The NFL playoffs feature a 14-team field this season, with four new teams compared to last year making it to the postseason: the Minnesota Vikings, Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Chargers, and Denver Broncos all have their sights set on Super Bowl 59. In the AFC, the Kansas City Chiefs clinched the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye after an impressive 15-2 regular season. They will have a week off while the Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans, Chargers, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Broncos battle it out in the playoffs. The Detroit Lions claimed the No. 1 seed in the NFC after finishing their regular season at 15-2. They will also enjoy a week off as the Philadelphia Eagles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Los Angeles Rams, Vikings, Commanders, and Green Bay Packers start their postseason journey.
The Chiefs are aiming to make history by becoming the first team to win three consecutive Super Bowl titles. Will they achieve this feat, or will another team raise the Lombardi Trophy in New Orleans? Various experts have weighed in on the matter, offering their predictions and thoughts on the playoffs, including which wild-card game is the must-watch, and who they believe will triumph in Super Bowl 59.
USA TODAY predicts the Eagles will secure a victory over the Ravens in Super Bowl 59, CBS Sports leans towards the Bills triumphing over the Rams, NFL.com foresees a win for the Ravens, and Sporting News also favors the Ravens, this time over the Lions. Each expert provides their reasoning and analysis for their chosen outcome, setting the stage for an exciting and unpredictable playoff season.
To a seasoned contender with an impressive track record, the path to victory in the tournament seems imminent. Their recent victories over the Chiefs and Lions have positioned them as a formidable force to be reckoned with. As the NFL playoff schedule unfolds, fans eagerly anticipate the thrilling matchups that lie ahead.
The Wild Card weekend is set to kick off on Saturday, January 11 and will run through Monday, January 13. Teams will battle it out for a chance to advance to the Divisional round, where the stakes will be even higher. Scheduled for Saturday, January 18 and Sunday, January 19, the Divisional round promises intense competition and fierce rivalries as teams vie for a coveted spot in the Conference championships.
The ultimate showdown will take place on Sunday, January 26, as the Conference championships determine which teams will earn a shot at glory in Super Bowl 59. Set for Sunday, February 9, the highly anticipated Super Bowl will showcase the best of the best as the top teams in the league go head to head in a battle for supremacy.
With the stage set for an epic conclusion to the NFL season, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the playoff bracket will unfold. Anticipation is high as teams prepare to face off in what promises to be a series of thrilling and intense matchups. As the drama unfolds on the field, only time will tell which team will emerge victorious and claim the coveted title of Super Bowl champions.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY and offers insights into the predictions and expectations surrounding the upcoming NFL playoff schedule. Stay tuned as the action unfolds and the journey to Super Bowl 59 reaches its thrilling climax.
