wild Card Weekend

8. Los Angeles Chargers (11-6)

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 24: Robert Kennedy #40 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts after intercepting a pass during the second half of a preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on August... Sam Hodde/Getty Images

The Los Angeles Chargers have completely turned things around since Jim Harbaugh came into town. His leadership has been proven once again, as the Chargers are in the playoffs.

Behind a solid defense, the Chargers can go far. However, their receiving corps poses concerns. If Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston can get going, LA might surprise the other AFC teams in the playoffs.

Read more: Chargers vs Texans Expert Predictions for NFL Wild Card Weekend

7. Washington Commanders (12-5)

Much like the Broncos, the Washington Commanders have surprised the entire NFL world. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has been as advertised and could win Rookie of the Year.

For now, the Commander will need to see if they can take down the Buccaneers in the first round of the playoffs.

Read more: Commanders vs Buccaneers Expert Predictions for NFL Wild Card Weekend

6. Baltimore Ravens (12-5)

Lamar Jackson put together another season that is worthy of his third MVP, and a back-to-back nod. The Ravens acquired Derrick Henry in the offseason, which supercharged their rushing attack.

Baltimore's offense has been on fire and could pose problems for any team in the AFC. They just need to show up and beat the Steelers again.

5. Philadelphia Eagles (14-3)

The Philadelphia Eagles are a team on a mission, and their regular season has proved they are ready to go for another Super Bowl appearance. However, injuries to both Jalen Hurts and AJ Brown are cause for concern.

If their star players can play well through injuries, they should make it far into the playoffs.

4. Buffalo Bills (13-4)

The Buffalo Bills have had issues making it to the Super Bowl, but this could be the year. Much like the Ravens, the Bills have Josh Allen, who has also put together an MVP performance.

Allen needs to keep from costly turnovers, and the Bills might challenge the Chiefs for the AFC crowns.

3. Minnesota Vikings (14-3)

The Minnesota Vikings are one of three NFC North teams that have made it to the playoffs. They might have missed out on the NFC North title, but they have an incredible team on both sides of the ball.

Sam Darnold has experienced a complete career turnaround, and the Vikings have a solid pass rusher that causes problems for most teams. If they can get to the NFC championship, they might rematch with the awaiting Lions.

Read more: Vikings vs Rams Expert Predictions for NFL Wild Card Weekend

2. Detroit Lions (15-2)

The Detroit Lions have played an incredible season, even though they lost more than half of their starters on defense. Even with the massive number of injuries, the Lions have become the gold standard in the NFC.

Both OC Ben Johnson and DC Aaron Glenn are being tapped for head coaching positions. For now, the Lions will have everyone together to try and make it to the Super Bowl.

1. Kansas City Chiefs (15-2)

Despite the Kansas City Chiefs winning a ton of games by one score this season, they remain the team to beat in the NFL. Patrick Mahomes and company found ways to win, even with injuries to Hollywood Brown, Isiah Pacheco, and more.

Now, the Chiefs are getting healthy at the right time and should be getting Pacheco back to go on a long playoff run. They could become the first team in NFL history to secure a third consecutive Super Bowl win.

For more on the NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.

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