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Vinnie Iyer
And then there were 14. That’s how many teams are left alive in the race to win Super Bowl 59 ahead of the 2025 NFL playoffs.
Anybody in the NFC or AFC tournament, from the No. 1 seeds to the No. 7 seeds, have a shot at making a run deep into the postseason, but some have much better chances to go all the way than others.
Seeds and odds provide an indication of what should happen, but the most trustworthy, proven teams have the edge in Sporting News’ postseason-only power rankings.
Here’s looking at every playoff team’s chances of ending the playoffs with Super Bowl victory, as well as their updated betting odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook:
MORE NFL PLAYOFFS: Full schedule | Updated bracket | Expert predictions
The Chiefs have been a near-impossible out during their six-game playoff winning streak thanks to their ability to pull out close games and never be in too big of a hole with Patrick Mahomes. Knocking them out in Kansas City will require someone besting them on offense, defense, and special teams. Going with Mahomes and the reigning repeat champs is equal to going with the field.
MORE: NFL fans accuse Chiefs of "taking dive" vs. Broncos
Josh Allen is the probable NFL MVP after putting an offense in transition on his back with the most efficient dual-threat play of his career. The defense has more holes due to personnel concerns, but Allen’s ability to take over games with his arm and legs gives Buffalo a chance to have that elusive big breakthrough against the Chiefs.
MORE 2025 NFL DRAFT:
The Eagles have an explosive and balanced offense under OC Kellen Moore, capable of winning games with Saquon Barkley rolling to big rushing totals or Jalen Hurts lighting up teams downfield with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith when needed. The mix of young and old has responded better for Vic Fangio’s defense, but a breakdown or two can be costly.
The Lions are starting to overcome their defensive injuries with some key healthy players stepping up for DC Aaron Glenn’s scheming. That side of the ball doesn’t need to be dominant or rack up turnovers — it just has to be strong situationally to allow Jahmyr Gibbs and the offense to put up enough points to win. Detroit’s coaching and experience from last year’s NFC title game run gives it a chance to live up to its hype as a Super Bowl team.
MORE: Dan Campbell hints at playoff rematch with Vikings
Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Ravens finished on a fantastic four-game surge to close the season with Lamar Jackson padding his MVP-caliber stats and getting a lot more help from an improved complementary defense. Derrick Henry and their running game is built to handle this clutch time of year, and they also can erase opponents’ rushing attacks. They just need their offensive line and secondary to keep it up in tougher matchups.
MORE: Zay Flowers injury update
The Vikings are once again in a tough situation despite a stellar regular season. Instead of jumping up to the prime No. 1 spot ahead of the Lions, they are stuck playing at the Rams, where they were rocked 30-20 on a Thursday night in Week 8. That was their only loss other than the two games vs. Detroit. The Vikings have the offensive and defensive chops to turn it on for the playoffs, so watch out if they can consistently put it together.
MORE: Teams reportedly interested in trading for Kevin O'Connell this offseason
The Commanders cannot be ruled out for a deep run following their outstanding turnaround. They are steady when moving the ball with a run-heavy approach, but they can also pick opponents apart in the downfield passing game. Washington is an inexperienced group, but Jayden Daniels’ energy and advanced leadership can lead to more big surprises.
MORE: Jayden Daniels injury update
Jim Harbaugh can flat-out coach, and when given a QB with Justin Herbert’s loaded skill set, a boosted offensive line, and some strong defensive pieces, it will add up to immediate success. The Chargers broke out of a mini-slump with three consecutive victories to end the season with Herbert and the rushing attack fine-tuning at the ideal time. Jumping up to the top wild-card spot opens a wider door for them.
The Rams still get headlined by Sean McVay’s offense, with youngsters Kyren Williams and Puka Nacua being the most vital pieces around Matthew Stafford. But they wouldn’t be here without their young, post-Aaron Donald defense rising to be more disruptive with steady development. Any team with a great coach and a few core players that have won a Super Bowl can’t be taken for granted in this playoff field.
The Packers got the divisional round last season with Jordan Love helping them pull a first-round upset of the Cowboys. With Josh Jacobs leading the running game and the defense stepping up as a bigger playmaking force, Green Bay will get everyone’s attention in the loaded NFC field. The path, however, starts much rougher with a date at Philadelphia first.
To say the Steelers are going in the wrong direction at the wrong time would be an understatement. Four consecutive losses dropped them hard from the AFC North lead, as injuries have hurt a little and the inability to rediscover the needed complementary football has been more detrimental. Russell Wilson and Mike Tomlin each have rings, but getting one together will now require solving the Ravens in Baltimore, where they just lost 34-17 in Week 16.
The Broncos’ reward for finishing the marathon well with Sean Payton and Bo Nix is getting Allen and the Bills in Buffalo. That’s a daunting task for a team that’s been much better at home, but Nix’s fearless, veteran-like playmaking gives them an outside shot. Should they survive, however, they will get the Chiefs’ full fury — polar opposite of the team they beat in Denver in Week 18.
MORE: Bo Nix flirts with rookie passing TD record in stellar Week 18 win
Baker Mayfield helped Tampa make it four consecutive division titles with his best season yet. The way the Bucs’ young offense under OC Liam Coen can explode with Mike Evans, Jalen McMillan, Bucky Irving, and others gives them a shot for a deep run. The upcoming rematch with Washington can give the winner some real divisional momentum.
MORE: Mike Evans' teammates celebrate 11th consecutive 1,000-yard season
The Texans have been on cruise control for a repeat AFC South title for a while and weren’t challenged at all in their division. They got an early key win vs. the Bills, but lost to the Vikings, Packers, Lions, Chiefs, and Ravens, making them 1-5 against playoff teams. They have battled injuries and inconsistency, and drawing the relentless, road-tested Chargers first is rough.
Vinnie Iyer has been with The Sporting News since 1999, not long after graduating from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. He has produced NFL content for more than 20 years, turning his attention to full-time writing in 2007. Vinnie covers every aspect of the NFL for TSN including draft prospects analysis, gambling and fantasy football. He also represents TSN as host of the “Locked On Fantasy Football” podcast on the Locked On network.
