The football playoffs have begun. With six first-round games set for Wild Card Weekend in 2024, the NFL regular season is over and the playoff picture is set.
In what ways are the 14 playoff teams compared to one another? We would rank them as they entered the dance:
The 14th-ranked Pittsburgh Steelers
Point differential: +33 (12th) | Record: 10-7
T.J. Watt’s performance off the edge is still an issue, and they’re sure to mess up a game under Mike Tomlin. But Russell Wilson’s comeback in the middle of the season appears to be over, and if your offense is sluggish in January, you won’t have a chance to win. For years, this has been Pittsburgh’s narrative.
Indianapolis Colts 13.
Point differential: 0 (15th) | Record: 10-7
Once upon a time, C.J. Stroud was a notorious gunslinger. Time has passed since then. He has relied heavily on a ground game and defense due to a wounded offensive line and receiving corps. They haven’t exactly been fantastic this season, but this shouldn’t be too much for them.
12th-place Denver Broncos
Results: 10–7 Differential at the point: +114 (6th)
Their top-three scoring defense can counter Sean Payton’s attack when it’s off, and Bo Nix isn’t receiving nearly enough national recognition for the impressive dual-threat play he’s brought to Mile High. Problematically, they may be a year ahead of schedule and are therefore having trouble keeping up with real heavyweights that have more exciting rosters.
- The Chargers of Los Angeles
Point differential: +101 (7th) | Record: 11-6
Jim Harbaugh’s methodical system, which places an emphasis on ball control and strong defense, is finally clicking for Justin Herbert. As a team, the Bolts rank first in the NFL in points allowed per game with 17.7. Is Herbert equipped to make a deep run if it’s not Ladd McConkey flying through the air?
10. Rams of Los Angeles
Results: 10–7 Difference in Points: -19 (16th)
You can’t possibly be correct in your ranking of them. In recent times, both Matthew Stafford and Sean McVay have had great success, with Matthew Stafford’s bond with Puka Nacua being particularly formidable. When they have the ball, they have also been quite streaky.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers Score: 10–7 | Differential in Points Scored: +117 (5th)
Tough, if unremarkable, teams known for their dogged defense have been the norm during Todd Bowles’ tenure. They overcame a dismal “D” with fireworks under the tutelage of new offensive coordinator Liam Coen, banking on an enticing combination of Baker Mayfield’s determination and Bucky Irving’s spark.
8. Point differential: +122 (4th) | Green Bay Packers record: 11-6
Jordan Love is capable of zipping about like nobody’s business when he’s in top form, and a bruising Matt LaFleur’s tried-and-true assault is complemented by Josh Jacobs. The absence of Jaire Alexander in the secondary has exposed the other team’s weaknesses, and Love is currently nursing his third season-ending injury.
7.The Washington Commanders are in ninth place with a record of 12-5 and a point differential of +94.
Can a rookie quarterback make it to the big game? Washington is relying heavily on Jayden Daniels’ athleticism due to its otherwise slow backfield and average defense, which is commanded by Dan Quinn. Daniels is even more explosive than Stroud was in 2023, with lightning-fast throws and incredible scrambling speed.
- Minnesota Vikings Score: 14-3 Point differential: +100 Eighth-place finishing team
How important is their current nine-game winning streak compared to their lackluster battle for the NFC’s top spot in Week 18? Sam Darnold has shown for Kevin O’Connell that he can throw darts at an MVP level with good protection. But if you put him and Brian Flores’s flimsy “D” in a box, they’re not nearly as scary.
5.The Buffalo Bills have a 13-4 record with a +157 point differential (T-3rd).
Even with a changing cast of characters and Josh Allen playing Superman, they haven’t been able to beat recurrent opponents like the Chiefs in the AFC. On the other hand, Allen can create havoc on his own, and out of the backfield, James Cook has underappreciated slipperiness.
- Philadelphia Eagles (4th): 14-3, +160 in point differential.
Despite having an all-star squad, they have been their own worst enemies on times due to Nick Sirianni’s impulsive coaching style and tendency to let his emotions get the best of him. With A-plus weapons like Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown, etc., on his side, Jalen Hurts should be OK. “D” by Vic Fangio is a physically demanding piece of music.
Third place: the Kansas City Chiefs, who have a 15-2 record and a +59 point differential.
In their quest for an unprecedented hat trick, the current champions haven’t appeared to be a sustained force for over two years in a row. However, this is because to the fact that Patrick Mahomes is an unpredictable freak in a crisis, while Andy Reid and Steve Spagnuolo are master decision-makers under pressure.
- The Ravens of Baltimore
Time: 12 minutes and 5 seconds | Point differential: +157 (T-3rd)
Behind quarterback Lamar Jackson is the most lethal home run threat in the NFL, and he has a giant of a receiver in Derrick Henry. When you factor in a more formidable defense, a coach with experience, and the will to finally break through during the Jackson era, they start to look like title contenders.
First place: the Detroit Lions, who have a 15-2 record and a point differential of +222.
Dan Campbell’s squad was the beloved underdog-turned-contender in the National Football League in 2023. With quick point guard Jared Goff, home run sprinter Jahmyr Gibbs, and timely aggressiveness from a makeshift defense under Aaron Glenn, they make fourth-down conversions appear commonplace in 2024. Their line and weaponry are top-notch, but what really sets them apart is their unwavering composure.
