NFL 100th Season Playoff/Super Bowl Predictions
With the regular NFL season just coming to its conclusion, some playoff places have already been booked in the quest for glory at Super Bowl LIV. There are many familiar faces at the top of the eight divisions but there are some surprise packages too in what has been a thrilling campaign so far.
Who will progress to the next phase and who can claim the ultimate prize in the NFL’s 100th season? Read on to discover our thoughts.
Teams to Beat
One of the least surprising elements of the regular season has been the New England Patriots’ dominance of the AFC South. With a record of 11-3 at the time of writing, Bill Bellichick’s side have already progressed to the playoffs and many experts expect New England to claim their seventh Super Bowl next February.
Not everyone is in agreement with that assessment: The sportsbooks rate the Patriots but Caesars casino and Sportsbook list the Baltimore Ravens as clear favorites to be crowned AFC Champions at the end of the playoffs.
The Ravens last won the Super Bowl back in 2012 but they have the best record of any side in the regular season right now. Baltimore are also through to the next phase and that record of 12-2 has already clinched the AFC North. The structure means that we won’t see a Ravens-Patriots final but the AFC berth looks to be a straight battle between those two.
NFC Rivals
Of the sides that might spring a surprise during the playoffs, we suspect that the Dallas Cowboys are worth closer attention. Their record of 7-7 isn’t going to inspire confidence but the NFC East has proved to be the toughest division so far
The Cowboys should confirm their place in the playoffs: They haven’t reached the NFC Championship since 1995 but Jason Garrett’s side came close last year and we suspect they will go deeper into the competition in the New Year.
Last year’s Super Bowl runners up the LA Rams are out of contention but the NFC West could still produce a finalist in 2020. The Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers have already progressed with identical current records of 11-3 and both are live contenders for glory in 2020.
All Roads Lead to…
Super Bowl LIV is set to take place in Miami on February 2nd but who will be battling it out at the end of this historic, 100th NFL campaign?
We can make a case for any of the teams listed above while others could also suggest the New Orleans Saints, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. It could be the tightest battle for many years but when that going does get tough, it pays to look for a roster that has experience and knows how to get over the line in tight situations.
Step forward the New England Patriots: They are not unbeatable as we’ve seen in recent seasons but the quality behind Tom Brady and Bill Bellichick makes New England a solid pick. The Patriot’s defense will be key during those playoffs but the tools are there for yet another Super Bowl success.
