NFL Playoff Power Rankings: Sizing up the contenders
The NFL Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's football editors.
1. Baltimore Ravens (14-2)
Lamar Jackson and the Ravens' offense made headlines all year, but the play of Earl Thomas and his defensive cohorts - especially during the second half of the season - can't be ignored.
2. San Francisco 49ers (13-3)
The battle-tested Niners hold home-field advantage throughout the playoffs and expect Dee Ford to rejoin their heralded defensive line following a first-round bye.
3. Kansas City Chiefs (12-4)
With the defense hitting its stride down the stretch and ready to complement an explosive offense, these Chiefs may represent Andy Reid's best chance at capturing the elusive Lombardi Trophy.
4. New Orleans Saints (13-3)
Improbable scenarios - the Minneapolis Miracle and negligent officiating - derailed the Saints' last two playoff runs. Will a third time be the charm for Sean Payton and Drew Brees?
5. Green Bay Packers (13-3)
A more reliable running game and defense lessened the burden on Aaron Rodgers throughout the regular season, but the two-time MVP must shine in the playoffs for Green Bay to have a shot at going all the way.
6. Seattle Seahawks (11-5)
The Seahawks were road warriors in 2019, winning seven of eight games away from CenturyLink Field. That's good because the No. 5 seeds will likely have to travel for the rest of their games.
7. New England Patriots (12-4)
After a shocking collapse to the Dolphins in Week 17, the Patriots will be forced to play on Wild Card Weekend for the first time since 2009. They've never won the Super Bowl without a first-round bye.
8. Houston Texans (10-6)
The return of J.J. Watt should provide an emotional lift, but the Texans and their shaky defense will need a more tangible impact from the three-time Defensive Player of the Year to make a deep run.
9. Minnesota Vikings (10-6)
With Dalvin Cook potentially less than 100% healthy, this would be an opportune moment for Kirk Cousins to silence critics who maintain he can't win the big one.
10. Buffalo Bills (10-6)
Their defense is legit but any postseason slipups from the unit could spell a quick exit for the Bills, who have scored over 20 points just twice since Week 9.
11. Tennessee Titans (9-7)
The Titans went 7-3 after inserting Ryan Tannehill into the starting lineup. They can count on rushing champion Derrick Henry, but overall, the roster is short on game-changing talent.
12. Philadelphia Eagles (9-7)
Carson Wentz threw seven touchdowns without an interception in the last quarter of the campaign, and the injury-depleted Eagles needed all of it to scrape out four straight victories and the NFC East title. He'll need more help for Philly to have any hope of playing into February.