Ranking each Wild Card team by how likely they are to make a Super Bowl run
The NFL playoffs often involve teams with lower seeds making a charge all the way to the Super Bowl. The one-and-done format allows upsets to take place at greater frequency, and sometimes wild card teams have what it takes to win a few games in January and February. We’ll rank the wild card teams in the 2023 with regards to who has the best chance to win it all.
The Packers did well to overcome a mediocre start to the season by getting hot right around Thanksgiving. A lot would have to go right for Green Bay to win a Super Bowl though, as most of their best players don’t have a lot of experience. Additionally, their first playoff game is on the road at Dallas, who has been one of the best home teams in the NFL this season.
The Steelers had one of the most dormant offenses in the NFL for most of the season, but it has recently come to life under Mason Rudolph. Potentially losing T.J. Watt would be a difficult blow, but Pittsburgh is one of the best-coached teams in the league. The Bills tend to let opponents hang in games, which Pittsburgh has a way of taking advantage of.
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It’s surprising that the Dolphins enter the postseason as a wild card team, and one that has fledgling chances at best to win a game. Their linebacking unit has been completely decimated by injuries, making a Super Bowl run unlikely. Still, their offense has the potential to score at any time, giving them an outside chance to light up the scoreboard during the postseason.
It’s been one of the best stories in the NFL, as the Browns have marched their way into the postseason behind a great defense and a resurgent Joe Flacco. Cleveland has the talent to stay in games, and will only need a game-changing play or two to tip the scales. It’s possible the franchise could be playing well into January, and perhaps February with this formula.
The Eagles have looked dreadful down the stretch of the regular season, and will have to flip the switch if they want to return to the big game this year. However, it’s important to note that they were a few plays away from winning it all a year ago. They’re still one of the most talented teams in the league, and cannot be taken for granted.
The Rams have exceeded all expectations by just qualifying for the playoffs, and will look to advance their Cinderella story even further. Los Angeles has the weapons on offense to give opponents fits, as wide receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp will be a nightmare for defenses to contain. The Rams won it all two years ago, and still have many players who were a part of the run.