Heading into Week 17 these 10 teams stand above the rest. If I were betting on a Super Bowl winner these would be my favorite picks as they stand today. New and continued injuries loom large for a few teams on this list. The absence of Jalen Hurts and Lamar Jackson are pivotal to the championship aspirations of the Eagles and Ravens. Cincinnati look to replace Right Tackle La’el Collins after sustaining a knee injury in the win against New England. Getting healthy heading into the playoffs will be a priority for all the teams below.
- Kansas City Chiefs – Patrick Mahomes remains the league best player. With him under center KC is a perennial contender.
- San Francisco 49ers – Unbeaten since trading for CMC. The best defense in football. My favorite to come out of the NFC.
- Cincinnati Bengals – Winners of 7 straight. Burrow is a legitimate MVP candidate and has his team rolling.
- Philadelphia Eagles – Possibly the best team in football when Jalen Hurts is available. His absence drops them until he is seen again.
- Buffalo Bills – The Bills are a threat to score quickly at any time with Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs leading the way. A trip to Buffalo come playoff time is a daunting task.
- Dallas Cowboys – CeeDee Lamb is showing why the Cowboys wisely choose to move on from Amari Cooper in recent weeks. Dak and the Cowboys are back to winning after a OT loss to the Jags.
- Minnesota Vikings – Justin Jefferson is the greatest weapon in football. NFL fans are lucky to watch him for many years to come.
- Los Angeles Chargers – Justin Herbert will make his first playoff appearance come January. The Chargers feel like the team no one will want visiting in the 1st round.
- Baltimore Ravens – The Ravens are 3-1 without Lamar Jackson behind great defensive football. They desperately need him back if they have any hope of advancing in the playoffs.
- Jacksonville Jaguars – Trevor Lawrence is the real deal. A week 18 showdown against the Titans gives him the chance to capture his first postseason appearance.