Mapping out the NFL playoff picture

By Andrew Cross

               AFC playoff spot predictions

North: Baltimore Ravens 

South: Jacksonville Jaguars

West: Kansas City Chiefs

East: Miami Dolphins

Wildcard 1: Pittsburgh Steelers

Wildcard 2: Cleveland Browns

Wildcard 3: Houston Texans

Several teams in the AFC have seized control of their divisions with their eyes set on the playoffs. Thanks to a surprise elite defense, the Chiefs have continued to improve as Patrick Mahomes plays like an MVP candidate. With the back-sliding Buffalo Bills losing their footing, it opens an opportunity for teams like the Miami Dolphins to make a run and win the AFC East for the first time since 2008.  

However, the Baltimore Ravens are the best and most complete team in the AFC, as Lamar Jackson leads an offense that is head and shoulders above the rest of the field. A sleeper team is the Houston Texans, who are just sitting at 6-5 but can light up the scoreboard with rookie quarterback CJ Stroud at the helm, the likely Offensive Rookie of the Year. These AFC playoffs are sure to yield some high-caliber matchups down the line.

               NFC playoff spot predictions

North: Minnesota Vikings

South: New Orleans Saints

West: San Francisco 49ers

East: Philadelphia Eagles

Wildcard 1: Dallas Cowboys

Wildcard 2: Detroit Lions

Wildcard 3: Seattle Seahawks

The NFC playoff picture is much more complicated than the AFC. The clear favorite at this point is the Philadelphia Eagles, who have earned some tough wins over key contenders like the Cowboys and the Dolphins. They seemed primed for another deep playoff run, thanks to their balanced offense, led by Jalen Hurts at quarterback. 

The Minnesota Vikings are the hottest team in the league, and despite being in second place in the North division, should overtake the Detroit Lions. The Vikings should keep improving with the return of star wide receiver Justin Jefferson, but two critical games between the Lions and the Vikings in Weeks 15 and 17 should determine the division. The Cowboys are the wildcard of the bunch; if they can get good quarterback play from Dak Prescott, they should be in the mix to compete for the Lombardi Trophy.