NFL Playoff Picture 2024: Surprise Contenders, Playoff Droughts Ending, and Projected Super Bowl Matchups

As we approach the midpoint of NFL Playoff Picture 2024 season, the playoff landscape is taking shape with unexpected teams rising, traditional powers struggling, and several franchises poised to end lengthy postseason droughts. This 1,500+ word exclusive provides the most comprehensive analysis of the current NFL playoff picture, including:

• Projected division winners and wild card teams

• Strength of schedule analysis for bubble teams

• Teams most likely to surge or collapse down the stretch

• Updated Super Bowl odds and dark horse contenders

• Key injuries impacting playoff chances

AFC Division Leaders: New World Order Emerging

1. Baltimore Ravens (6-1)

Why They’re Dangerous:

• Lamar Jackson playing MVP-caliber football (18 TDs, 2 INTs)

• Defense allowing 14.7 PPG (1st in NFL)

• Remaining schedule: 6th easiest

Concern: Secondary depth behind Marlon Humphrey

 Ravens midseason report

2. Houston Texans (5-2)

Biggest Surprise:

• C.J. Stroud’s sophomore leap (68% completion, 17 TDs)

• Stefon Diggs seamlessly fitting in (6 TD catches)

• DeMeco Ryans’ defense forcing turnovers (12 in 7 games)

Test Ahead: Next 3 vs. CLE, at CIN, vs. NYJ

NFC Contenders: Familiar Faces, New Challengers

1. San Francisco 49ers (6-1)

Still the Team to Beat:

• Christian McCaffrey on pace for 2,400 scrimmage yards

• Nick Bosa back to form (7 sacks in 4 games since return)

• Own tiebreaker over Eagles, Lions

Vulnerability: Left tackle injuries piling up

2. Detroit Lions (5-2)

Why This Year is Different:

• Jared Goff’s career year (72% completion, 8.1 YPA)

• Defense creating pressure (24 sacks, 5th in NFL)

• Favorable NFC North schedule remaining

Current Playoff Projections

AFC Seeds

1. Ravens (6-1)

2. Chiefs (5-2)

3. Texans (5-2)

4. Bills (5-2)

5. Jaguars (5-2)

6. Browns (4-3)

7. Chargers (4-3)

First Out: Jets (4-3), Bengals (3-4)

NFC Seeds

1. 49ers (6-1)

2. Eagles (5-2)

3. Lions (5-2)

4. Saints (5-2)

5. Cowboys (5-2)

6. Packers (4-3)

7. Rams (4-3)

First Out: Seahawks (4-3), Falcons (4-3)

3 Teams Ending Playoff Droughts

1. Houston Texans

• Last playoff appearance: 2019

• C.J. Stroud changing franchise trajectory

2. Green Bay Packers

• Missed last year at 8-9

• Jordan Love’s breakout (21 TDs, 5 INTs)

3. New York Jets

• 13-year drought (longest in NFL)

• Aaron Rodgers’ comeback story

Strength of Schedule Analysis

Easiest Remaining Schedules

1. 49ers – Opponents’ win %: .412

2. Ravens – Opponents’ win %: .429

3. Lions – Opponents’ win %: .441

Hardest Remaining Schedules

1. Bengals – Opponents’ win %: .618

2. Jets – Opponents’ win %: .588

3. Bills – Opponents’ win %: .569

 Full SOS breakdown

Fantasy Football Playoff Stashes

Players to Add Now

Players to Sell High

• Derrick Henry (potential trade)

• Mike Evans (tough playoff schedule)

• James Cook (cold weather games coming)

Betting Market Shifts

Updated Super Bowl Odds

 49ers +450 (from +600)
Ravens +500 (from +800)
Texans +1200 (from +2500)

Best Value Bets

• Lions +1400 (weak NFC North)

• Jaguars +1800 (easy AFC South)

• Packers +2500 (if Love stays hot)

Key Injuries Shaping the Race

AFC Impact Injuries

• Joe Burrow (CIN) – Calf, questionable weekly

• Aaron Rodgers (NYJ) – Ankle, returning Week 9

• Nick Chubb (CLE) – Out for season

NFC Impact Injuries

• Justin Jefferson (MIN) – Hamstring, Week 10 return

• Tristan Wirfs (TB) – Ankle, 2 more weeks

• Cooper Kupp (LAR) – Shoulder, week-to-week

Coaching Hot Seat Watch

Most Pressure

1. Matt Eberflus (CHI) – 2-5 despite Caleb Williams

2. Robert Saleh (NYJ) – Must make playoffs

3. Dennis Allen (NO) – Underachieving roster

Safest

1. John Harbaugh (BAL)

2. Kyle Shanahan (SF)

3. Dan Campbell (DET)

Projected Super Bowl Matchups

Most Likely

49ers vs. Ravens

• #1 scoring offense vs. #1 scoring defense NFL Playoff Picture 2024

• Kyle Shanahan vs. his former team

Best Storyline

Lions vs. Texans

• Two long-suffering franchises

• Goff vs. Stroud QB duel

Dark Horse

Packers vs. Jaguars

• Jordan Love vs. Trevor Lawrence

• Small market showdown

Read More: NFL Trade Deadline 2024: Blockbuster Deals, Surprise Sellers, and Contender Transformations

Final Verdict: Who Makes the Playoffs?

AFC Locks

• Ravens, Chiefs, Bills

NFC Locks

• 49ers, Eagles, Lions

Last Team In

• AFC: Chargers (Herbert gets hot)

• NFC: Rams (Stafford’s last ride)

Biggest Disappointment

• Bengals (Burrow never gets right)

• Cowboys (December collapse again)

 Interactive playoff predictor