The NFL’s 2024 postseason is down to just four teams, with the conference championship games set for this Sunday. These matchups are filled with history and high stakes, as each team fights for a chance to play in Super Bowl 59.
The competition is fierce, and the gap between these teams is likely much smaller than the betting odds suggest. Let’s rank the four remaining teams—based on their championship potential—from lowest to highest.
4. Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills have had a strong season, but they find themselves in a tough spot heading into the AFC Championship Game. They are set to face the Kansas City Chiefs, a team that has historically dominated them in the playoffs.
Buffalo managed to edge out the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round, but the Ravens made several key mistakes that helped the Bills’ cause. Quarterback Josh Allen led the team to a victory, but now they must go on the road to face a Chiefs team that has beaten them three times in the playoffs over the past four years.
The Bills did defeat Kansas City in the regular season, but that game featured two rare turnovers from Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes—something he hasn’t done in his last seven games. Buffalo’s secondary is dealing with injuries, and their road record (5-4) doesn’t inspire much confidence. If they can pull off an upset, they will be one win away from their first championship since their AFL dominance in the 1960s.
3. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles are favored by six points against the Washington Commanders, a team they split their regular-season series with. However, a major concern for Philadelphia is the health of their quarterback, Jalen Hurts.
Hurts suffered a concussion in their last game against Washington, and even though he played last week, he took a lot of hits and struggled with a knee injury by the end of the game. His ability to move in the pocket and execute the Eagles’ signature “tush push” play is crucial to their success.
Despite these concerns, the Eagles have a strong running game led by Saquon Barkley. He is chasing history, needing just 148 more rushing yards to break Hall of Famer Terrell Davis’ single-season record (including playoffs). Additionally, Philadelphia’s defense has been elite, boasting a +6 turnover differential in the postseason. If Hurts can stay effective, the Eagles have a great shot at advancing.
2. Washington Commanders
Washington’s incredible playoff run has been led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who has already made history as the first rookie QB in franchise history to win two road playoff games. The Commanders will now attempt to go 3-0 on the road in a postseason where home teams (excluding Washington’s games) are 8-0.
Philadelphia has one of the best defenses in the league, but Daniels managed to throw five touchdown passes against them last month. The Commanders’ defense, led by head coach Dan Quinn, has been making big plays all postseason, securing six takeaways.
Washington’s ground game has also stepped up, racking up 182 rushing yards last weekend. If they can continue playing at this level, they could become the first team to reach the Super Bowl with a rookie quarterback at the helm.
1. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs may not always look dominant, but their ability to win big games is undeniable. They have won 22 of their last 24 games (excluding a meaningless Week 18 loss).
Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid have an incredible 11-2 postseason record at Arrowhead Stadium, including two playoff wins over Buffalo. Tight end Travis Kelce and defensive lineman Chris Jones may be aging, but they proved last weekend that they are still dominant in the postseason.
Buffalo’s Josh Allen has had some big performances against the Chiefs, but Kansas City has generally kept him in check as a passer. The Chiefs also have a major advantage in preparation time, having played just one meaningful game since Christmas.
Kansas City has been focused on making history all year, aiming to become the first franchise to win three consecutive Super Bowls. With Mahomes and Reid leading the way, they are in a strong position to achieve that goal.
The 2024 NFL playoffs have been filled with surprises, but the final four teams are all battle-tested and capable of winning it all. The Buffalo Bills face a tough challenge against the Chiefs, while the Eagles and Commanders will battle in a game where quarterback health could be the deciding factor. Meanwhile, Kansas City remains the team to beat as they aim for an unprecedented three-peat.
This Sunday’s games promise to be thrilling, with legacies on the line and Super Bowl dreams within reach. Whether it’s an established dynasty or an underdog story in the making, football fans are in for an exciting weekend.
