NFL Playoff Picture Week 7: Which Surprise Teams Are Legit Contenders?

NFL Playoff Picture Week 7, The 2024 NFL season is heating up, and as we approach Week 7, the playoff race is already taking shape. Some teams are dominating as expected, while others have emerged as shock contenders—but are they for real? In this deep dive, we’ll analyze the biggest surprises of the season, break down their strengths and weaknesses, and predict whether they can sustain their success into the postseason.

The Current NFL Playoff Standings (Week 7, 2024)

Before we assess which surprise teams are legit, let’s take a quick look at the current NFL playoff picture as of Week 7:

AFC Standings (Top Contenders)

1. Kansas City Chiefs (5-1) – Still the team to beat.

2. Buffalo Bills (5-1) – Strong Super Bowl odds.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-2) – Emerging as AFC South favorites.

4. Baltimore Ravens (4-2) – Defense carrying Lamar Jackson.

5. Miami Dolphins (4-2) – High-powered offense, but can they stay healthy?

6. Cincinnati Bengals (3-3) – Slow start, but heating up.

NFC Standings (Biggest Surprises)

1. San Francisco 49ers (5-1) – Super Bowl favorites.

2. Philadelphia Eagles (5-1) – Dominant in close games.

3. Detroit Lions (4-2) – Proving last year wasn’t a fluke.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2) – Baker Mayfield’s resurgence.

5. Green Bay Packers (4-2) – Jordan Love’s breakout year?

6. Atlanta Falcons (4-2) – Can their defense hold up?

Now, let’s dive into the biggest surprise teams and whether they’re true contenders or pretenders.

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2) – Baker Mayfield’s Redemption?

After Tom Brady’s retirement, many expected the Bucs to struggle. Instead, Baker Mayfield has led them to a 4-2 start, keeping them atop the NFC South.

Why They Might Be Legit:

✅ Improved Offensive Line – Better protection than last year.
✅ Mike Evans & Chris Godwin Still Elite – Reliable WR duo.
✅ Todd Bowles’ Defense – Ranked top 10 in points allowed.

Why They Might Regress:

❌ Baker’s Consistency Issues – Can he avoid turnovers in big games?
❌ Tough Schedule Ahead – Eagles, 49ers, and Bills still to come.

Verdict: Playoff team, but not a Super Bowl threat yet.

2. Atlanta Falcons (4-2) – Is Their Defense for Real?

The Falcons were expected to be offense-heavy, but their defense has been the surprise, ranking 6th in scoring defense.

Why They Might Be Legit:

✅ Jessie Bates Leading a Turnover Machine – 8 INTs already.
✅ Bijan Robinson’s Breakout – Top 5 in rushing yards.
✅ Weak NFC South – Could win the division at 9-8.

Why They Might Regress:

❌ Desmond Ridder’s Inconsistency – Still a question mark at QB.
❌ Upcoming Schedule (Chiefs, Cowboys, 49ers) – Brutal stretch ahead.

Verdict: Wild Card contender, but not elite yet.

3. Green Bay Packers (4-2) – Jordan Love’s Breakout Year?

After Aaron Rodgers’ departure, many expected a rebuilding year. Instead, Jordan Love has the Packers in playoff position.

Why They Might Be Legit:

✅ Jordan Love’s Poise – 12 TDs, 3 INTs so far.
✅ Young Weapons Emerging – Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs stepping up.
✅ Improved Defense – Rashan Gary dominating.

Why They Might Regress:

❌ Tough Division (Lions, Vikings) – NFC North is competitive.
❌ Lack of Playoff Experience – Young team might crumble under pressure.

Verdict: Wild Card team, but not a deep playoff threat.

4. Houston Texans (3-3) – C.J. Stroud’s Rookie Magic Continues?

After a 3-13-1 season, the Texans are .500 at Week 7, thanks to C.J. Stroud’s stellar play.

Why They Might Be Legit:

✅ C.J. Stroud Looks Like a Star – 1,800+ yards, 10 TDs, 2 INTs.
✅ DeMeco Ryans’ Defense Improving – Top 12 in yards allowed.
✅ Weak AFC South – Could sneak in at 9-8.

Why They Might Regress:

❌ Rookie Wall Risk – Can Stroud sustain this?
❌ Lack of Playmakers – Tank Dell is good, but need more weapons.

Verdict: Just outside the playoffs, but future looks bright.

Final Prediction: Which Surprise Teams Make the Playoffs?

Based on current trends, here’s our Week 7 playoff projection:

AFC Playoff Locks:

• Chiefs, Bills, Jaguars

NFC Playoff Locks:

• 49ers, Eagles, Lions

Surprise Teams That Could Sneak In:

• Buccaneers (NFC South Champs)

• Packers (Wild Card)

• Falcons (Wild Card, if defense holds up)

For the latest NFL news and updates, check out NFL Newsz.

Read More: 2024 Midseason MVP Race: Is [Star QB] Running Away With It?

Conclusion: Who’s for Real?

While some surprise teams (Bucs, Packers, Falcons) look like legit playoff contenders, others (Texans, Steelers) might fade as the season progresses. The key factors will be QB play, defense, and schedule difficulty.

Which team are you buying stock in? Let us know in the comments!

For more NFL playoff analysis, visit NFL Newsz.