And, here we go! A fantastic week of action, at the professional and NCAA levels. The NFL Playoffs have delivered. So did the Philadelphia Eagles.
We are assured that they will host at least one more postseason game. Their opponent will be determined by the final Wild Card Game.
Some say Philly's chances increase if that opponent is the Los Angeles Rams. Others fear neither the Rams or Minnesota Vikings.
Just for kicks, we offered a power ranking. Who are the best teams left in the field? We're glad you asked. Let's see if your list looks like ours.
The stage is set for some great NFL Playoff Divisional Round action!
And, just like that, the Divisional Round is set (almost). Run all of those errands before Saturday afternoon. Your weekend is planned.
Saturday, January 18
- 4:30 p.m. EST - Texans at Chiefs
- 8 p.m. EST - Commanders at Lions
Sunday, January 19
- 3 p.m. EST - Vikings or Rams at Eagles
- 6:30 p.m. EST - Bills at Ravens
Ranking the remaining NFL Playoff teams
At the time of this story's release, the result of the Vikings vs. Rams match is still pending and unknown. We have included both for that reason. Philly's defense is the talk of the town since the Birds outlasted The Pack, but they have some work to do to pass our top-ranked team.
1. Detroit Lions
This appears to be the most complete team in the NFL. We just keep trying to talk ourselves out of that because it's the Lions.
We've seen them let the city of Detroit down for so long that it is hard to imagine their story ending any other way. That, however, isn't a good enough reason to remove them from the top spot.
They're the top-ranked NFC team for a reason.
2. Buffalo Bills
Maybe recency bias affects this ranking somewhat, and yes, we realize they beat a limited Denver Broncos team. For now, however, we place them ahead of Philly because we believe, had the Super Bowl been this past weekend and had these two teams played each other, Buffalo would have won that game.
We may not feel like that tomorrow, but that's how we feel today. Thankfully, there are a few weeks separating a possible showdown between the Bills and Birds in New Orleans.
3. Philadelphia Eagles
This defense is elite, maybe even better than what we saw in 2022. Throw out the game in Tampa and the fourth quarter of what we saw in Landover, and we're convinced of something. Vic Fangio's unit is fully capable of limiting ANY elite offense.
So, with that being said, maybe the Eagles are better than the Bills. Hmmm. Allow us to chew on that one a little longer.
4. Kansas City Chiefs
Yes, this franchise is home to the NFL's best current coach and its best quarterback. This Chiefs team doesn't feel like it's as good as the versions we've seen in previous years though.
We have nothing to base this on but a hunch. It kind of feels like the luck will run out though. We'll see. Don't count them out, but even as a top seed, these guys appear to be a little vulnerable.
5. Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry are good enough to lead this team to the promise land. We've seen Philly manhandle them once though, and we think they can do so again.
Also, past performance may be the best indicator of future success in this case. We've seen what happens to Lamar Jackson on the big stage, and it isn't pretty. This is a different Ravens team, nut are we certain they won't falter again.
6. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings... No one wants to discuss the Vikings. It's like no one believes in them. Seeing them lose to the Lions in the regular-season finale was the 'I told you so' moment for many, but this team is capable of going on a run.
We know... You don't believe in Kevin O'Connell and Sam Darnold, but here's a serious question. Why have you changed your mind and become so firm in your belief of Dan Campbell and Jared Goff?
Sure, Goff is probably better than Darnold, but other than that, what's the difference? We're asking for some friends.
7. Houston Texans
Here's why the Texans, Commanders, and L.A. Rams are at the bottom of this list. We feel every remaining team has a realistic shot at winning a Super Bowl if you throw out those three.
Houston is the best of the trio though. If they keep replicating what we saw in the Wild Card Round, they can make a lot of noise, but again, they aren't ready to compete for a Vince Lombardi Trophy.
8. Los Angeles Rams
The Rams have nothing to be ashamed of. They are a class organization with a great quarterback and head coach, but each time we stacked this list, Los Angeles fell to the bottom.
That doesn't mean they can't win a game, but we doubt they will win a Super Bowl. Again, no disrespect is intended.
8. Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders keep finding ways to win. They're going to be a problem for the Eagles moving forward, maybe even more so than the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants.
Philly's time is now though. Washington's time may be coming, but it isn't their time yet. Yes, the Commanders beat Philly in Week 16, but even after that game, we still feel like the Birds were the better football team.