As the NFL Playoffs wind down to the final stretch, the stage is set for the conference championship games. With only four teams remaining, each squad is just one step away from reaching the coveted Super Bowl. Our NFL Playoff Power Rankings are nearing their final edition, and the question on every fan’s mind is: Is your team still in the hunt for the Lombardi Trophy?
The Divisional Round brought its fair share of surprises, particularly with the top-seeded Detroit Lions falling to a surging Washington Commanders team. While the AFC playoff picture remains familiar with perennial contenders fighting for a spot in the Super Bowl, there is plenty of excitement as the Championship round approaches. Here is our latest look at the NFL Playoff Power Rankings as we head into the final stretch.
1. Buffalo Bills
After impressive wins over the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens, the Buffalo Bills have earned the top spot in our NFL Playoff Power Rankings. As they head into their AFC Championship showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Bills are hoping to finally return to the Super Bowl after a long drought. The last time Buffalo made it to the big game was in 1994, and they are still in search of their first Super Bowl victory.
The Bills are coming off a strong performance in the Divisional Round, where they dominated the Ravens. Despite Josh Allen’s relatively modest 127 passing yards, his two rushing touchdowns near the goal line added an extra dimension to their offense. With offensive coordinator Joe Brady mixing up play calls, Allen’s mobility and the Bills’ overall dynamic attack will be critical as they face off against the Chiefs in one of the most anticipated matchups of the postseason.
Buffalo’s quest for a Super Bowl appearance hinges on another MVP-caliber performance from Allen. If the Bills are going to dethrone the Chiefs as the dominant force in the AFC, they will need to execute at the highest level in all phases of the game.
2. Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs, fresh off a first-round bye, defeated the Houston Texans in a low-scoring Divisional Round game. This marks their seventh consecutive AFC Championship appearance, where they will be fighting to secure the Lamar Hunt Trophy for another year. Despite not having a season that left teams in awe, the Chiefs’ offense has been efficient and effective, guiding them to an impressive one-loss record heading into the Championship game.
Patrick Mahomes and his offensive weapons have remained dangerous throughout the season, though their performances haven’t been as explosive as in years past. In their upcoming matchup with the Buffalo Bills, the Chiefs will be the slight favorites by just one point, but they will need a standout performance from Mahomes to advance. With the chance to cement his legacy with another Super Bowl appearance, Mahomes will be looking to elevate his game to the next level.
As Kansas City hosts Buffalo for the second consecutive season in the AFC Championship, expect a matchup filled with intensity and high stakes. The Chiefs are still the team to beat in the AFC, but the Bills are eager to challenge their reign.
3. Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles made it through a nail-biting contest in the Divisional Round, defeating the Los Angeles Rams in snowy conditions. The Eagles were once again led by star running back Saquon Barkley, who carried the offense with 205 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Jalen Hurts, however, struggled in the snowy conditions, and his lack of consistent play has become a concern as the Eagles prepare for the Championship round.
While the Eagles’ offense had its issues, their defense also showed signs of vulnerability, particularly against the Rams’ ground game. Philadelphia allowed nearly six yards per carry, which will be a point of focus as they prepare to face the Washington Commanders, who boast a strong rushing attack. If the Eagles are to make it to the Super Bowl, they will need to clean up their run defense and ensure Hurts can get back to playing at a high level.
Philadelphia is a well-balanced team, but they have room for improvement in several areas if they are to make a deep playoff run. Their ability to adjust and step up when needed will be key against a very capable Commanders team.
4. Washington Commanders
It’s hard to believe that the Washington Commanders are sitting at the bottom of our NFL Playoff Power Rankings, but their postseason performances have been nothing short of remarkable. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has been exceptional, playing like a seasoned veteran despite his inexperience. Daniels led Washington to two road victories, including a stunning upset of the top-seeded Detroit Lions, where the Commanders put up an impressive 45 points and forced three interceptions from Jared Goff.
Daniels has been dynamic in the passing game, racking up 268 yards against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and 299 yards against the Lions. But now, he faces his toughest test yet: a matchup with the Eagles’ stout defense. Daniels has faced Philadelphia twice already this season, so he has a good understanding of what to expect and will have the opportunity to correct mistakes from earlier meetings.
In the win over the Lions, Washington’s offense was firing on all cylinders. While Daniels was the main driver, running back Brian Robinson Jr. added two rushing touchdowns, and wide receiver Dyami Brown contributed 98 receiving yards. Washington’s aggressive playcalling, including frequent fourth-down gambles, has paid off thus far in the playoffs, but they may need to take a more cautious approach in the Championship game.
With their surprising success in the postseason, the Commanders have proven they can compete with the league’s best. However, they will need to bring their best game against Philadelphia if they want to continue their Cinderella run and earn a spot in the Super Bowl.
As we head into the Championship Round, these four teams are the last standing in the quest for NFL supremacy. Each has its own set of strengths and challenges, but only one will emerge victorious, earning the ultimate prize: a trip to the Super Bowl. Which team will rise to the occasion and secure their spot in the biggest game of the year? Time will tell.
