The Super Bowl is a cultural event that pulls everyone in, from die-hard fans to halftime show watchers. With the Divisional Round heating up, this year’s NFL playoffs is anyone’s game. No team has yet emerged as a clear favorite, making every game a must-watch.
The regular season had its surprises, but now it’s crunch time—where contenders step up, and pretenders get shown the door. Let’s look at the top favorites, dark horses, and underdogs who could crash the party.
A Look at the Super Bowl Favorites
Kansas City Chiefs
At 15-2, the Chiefs have reminded everyone why they’re still the AFC’s gold standard. A first-round bye gave them valuable time to regroup, and Patrick Mahomes is once again the driving force behind their success. His ability to extend plays and find Travis Kelce when it matters most makes their offense one of the toughest to stop.
If the Chiefs handle business well against the Texans, they’re staring down a potential AFC Championship matchup with either the Buffalo Bills or the Baltimore Ravens. The current spread has Kansas City favored by -8.5, which tells you oddsmakers aren’t losing any sleep over this one.
With playoff experience and Mahomes at the helm, Kansas City is primed for another deep postseason run.
Detroit Lions
The Lions capped an impressive season at 15-2—with one of their only two losses being to a Bills team that is still alive—locking down the NFC North and earning a first-round bye.
Jared Goff has rewritten the narrative concerning his career, stepping up as the leader Detroit needs. On top of that, despite losing Aidan Hutchinson for the season, the Lions' defense has been playing well.
Favored by -9.5 over the Commanders, the Lions could face either the Eagles or the Rams in the NFC Championship. With a balanced roster, playoff momentum, and the energy of their home crowd, Detroit looks ready to push for their first-ever Super Bowl appearance.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles capped their 14-3 regular season with a dominant 22-10 Wild Card win over the Packers. Saquon Barkley has been electric, carving up defenses on his way to a 2,000-yard sesason. Meanwhile, the defense has kept opposing quarterbacks under constant pressure, forcing mistakes at every turn.
As 6.5-point favorites against the Rams, the Eagles are in a strong position to advance. A potential NFC Championship rematch with the Lions could be next. With Saquon and the smothering defense leading the charge, Philly’s well-rounded roster and playoff experience put them in a perfect position for another Super Bowl run.
Buffalo Bills
The Bills finished the season at 13-4 and look like they’re peaking at just the right time. Their 31-7 blowout of the Broncos in the Wild Card Round was a showcase of both offensive firepower and defensive dominance. Josh Allen’s dual-threat abilities make him one of the league’s most dangerous quarterbacks.
Favored by 1.5 points against the Ravens, the Bills have their sights set on a potential AFC Championship rematch with the Chiefs. They are built to go the distance, and anyone counting them out right now is making a big mistake.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens wrapped up their 12-5 season with a 28-14 Wild Card win over the Steelers. Lamar Jackson’s ability to create plays out of thin air, combined with a defense that forces turnovers, makes Baltimore a team no one wants to face.
Underdogs by 1.5 against the Bills, the Ravens have a tough road ahead, but their ability to control the clock and capitalize on mistakes gives them a real shot. If they get past Buffalo, a showdown with the Chiefs could be on the horizon.
Teams That Could Make a Surprising Super Bowl Run
Washington Commanders
At 12-5, the Commanders have already exceeded expectations, edging the Buccaneers 23-20 in the Wild Card Round. Quarterback Jayden Daniels has been one of the best QBs in the entire league this season, not just rookies.
Heading into their Divisional Round matchup, the Commanders are a 9.5-point underdog against the Lions. They’ll need a nearly flawless performance to advance, but they have already shown they’re not afraid of the big stage.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams entered the playoffs as a Wild Card team with a 10-7 record, but they didn’t play like underdogs in their 27-9 dismantling of the Vikings. Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp have rekindled their chemistry, while Aaron Donald continues to dominate in defense.
As 6.5-point underdogs against the Eagles, the Rams have a tough road ahead. But with their playoff experience and game-changing talent, they’re a team capable of pulling off an upset.
Houston Texans
The Texans scraped into the playoffs at 10-7 but made a loud statement in their 32-12 blowout of the Chargers. Second-year QB C.J. Stroud has struggled this season but showed flashes of his rookie campaign that he’ll look to carry over to their big matchup against the Chiefs in Arrowhead.
The Texans are 8.5-point underdogs for the Divisional Round. It’s a daunting task, but Houston is playing with house money, and that makes them dangerous. If they pull off the upset, a date with either the Bills or the Ravens in the AFC Championship awaits.
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