NFL playoff predictions to win AFC, NFC brackets and Super Bowl ahead of divisional round
The divisional round matches of the NFL playoffs are set and the quest for Super Bowl LVIII continues this weekend for eight teams.
The Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers have secured the top seed in their respective conferences and are set to make their first postseason appearances. In the divisional round, the Ravens will go up against the Houston Texans while the 49ers will face off against the Green Bay Packers on Saturday.
On Sunday, the divisional round action will pick up again with Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions facing off against Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The divisional round will conclude with Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs traveling to Highmark Stadium to take on Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills.
Below are the latest predictions for what team will come out on top of the AFC and NFC, along with the updated odds for Super Bowl LVIII.
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AFC Standings
1. Baltimore Ravens – 1st AFC North (13-4)
2. Buffalo Bills – 1st AFC East (10-6)
3. Kansas City Chiefs – 1st AFC West (11-6)
4. Houston Texans – 1st AFC South (10-7)
5. Eliminated - Cleveland Browns – 2nd AFC North (11-6)
6. Eliminated - Miami Dolphins – 2nd AFC East (11-6)
7. Eliminated - Pittsburg Steelers – 3rd AFC North (10-7)
Per NFL.com
AFC Championship Predictions
Bleacher Report: Baltimore Ravens
Kristopher Knox writes: "The Ravens are constructed to match up well with the other three teams left in the conference. Baltimore's one weakness is its run defense, none of the remaining AFC teams rank inside the top 10 in rushing yards or yards per carry. The big question is whether Baltimore will come out of the bye rusty—it also rested starters in Week 18—and make enough mistakes to give Houston a chance. If the Ravens survive the surging Texans, they should be ready for whoever is up next."
Sporting News: Baltimore Ravens
Jacob Camenker writes: "Baltimore Ravens. There are a lot of good teams in the AFC, but this seems like the year for the Ravens to break through and reach the Super Bowl. They'll have to get through some tough competition, especially the second-seeded Bills, but Baltimore's roster is balanced better than any of the other clubs in the conference. "
Action Network: Ravens to represent the AFC
According to Action Network, the Baltimore Ravens are the favorites to win the AFC, and the odds are not even close. The Ravens have a (+115) chance of winning, which is a pretty huge advantage compared to their closest rivals, the Buffalo Bills, who have (+235) odds.
NFC Standings
1. San Francisco 49ers – 1st NFC West (12-5)
2. Eliminated - Dallas Cowboys – 1st NFC East (12-5)
3. Detroit Lions – 1st NFC North (12-5)
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 1st NFC South (9-8)
5. Eliminated - Philadelphia Eagles – 2nd NFC East (11-6)
6. Eliminated - Los Angeles Rams – 2nd in NFC West (10-7)
7. Green Bay Packers – 2nd NFC North (9-8)
Per NFL.com
NFC Championship Predictions
Bleacher Report: San Francisco 49ers
Kristopher Knox writes: Should the 49ers survive Green Bay, though, they match up extremely well with the Lions and the Bucs—San Francisco beat Tampa by two scores back in Week 11. Three of San Francisco's four losses before the meaningless finale came against AFC North opponents. The 49ers won't face an AFC North team again this year, unless they meet the Ravens in the Super Bowl—which is precisely what we expect."
Sporting News: San Francisco 49ers
Bill Bender writes: "San Francisco 49ers" The 49ers did lose three home games this season, which gives a little pause. The Rams, Ravens, and Bengals combined for a +7 turnover ratio in those wins, which means Brock Purdy is going to have to protect the ball in those high-pressure situations. Still, this is the most-talented team in the NFC, and the week off will allow Kyle Shanahan to get this team prepared for a championship run. "
Action Network: 49ers are heavy favorites
According to the Action Network, the San Francisco 49ers are the favorites to represent the NFC after the Dallas Cowboys were eliminated by the Green Bay Packers. Betting on the 49ers to win will not even double your bet as they are at -185 odds. The Detroit Lions are the closest opponents at +330 odds.
Super Bowl LVIII Odds
BetMGM: San Francisco 49ers
Staff writes: "According to the current betting odds at BetMGM, the San Francisco 49ers are +175 favorites to win this season’s Super Bowl LVIII."
NBC Sports: 49ers have the best odds
Matthew Jackson writes: "Oddsmakers are continuing their playoff betting with the top teams in the top spots. According to Bet MGM, the most likely Super Bowl teams are still the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens, who come in first and second in the betting odds with +175 and +275, respectively. Right behind them, now that the Cowboys are out of the picture, are the Buffalo Bills at +500 and the Kansas City Chiefs at +700."
Fox Sports: 49ers favored
Staff writes: "The two conference champions who had byes during wild-card weekend — the 49ers and Ravens — naturally have the best odds. Despite being idle, the 49ers went to +175 from +220, and the Ravens improved to +270 from +295."
Covers: San Francisco 49ers
Ryan Murphy writes: "The San Francisco 49ers (+175) are favored to win Super Bowl LVIII according to oddsmakers at DraftKings. Rounding out the Top 3 are the surging Baltimore Ravens (+290) and the Buffalo Bills (+500)."
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2024 NFL playoff predictions for this weekend: AFC, NFC, Super Bowl
