Bill Barnwell Predicts NFL Playoff Picture

Key Takeaways

The Kansas City Chiefs return as Super Bowl favorites, but the AFC is wide open.
The NFC is top-heavy, with the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers standing out.
The playoffs are always unpredictable, but Barnwell's predictions provide a solid starting point for discussion.

AFC Playoff Predictions

1. Kansas City Chiefs (13-4)

The Chiefs remain the team to beat in the AFC, led by reigning MVP Patrick Mahomes. They have a high-powered offense and a solid defense, making them a threat to win it all again.

2. Cincinnati Bengals (12-4)

The Bengals made a surprising run to the Super Bowl last year and are looking to make another deep playoff run this year. They have a young and talented team, led by quarterback Joe Burrow.

3. Buffalo Bills (11-6)

The Bills were one of the hottest teams in the league last year, but they stumbled down the stretch and lost in the Divisional Round. They have a lot of talent on both sides of the ball, and they'll be looking to make a statement this year.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars (9-8)

The Jaguars were one of the most surprising teams in the league last year, winning the AFC South and making it to the Divisional Round. They have a young and talented team, led by quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

5. Baltimore Ravens (10-7)

The Ravens are always a tough team to beat, led by quarterback Lamar Jackson. They have a strong defense and a lot of offensive weapons.

6. New York Jets (9-8)

The Jets are a rising team, led by quarterback Zach Wilson. They have a lot of young talent on both sides of the ball, and they'll be looking to make some noise in the playoffs this year.

7. Cleveland Browns (9-8)

The Browns are a bit of a wild card, but they have a lot of talent on both sides of the ball. They'll be looking to make a statement this year after a disappointing 2022 season.

NFC Playoff Predictions

1. Philadelphia Eagles (14-3)

The Eagles are the clear favorites in the NFC, led by quarterback Jalen Hurts. They have a high-powered offense and a solid defense, making them a threat to win it all.

2. San Francisco 49ers (13-4)

The 49ers are another team that made a surprising run to the NFC Championship Game last year. They have a young and talented team, led by quarterback Trey Lance.

3. Minnesota Vikings (13-4)

The Vikings are a sleeper team in the NFC, led by quarterback Kirk Cousins. They have a lot of talent on both sides of the ball, and they'll be looking to make a deep playoff run this year.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-8)

The Buccaneers are a bit of a wild card, but they have a lot of talent on both sides of the ball. They'll be looking to make a statement this year after a disappointing 2022 season.

5. Dallas Cowboys (12-5)

The Cowboys are a perennial playoff contender, led by quarterback Dak Prescott. They have a lot of talent on both sides of the ball, and they'll be looking to make a deep playoff run this year.

6. New York Giants (9-8)

The Giants are a rising team, led by quarterback Daniel Jones. They have a lot of young talent on both sides of the ball, and they'll be looking to make some noise in the playoffs this year.

7. Seattle Seahawks (9-8)

The Seahawks are a bit of a wild card, but they have a lot of talent on both sides of the ball. They'll be looking to make a statement this year after a disappointing 2022 season.