Super Bowl 59 Picks

The NFL playoffs begin this Saturday and the biggest question will be whether the Kansas City Chiefs go for a three-peat. After winning back-to-back Super Bowls, Kansas City looks destined to win the big game again, clinching home field advantage in the AFC with a 15-2 record. Their primary AFC challengers remain the same as the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens are right behind them in the standings.

In the NFC is where it gets interesting. The Detroit Lions were the class of the conference with a 15-2 record of their own. Their division features two other strong teams in the Vikings and Packers. Meanwhile, the Eagles managed to put last year's collapse behind them en route to a 14-win campaign. Other teams like the Rams look like a dark horse Super Bowl contender. Here are my playoff predictions. 

AFC

Wildcard:
#2 Bills over #7 Broncos
The Bills are flying high and that is due to Josh Allen who is playing some of his most efficient, if not the best football of his career. They are going to be one step ahead of Denver the entire game. The Broncos' offense with rookie QB Bo Nix will be competitive, but an MVP-type performance from Allen  seems likely. 

#3 Ravens over #6 Steelers
It has been a December to remember for the Ravens as they won their last four to clinch the AFC North. They will keep up their momentum against a struggling Pittsburgh team who they beat three weeks ago. Lamar Jackson might have some hiccups but Derrick Henry will likely get lots of carries for plenty of yards. The defense will also contain Pittsburgh's dormant offense. 

#5 Chargers over #4 Texans
The Chargers' successful turnaround season will continue in the playoff opener against the Texans. As much as Houston has struggled recently, I think they will actually put up a better fight than expected. However, the Chargers know how to play together under Jim Harbaugh. They won't make many mistakes like past teams, and Justin Herbert will notch his first playoff win. 

Divisional
#1 Chiefs over #5 Chargers
This is unfortunately where the Chargers' season will end. The Chiefs' team that needed the field goal bouncing off the uprights to win their last meeting, has played much better since. Patrick Mahomes has been the catalyst of an offense that's played very productive as of late. With Andy Reid fresh off a bye, their offense is in for a big day. 

#3 Ravens over #2 Bills
I see Baltimore running a ball-control offense to keep Allen and co. off the field for extended periods of time. Jackson will be better through the air than the Steeler game, but Henry is going to add to his impressive playoff resume. Allen will put up a fight, but if the Ravens' streaky secondary plays like the talented unit it is, he won't have much help. 

Championship
#3 Ravens over #1 Chiefs
I'm very cautious of picking against the Chiefs, but I believe Baltimore can win based on how their offense looks now compared to the first meeting. Both Henry and Mark Andrews were under utilized but have since emerged as major focal points of the Ravens' offense. Their impact will make a significant difference. The Baltimore's defense will contain Mahomes just enough in the end to win.

NFC

Wildcard
#2 Eagles over #7 Packers
The Eagles are on a mission after last year's disastrous ending and the next step will take place against Green Bay. Their offense led by Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley won't be overpowering, but they will do just enough. Philadelphia's defense will be the difference. They're much improved from the last time they faced the Packers, which is bad news for Jordan Love. 

#6 Commanders over #3 Buccaneers 
This game is going to be a shootout between Jayden Daniels and Baker Mayfield. Both offenses can be unstoppable, but I see Daniels emerging victorious. He is bound to have more support from the defense and running game after single handily carrying Washington in the last two games he started and finished. Washington wins their first playoff game since 2005. 

#5 Vikings over #4 Rams
The Vikings are going to pull this out in what might be a sloppy game. Their defense hasn't played its best football recently and going against a solid Rams' offense won't do them any favors. However, Sam Darnold has heard lots of criticism and he'll take his frustration out on the Rams. Los Angeles has had an unfortunate week having to relocate due to the fires. They'll play hard, but this is Darnold's game to lose. 

Divisional Round
#1 Lions over #6 Commanders
Detroit's high-powered offense will be too much for the Commanders. Jared Goff will feed receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams with plenty of targets against a flawed secondary. What makes Detroit's offense so potent is their ability to target their opponent's weakness. In this game, the passing offense will lead them to victory. 

#5 Vikings over #2 Eagles
The Vikings will beat the Eagles in a game that I don't think will be that close. The Eagles may be talented, but they don't have the coaching Minnesota does. Kevin O'Connell will thoroughly out-coach Nick Sirianni, while Justin Jefferson has his way with a promising but young secondary. The defense will also force the Eagles to throw the ball a ton which isn't their strength. 

Championship
#1 Lions over #5 Vikings
For the third time this season, Detroit will emerge victorious against Minnesota. It won't be a blowout like the final week, but it also won't come down to the wire like week 7. Minnesota might start out strong but I see the Lions seizing all the momentum before halftime. Dan Campbell has additionally had this date circled for a long time after blowing a 17 point lead last year. He'll make all the right decisions this time around. 

Super Bowl
#3 Ravens over #1 Lions
Like 2012, the Ravens will be hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in the Superdome after the final whistle. Detroit's injuries on defense will be too much for the offense to overcome, as Jackson and Henry each  go over 100 yards. Aiden Hutchson will provide inspiration assuming he returns from his leg injury in October, but the Lions are missing far too many other defensive contributors. Jackson will officially shed the label of under-performing in the playoffs, and give Baltimore its third championship.