If the NFL season has shown us anything so far, it’s that it’s more wide open than ever before. The Browns beat the 49ers. The Jets beat the Eagles. There have been other upsets, and we seem to have a big upset every week. As the old saying, “any given Sunday.”
With that being said, it really seems like many teams can go on a run and make it to the Super Bowl. In the NFC, the 49ers have lost 3 straight and Jalen Hurts is dealing with a knee injury. On the other side, in the AFC, Josh Allen is dealing with a shoulder injury and have looked disorganized at times throughout the year. The Chiefs just got rolled by the Broncos, the Dolphins have lost multiple games by at least 2 touchdowns and have an iffy defense, and the Ravens lost to the Colts at home. As we see every year in the playoffs, if you can get hot, you have a shot in the playoffs.
Let’s talk about a team in each conference that can get hot and make it to the Super Bowl.
In the AFC, you’ve got the Cleveland Browns. They’re in a brutal division, and can’t seem to get their QB healthy. They also have lost running back Nick Chubb for the season. However, this defense is just phenomenal. They rush the passer like nobody else, and have playmakers everywhere. They also have a really good offensive line, and even without Watson playing, they’ve stayed in games and been competitive offensively. They also have a dynamic offensive line. This is a team with an elite defense that no one will want to play in January. The question is..can they even get in? The Ravens have looked really good all year, and the Bengals are rounding into form as well. The Jets and Chargers are also looming for one of those wildcard spots. It’ll be tough to get in, but they would be a very tough out in January. The Browns currently have the 7th best odds in the AFC to make the Super Bowl at FanDuel Sportsbook, at +1500. (Odds subject to change.)
In the NFC, the Saints are starting to look like the team they were supposed to be at the start of the year. The Saints are currently the odds on favorite to win the NFC South, and they have a QB who can make plays when it matters. Derek Carr is rounding into form, and it’s no surprise that it coincides with Alvin Kamara coming back from his suspension. Winning the division would give the Saints at least one game in their own building, where they’ve shown to have a big homefield advantage. Their defense is also rounding into form, and Marshon Lattimore can make it difficult against anyone’s top corner. A team that can pound the rock with a good defense and good QB can win games in January. If the offense can keep their momentum going, they will be a tough out in January. The Saints currently have the 6th best odds in the NFC to make the Super Bowl at FanDuel Sportsbook, at +1900. (Odds subject to change.)
The NFL playoffs are built for upsets, and these two teams have the formula to make life hell for opposing teams in January. Can they get into the playoffs though? There’s only one way to find out!