As the playoffs start, there seems to be more contenders than ever with the typical “dark horses” being stronger than usual. There are many surprise teams this year with some new faces in key positions. Analysts can usually predict how well teams do; however, teams such as the Broncos, Commanders, Chargers, and Vikings have massively overperformed and teams like Jets, Bengals, 49ers, and Falcons have underperformed, making this year’s playoffs a surprising one. With the playoffs starting this weekend these are The Lance’s picks for the 2024-2025 NFL playoffs.
Chargers at Texans:
The Chargers and Texans have had polar opposite seasons compared to expectations at the start of the year. New head coach Jim Harbaugh has headed a culture change in Los Angeles, helping the continued development of Justin Herbert, J.K Dobbins, and rookie Ladd McConkey, leading to an 11-6 season. Meanwhile, following C.J. Stroud’s historic rookie season combined with improved personnel in the team, the Texans had Super Bowl aspirations. However, a combination of the second-worst offensive line in the NFL and season-ending injuries to key receivers, Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs, has plummeted the Texans’ season. The Texans are a more talented team than the Chargers, but with the Texans disappointing season and depleted roster, the Chargers have all the momentum going into the game.
Our Pick: Chargers
Steelers at Ravens:
Russell Wilson and the Steelers enjoyed success following his integration as quarterback in Week 7, winning the first 6 out of 7 games. Since then, the Steelers have lost four in a row. On the other hand, the Ravens started the season slowly but have only improved with the help of another historic MVP season for Lamar Jackson. Offseason addition, Derrick Henry, has also given the Ravens offense a new dimension that could help take the Ravens over the edge in the playoffs. With the Ravens blowing out the Steelers in Week 16, combined with the talent mismatch and the momentum advantage, we think the Ravens will likely see a repeat of their last matchup.
Our Pick: Ravens
Broncos at Bills:
After a disappointing season last year, the Broncos have shocked everyone with rookie quarterback Bo Nix leading the team to the playoffs. The Bills have also exceeded expectations with help from an MVP-caliber season from Josh Allen. It’s also important to note that the Broncos have been inconsistent throughout the whole season and have also struggled against the elite teams. Although the Broncos’ defense has improved over recent weeks, we think Josh Allen and the Bills will be too much for them to handle.
Our Pick: Bills
Packers at Eagles:
The Eagles and Packers had very different endings to their seasons last year. The Eagles started 10-1 but collapsed, losing 5 of their last 6 games and losing in the first round. The Packers, meanwhile, snuck into the playoffs and surprised everyone by blowing out the Cowboys in the first round and going toe to toe with the 49ers in round two. With the addition of Saquan Barkley this year, the Eagles have been clicking on all cylinders, while The Packers, on the other hand, have been inconsistent and have struggled against playoff teams. With Jalen Hurts returning from concussion protocol, the Eagle’s offense will carry them past the Packers.
Our Pick: Eagles
Commanders at Buccaneers:
Jayden Daniels has put together one of the most impressive rookie seasons this year, helping the Commanders to their first playoff berth in four years with a 12-5 record. The Buccaneers have had an inconsistent season led by quarterback Baker Mayfield. Both teams have been a part of the most exciting games this season due to their ability to perform in close games and shootouts. This game will no doubt be another shootout and could be the highest-scoring game of the playoffs. With injuries to countless players on defense and star receiver Chris Godwin, the Buccaneers are less suited to win a shootout.
Our Pick: Commanders
Vikings at Rams:
Sam Darnold and the Vikings have easily been the surprise of the season. At the start of the season, critics had the Vikings sneaking into the playoffs at best with rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy. However, with McCarthy having missed the whole season, Darnold has taken the opportunity and given the Vikings an MVP-caliber season. On the other hand, the Rams with veteran quarterback Mathew Stafford, star receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, and head coach Sean McVay, are capable of winning any game because of their personnel. After a shaky start to the season, the Rams have won five of their last six games with an impressive win against the Bills. Ultimately, Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores has the Vikings defense overperforming, and with stars such as Justin Jefferson and Aaron Jones, the Vikings will pull away in a shootout.
Our Pick: Vikings
Chargers at Chiefs
The Chiefs’ first challenge in their hunt for a three-peat is a divisional matchup against the Chargers. The Chiefs have already beaten the Chargers twice this season during the regular season. The Chiefs are miles better than the Chargers in every facet on and off the field. With that being said, this is an extremely easy decision.
Our Pick: Chiefs
Ravens at Bills
Both of these teams are playing for a chance to avenge their playoff losses to the Chiefs last year. The Bills have the ability to win any game they play through the superstar play of Josh Allen. However, they are lacking in many other key positions. Throughout Lamar Jacksons career, the Ravens have been underwhelming in the playoffs, but with the addition of Derrick Henry and more playoff experience with an AFC Championship game appearance last season, the Ravens are better equipped than ever to make a playoff push. In the end, the Ravens personnel will push them past the Bills making their second consecutive AFC Championship game.
Our Pick: Ravens
Vikings at Lions
Much like the Chiefs and Chargers,, this is another divisional matchup where one team has already beat the other twice with the Lions beating the Vikings. The Vikings have had an amazing season, but lack the experience of playing in a “big game.” The Lions have had plenty of experiences over the past two seasons, including an NFC Championship appearance last season. The Lions have countless injuries on defense, but just keep finding a way to win games. The Lions’ offense and experience will carry them to their second straight NFC Championship game.
Our Pick: Lions
Commanders at Eagles
The Commanders have enjoyed a fairytale season with Jayden Daniels. However, the Eagles simply have too much playoff experience and firepower on offense for the Commanders.
Our Pick: Eagles
Ravens at Chiefs
A rematch of last year’s AFC championship sees new faces, but will end in a similar fashion. Both teams added offensive pieces with the Ravens, adding Derrick Henry and the Chiefs adding Deandre Hopkins and Hollywood Brown. While the Ravens have looked impressive in certain games this season, they’ve also crumbled in some. With Lamar Jackson 1-5 record against the Chiefs, it seems they are Jackson’s kryptonite. This game will be similar. The Chiefs’ experience and hunger for the coveted three-peat will carry Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs to their third straight Super Bowl.
Our Pick: Chiefs
Eagles at Lions
At this point the Eagles will be rolling with two wins against impressive offenses while the Lions will come off a close win over the Vikings. The Lions defense has been ravaged by injuries and that will finally catch up with them. The Eagles offense led by Saquan Barkley will carry them to an early lead, and the Lions will come back late, but it won’t be enough.
Our Pick: Eagles
Super Bowl
Chiefs vs Eagles
A rematch of Super LVII between the Chiefs and Eagles will end similarly. While the Eagles may have better personnel, the Chiefs have better coaching, more experience, more hunger, and – most importantly – the better quarterback. In addition, the Eagles secondary has been questionable all season, and Patrick Mahomes will take advantage, leading the Chiefs to the NFL’s first ever three peat.
Our Pick: Chiefs
This season’s NFL playoffs has more on the line with the Chief’s potential three peat in their grasp. If the Chiefs win again, the league dynamic will shift forever, contradicting the NFL’s appraised league parody. Thankfully, there are plenty of teams standing in the way and up for the challenge, making this quite the intriguing playoff. With every team being a contender, these playoffs are set to be the most entertaining ever.