NFL Mid Season Playoff Predictions

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Written by McKenna Orrico, Editor-in-chief

So far, the 2022-23 NFL season has been full of unforeseeable triumphs and defeats that have taken the world of sports by storm. Let’s go around the league and take a look at how teams are doing so far as week 11 begins and who is expected to make it to the Superbowl this season.

 

NFC NORTH

Minnesota Vikings: It is fair to say that not many expected the start that the Minnesota Vikings have had this season with a record of 8-1 with their only loss coming from the Philadelphia Eagles during week 2. While the Vikings do have the second best record in the league, other than their victory over the Green Bay Packers, the team played a lot of close contests not necessarily dominating the games. While they might not necessarily be crushing opponents, their performance against ranked opponents is getting the job done. The Vikings division title is pretty much secure with their closest competitor being the Green Bay Packers who have a record of 4-6. With an overall strong lineup both offensive and defensive, the Minnesota Vikings have the potential to make it to the later rounds of the playoffs, but there’s still some skepticism regarding whether they are Super Bowl contenders or not.

 

NFC EAST

Philadelphia Eagles: Nearly perfect is the best way to describe the Pennsylvania native Eagles as they go 8-1 through week 10. This legendary season of competitor crushing wins is not destined to stop any time soon. Led by players such as Jalen Hurts and A. J. Brown, the Eagles have used their superb offense and defense to get them this far. If they continue to play like they are right now, then they can practically call the division title theirs. But with two teams not far behind, the Eagles may be given a run for their money.

New York Giants: The Giants currently hold second in the NFC East only 1 game behind the Philadelphia Eagles. This season is the best that fans have seen since 2008 when the Giants had a record start of 11-1. As the season goes on, the playoff odds for the team only improve. As of right now, the New York Giants hold the 5th of 7 playoff stops in the NFC with their division competitor, the Dallas Cowboys, right behind them with the 6th position. The Cowboys are one of two teams to contribute to the loss category of the Giants 7-2 record. The Giants will get their chance at redemption as the two teams play again on Thanksgiving. 

Dallas Cowboys: The Dallas Cowboys are sitting third in a close NFC East division with a record of 6-3. While the division titles may seem out of the question, the race for the NFC wildcard spots are not. Competing with division member the New York Giants, the Cowboys currently hold the 6th seed in the NFC playoff bracket. Led by key players such as Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliot, the Dallas team has beaten notable opponents like the Rams, Bangels, and Seahawks. The Cowboys are a team full of talent that is projected to make it far in the playoffs.

 

NFC WEST

Seattle Seahawks: After Sunday’s loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Germany, the Seahawks now only lead their division by a half a game. Led by players like Geno Smith, DK Metcalf, and Drew Lock, the Seahawks have both a solid offense and defense.  The team currently holds a 6-4 record, one of their 4 losses coming from the San Francisco 49ers. If any team in the West is going to give the Seahawks a run or the title, it will be the 49ers. 

San Francisco 49ers: Only a half game behind the division leaders, the 49ers are the team projected to come out on top in the NFC West. They currently hold the 7th and final playoff spot in the NFC, but are not backing down from that division title anytime soon. The team contains offense superpowers Jimmy Garopallo, George Kittle, and new addition Christain McCaffrey. But if anything is going to take the 49ers to the playoffs, it will be their unreal defense. Although there were some beginning of the season conflicts, the 49ers have found a way to power through and be serious playoff contenders.

 

NFC SOUTH

Tampa Bay Buccaneers:  The Tom Brady led Tampa Bay Bucs currently are at the top of the NFC South. This season is one of peculiarities for the Hall of Fame bound Brady because while his stats are on top, the team’s record is not of the usual caliber. Tampa Bay currently sits at 5-5 getting defeated by notable and some not so notable teams around the league. While the Atlanta Falcons are not far behind, it is projected that they will take the NFC South division. Unless their overall performance is improved, then their chances of making it far in the playoffs is not guaranteed. 

 

AFC NORTH

Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens currently hold the first place spot in the AFC North with a record of 6-3. The team is led by superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson and tight end Mark Andrews has only suffered losses against prevalent teams in both the AFC and NFC. As they keep fighting through the season, they are projected to have one of the higher seeds in the playoffs. The remainder of the season they play notable competition like the Steelers, Broncos, and finally end it with their division rival the Bangles.

Cincinnati Bengals:  The second place team in the AFC North are the Ohio native Cincinnati Bengals. The team has shown success with talented young quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja’ Marr Chase. The team has shown off their impressive talent with wins over league leaders and is projected to be in the conversation for one of the Wild Card positions during the 2022-23 playoffs. 

 

AFC WEST

Kansas City Chiefs: The Kansas City Chiefs have had a phenomenal start to their 2022-23 season with a record of 7-2. This season the team has suffered two tough losses to the Bill and Colts both of which were one possession games. The team has a boatload of talent like multidimensional quarterback Patrcik Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce. The Chiefs are one of the top teams not only for the AFC title but also for the Super Bowl itself. If they continue with the offensive power they have this season then a high seed in the playoffs should be no trouble.

 

AFC EAST

Miami Dolphins: The current leader in the AFC East, the Miami Dolphins, have put on a show for fans despite adversity faced with injuries. Young quarterback Tua Tagovalioa had to be transported to the hospital after a hard hit during the game. Despite this frightening incident, the Dolphins have been able to persist with a record of 7-3. Other than Tagovailoa, the team is also led by key asset Tyreek Hill. While the team currently has a one game lead in the East, they are not the projected winners but are still strong playoff contenders.

New York Jets: This season has been a turnaround year for the notoriously struggling Jets with their current record of 6-3, just one game out of first place. A lot of this success is due in part to BYU alum, Zach Wilson. On the big stage, the young quarterback has shown some struggle against teams like the New England Patriots but is confident that with time his skills will solidify. The Jet’s shot at the shot at the post season really depends on the other teams in the AFC East with the records being so neck and neck.

Buffalo Bills: The team that came just short last year is back with a real fighting shot at being in a similar if not better position than last year. The New York native Bills have shown great strength early on as they are tied for second place in the AFC East with a record of 6-3. The team is led by fan favorite quarterback Josh Allen and wide receiver Staffon Diggs. While Buffalo did fall short against division competitor the New York Jets, the team has beaten some of the best teams in the league like the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens. Despite their record, they are projected to take the division and possibly make it to the Super Bowl.

 

AFC SOUTH

Tennessee Titans: As the Titans face off against the Green Bay Packers, they are currently alone in the playoff potential for the AFC South. The Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry led team is currently sitting 2 games ahead of the Colts with a 6-3 record. Derrick Henry has put up impressive statistics this year against teams being one of the top rushers in the NFL. While injuries have affect the team this year, they have pushed though and are predicted to hold one of the higher spots in the playoffs this year.