The NFL postseason begins this Saturday, launching what experts are calling the most wide-open Super Bowl race in recent memory. With the absence of perennial contenders like Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, the path to Super Bowl LX is unpredictable. Our panel of writers has analysed the field, identifying the teams that will be sorely missed, the high seeds in danger, potential Cinderella stories, and the players who could define January.
Notable Absences and High Seeds on the Brink
Several teams with explosive potential will be watching from home. The Dallas Cowboys, with their electric fifth-ranked offense led by Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and George Pickens, are a glaring omission. Their defensive struggles, however, spared fans a potentially nauseating playoff spectacle. The Detroit Lions, featuring game-wrecker Aidan Hutchinson, and the Cincinnati Bengals, with the finesse of Joe Burrow throwing to Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, are also sorely missed for their competitive fire and playmaking talent.
Among the teams that did make it, some high seeds are viewed as vulnerable. The Chicago Bears, the NFC's No. 2 seed, possess a fun and explosive offense under coach Ben Johnson and quarterback Caleb Williams. However, their defense, which allows 24.4 points per game and has the league's 31st-ranked pass rush pressure rate, relies heavily on unsustainable turnovers. In the AFC, the New England Patriots, despite Drake Maye's MVP-level play and a 14-3 record, face questions over protection issues and a lack of battle-tested weapons against elite playoff defenses.
Long Shot Contenders and Pivotal Players
In a season where no team appears flawless, several underdogs have credible paths. The Houston Texans, with a dominant four-man pass rush and quarterback CJ Stroud, could keep games close and steal wins. The Los Angeles Chargers, a No. 7 seed, combine Jim Harbaugh's coaching with elite quarterback play, making them a dangerous spoiler. Even the Buffalo Bills, led by the dynamic Josh Allen, are considered a long shot as the No. 6 seed, burdened by a poor run defense and a notorious road playoff drought stretching back to 1992.
Individual brilliance will be paramount. Josh Allen of the Bills is highlighted as the most important player in the AFC, capable of carrying a flawed team through multiple rounds. In the NFC, the health of Philadelphia Eagles' legendary tackle Lane Johnson is seen as a critical swing factor for their championship repeat hopes. Meanwhile, all eyes will be on Sam Darnold of the Seattle Seahawks to see if he can shed his postseason struggles and lead a deep run.
Championship Game and Super Bowl Picks
The analysts' predictions reveal a split consensus, underscoring the tournament's unpredictability. In the AFC Championship Game, picks are varied: Jaguars over Texans, Jaguars over Broncos, Broncos over Bills, and Patriots over Texans. The NFC Championship Game sees a stronger lean towards the Los Angeles Rams, with three experts picking them to overcome the Eagles or Seahawks, while one selects the Seahawks over the Eagles.
For Super Bowl LX, the Los Angeles Rams emerge as a popular choice, selected to beat the Jacksonville Jaguars or the Denver Broncos. The Rams are praised for their balance: an MVP-calibre quarterback in Matthew Stafford, a dynamic pass rush, elite coaching from Sean McVay, and a quality offensive line. The alternative view sees the Jacksonville Jaguars, led by Trevor Lawrence, completing a rapid rise by upsetting the Rams in a tight Super Bowl, or the New England Patriots conquering the Seattle Seahawks in a chaotic final led by MVP favourite Drake Maye.
One thing is certain: with the playoffs now wide open, the journey to Super Bowl LX promises drama, surprise, and legacy-defining performances from the league's biggest stars.
