The one thing that could prevent contenders from making a Super Bowl run

NFL teams spend extensive time trying to correct mistakes that could hurt them at a critical point of a game or season. Regardless of how much scotch tape and band aids they put, there are still areas that playoff bound franchises worry about heading into January. We’ll take a look at one thing that could keep each NFL Super Bowl contender from reaching their goal.

The Eagles are near the bottom of the league in allowing first downs through the air. While some of that can be chalked up to teams passing against them in order to get back in the game, Philadelphia’s defensive backs have not performed as well in 2023. Cornerback Darius Slay is nursing an injury down the stretch that is worth monitoring.

The Cowboys’ roster doesn’t have too many glaring holes. It’s a narrative that is often discussed, but Dallas’ fortunes may very well come down to how Dak Prescott plays when the game is on the line. He hasn’t fared that well generally in the postseason, and will need to make the crucial play in a big spot in order to silence his doubters.

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Fans can make a reasonable case that the 49ers should have been in the last two Super Bowls. Injuries derailed their chances a year ago, and could deny them of another chance to make it to the big game. Specifically, running back Christian McCaffery and wide receiver Deebo Samuel will need to stay on the field if San Francisco is going to win it all this year.

The Lions have been one of the best stories in the NFL this season, and will be a popular underdog pick heading into the playoffs. Detroit has a lot of talented young players, which bodes well for their future, but also leaves some concern heading into January. It’ll be interesting to see whether they perform when the lights are brightest.

Baltimore has the look and feel of a Super Bowl team, and might only be tripped up if they beat themselves. The Ravens rank near the bottom of the NFL in first downs conceded by penalty, which can gift an offense bonus chances even if they’re struggling to find a rhythm. Good teams tend to take advantage of those extra opportunities.

The Dolphins have done a pretty good job of opening up running lanes and protecting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa this season, but their offensive line depth is going to be tested. Center Connor Williams will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL. Left tackle Terron Armstead has battle through injuries all year, but will need to be fresh when it matters most.

Perhaps more than any other year in recent memory, Kansas City feels like they can be had. The Chiefs often come close to bringing down the important throw in the fourth quarter, but their receivers have had a tough time hanging on to the ball. They can’t afford to let the ball hit the ground in the playoffs against better competition.

A quick scan of the Jaguars roster will leave fans content, but perhaps not excited about the playmaking ability of the offense. Jacksonville has talent across the board, but they don’t have that one player that scares defenses. Perhaps Travis Etienne can take his game to that level in the postseason, who has played in many important contests in college.