The NFL season has quickly come to a close, and the playoffs are about to begin. Coaches have been fired, hearts have been broken, and first-round matchups have been determined.
While the AFC may be the weaker conference this season, it has the means for a playoff spectacle not seen in years.
No. 3 Jaguars vs. No. 6 Bills
Prediction: Bills
It’s hard to imagine an AFC playoff game without Josh Allen. Despite his team’s failure to succeed against the dynasty of the Chiefs, Allen has an incredible 5-1 record in the first round, per Stat Muse.
Fans around the NFL claim this is Allen’s year, with Mahomes and Burrow being out of the playoffs. However, the Bills’ defense continues to disappoint, much like their wide receivers.
On the other side of the pigskin, Trevor Lawrence finally broke out this year, thanks to an outstanding coach in Liam Coen. Lawrence achieved his first winning season since 2022, clearly one of his best years in every category, and ended the season on an eight-game win-streak. Absurd. All of that doesn’t even mention the elite talent around him, fueling his rise and expanding the playbook.
The Jaguars have found incredible success in Liam Coen’s first appearance, and many believe that Jacksonville will be a formidable opponent for years to come.
In spite of this terrific season, the Jaguars will be ended by the magic of playoff Josh Allen, who seeks his first Super Bowl appearance.
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No. 2 Patriots vs. No. 7 Chargers
Prediction: Patriots
Is it 2015 again? New England has broadcast the Josh McDaniels and Mike Vrabel show all over the country. Drake Maye is having an MVP season, and the Patriots are back on top once again.
Almost doubling his touchdown passes and throwing yards, Maye is dominating opponents in fashion. A deadly running back room mixed with talented receivers and tight ends fuels this fiery offense, and their defense is just as strong.
The Chargers have quietly placed themselves in perhaps the worst situation an injured team could ask for. With 13 total injuries and three players on injured reserve, the Chargers are licking their wounds — not to mention a quarterback who is still recovering from a broken hand. Anything is possible in the playoffs, and while the Chargers have had a successful season, this is a brutal first-round matchup.
Divine intervention would be nice, but the city of angels won’t offer enough help against the deadly Drake Maye.
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No. 5 Texans vs. No. 4 Steelers
Prediction: Texans
Pittsburgh has mined its way into another playoff appearance. Rodgers and Tomlin, after escaping with a victory over the Ravens, face a formidable defense. With the return of D.K. Metcalf after his short boxing match, the Steelers are healthy and weaponized. Rodgers seems to be firing on all cylinders, and the run game is gaining traction once again.
This matchup will be determined by the defense, and sadly, the Steelers don’t thrive in that category.
After finishing the season with a career-high 64.5 completion percentage, C.J. Stroud is perhaps the most overlooked quarterback entering the playoffs. Finishing the season with a eight-game win streak is no easy feat, and while the Jaguars gained the spotlight, the Texans have been quietly putting in the work. Their defense is terrifying, and they have been dominating opposing quarterbacks. They are second in points-per-game and yards-per-game; this defense sucks the life out of its opponents.
Aaron Rodgers will end the season ready to retire after the Texans toss him around the ring.
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