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Week 17 of the NFL regular season is rapidly approaching and that means there are only two weeks left before the playoffs. The playoff picture is mostly set with a few spots still available, so it’s time to look ahead and examine the five teams that could win Super Bowl LIX.
The addition of Derrick Henry to the offense elevated the Ravens from a playoff team to a Super Bowl contender. Henry has rejuvenated his career in Baltimore and it’s come as Lamar Jackson is on the hunt for his third MVP award. Those two offensive weapons are a big reason for the Ravens being 10-5 and en route to another playoff performance.
The only concerning part of the Ravens is their secondary. Baltimore has allowed 254.9 passing yards per game which ranks as the second-worst mark in the league. And on the road, that number rises to over 280. If the Ravens can improve that, they will have an elite defense since their defensive line is allowing the fewest rushing yards per game this season. That’s the only thing holding them back from being a Super Bowl favorite.
The Eagles suffered a tough loss in Week 16, but it’s not enough to derail us from considering them a true Super Bowl contender. When healthy, the Eagles’ offense is nearly unstoppable. Saquon Barkley is on track to win Offensive Player of the Year in his first season in Philadelphia, which has been a huge reason for their success. Plus, Jalen Hurts has A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith as his top two targets. It’s a well-balanced attack that averages nearly 27 points per game.
The biggest difference in the Eagles’ defense from last season to this season has been their secondary. Philly’s defensive line has always been good, but the secondary was laughable last year. However, the Eagles were determined to improve it during the offseason, and now Philly allows the second-fewest passing yards per game. There aren’t many faults in this stacked Eagles team.
The only team in the NFL with just one loss is Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. Kansas City has once again been the premier team in the league, but just how dominant are the Chiefs? They are one of the only teams that has yet to score 30 points in a game and Mahomes’ receiving corps is made up of Travis Kelce, Xavier Worthy and DeAndre Hopkins. There appear to be weaknesses in the Chiefs offense, yet they continue to win.
One thing to keep an eye on as the playoffs get closer is the status of Patrick Mahomes. The franchise quarterback suffered a high-ankle sprain in Week 15 which has become a common theme for Mahomes. He says he’s 100% healthy, but the playoffs are intense and grueling and his ankle could impact his performance. Then again, it’s Patrick Mahomes and he always finds a way.
Josh Allen is having the best season of his career and it’s led Buffalo to a 12-3 record after Week 16. Even without a clear-cut WR1, Allen has made it work with his young receivers like Keon Coleman, Dalton Kincaid and Mack Hollins as well as veteran Amari Cooper. Buffalo has already beat the Chiefs and Lions this season which has cemented their status as a true Super Bowl contender.
The biggest issues in Buffalo’s path to winning Super Bowl LIX is their secondary and the Chiefs. The Bills’ secondary has been decimated by injuries in the last few weeks which has caused them to allow 21, 42, and 44 points in their last three games. If the defense can get healthier, the Bills might meet the Chiefs yet again in the AFC Championship game.
The Lions might have the greatest offense in the league. Detroit is averaging 32.9 points per game, which ranks first in football and it’s largely due to the impressive balance they have on offense. Veteran quarterback Jared Goff has been the perfect leader for the young group of offensive playmakers like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta and Jameson Williams. St. Brown has become a superstar in the league and LaPorta is on his way to becoming an elite tight end.
The only drawback for the Lions is injuries. Detroit just lost David Montgomery which leaves only Jahmyr Gibbs in the backfield. Plus, the Lions’ defense has lost half of their starters. The only good news is most of their key defensive players who are out are expected to rejoin the team in the next few weeks. It’s Super Bowl or bust for Dan Campbell’s squad.
Keith is a sports writer who has evolved into a sports betting personality across social media in the past several years. He specializes in MLB but also writes about the NFL and NBA.