As the PML playoffs are just hours away, the stakes are higher than ever. Here’s how I see the postseason unfolding, from the Wildcard round to the Super Bowl.
AFC Playoff Predictions
Wildcard Round
Los Angeles Chargers @ Jacksonville Jaguars
After falling to the Jaguars 31-21 in Week 17, the Chargers bounce back in the playoffs with an opportunistic defense and an efficient offensive showing. Justin Herbert leads the way as Los Angeles secures a decisive 35-20 victory.
Las Vegas Raiders @ Pittsburgh Steelers
This is the first playoff matchup between these two teams, and with Justin Fields sidelined for Pittsburgh, the Raiders capitalize. Las Vegas controls the game from start to finish, ultimately cruising to a 40-28 win.
Cleveland Browns @ Buffalo Bills
In a regular-season thriller, the Bills narrowly edged out the Browns 35-32. In this rematch, rookie quarterback Cam Ward’s inexperience proves costly, especially in the harsh Buffalo weather. The Bills advance with a hard-fought 37-30 win.
Divisional Round
Los Angeles Chargers @ Buffalo Bills
In a repeat of last year’s divisional round and this season’s Week 1 matchup, the Chargers once again showcase their strong matchup against Buffalo. Justin Herbert outduels Josh Allen, leading L.A. to a commanding 34-21 victory.
Las Vegas Raiders @ Kansas City Chiefs
The Raiders have yet to overcome the Chiefs in critical matchups, including last season’s playoffs. Kansas City’s experience and home-field advantage make the difference as Patrick Mahomes guides the Chiefs to a narrow 30-27 victory.
AFC Championship
Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
In a battle of AFC West rivals, the Chiefs repeat last season’s AFC championshiop. A healthy Mahomes and Arrowhead Stadium’s electrifying atmosphere are too much for the Chargers to overcome. Kansas City advances to the Super Bowl with a thrilling 41-35 win.
NFC Playoff Predictions
Wildcard Round
Chicago Bears @ Washington Commanders
The Commanders barely fell to the Bears 38-37 during the regular season, but with Caleb Williams out, Washington’s defense steps up. In a tightly contested game, the Commanders pull off a mild upset at home, 27-22.
Seattle Seahawks @ Arizona Cardinals
Seattle dominated Arizona in recent matchups, but with a healthy Kyler Murray back under center, the Cardinals avenge their regular-season losses. Arizona’s defense slows Kenneth Walker, and Murray leads the offense to a 34-26 victory.
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers’ potent offense has overwhelmed the Panthers in recent matchups, and this game is no exception. Tampa Bay’s firepower proves too much for the inconsistent Panthers as the Bucs cruise to a 48-28 win.
Divisional Round
Washington Commanders @ Minnesota Vikings
After enduring one of the toughest schedules in PML history, the Commanders face the juggernaut Vikings. Despite their battle-tested resilience, Washington can’t match Minnesota’s explosiveness. The Vikings roll to a 45-38 victory.
Arizona Cardinals @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay’s high-powered offense has been dominant, but Arizona’s defense finds ways to create turnovers. Kyler Murray takes advantage of short fields, and the Cardinals upset the Bucs with a 37-27 win.
NFC Championship
Arizona Cardinals @ Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota’s historic offense, led by Drew Allar and Justin Jefferson, proves unstoppable. While Kyler Murray puts up a fight, he can’t keep pace with the Vikings’ aerial assault. Minnesota advances to the Super Bowl with a 42-27 victory.
Super Bowl: Minnesota Vikings vs. Kansas City Chiefs
In a rematch of last year’s Super Bowl, the Chiefs remain a formidable opponent, but the Vikings have only improved. Their offense is truly unstoppable, while Minnesota’s defense does just enough to hold off Kansas City. The Vikings go back-to-back with a 41-33 victory, cementing their dynasty.
