Coming into the early rounds of the playoffs, Kansas City’s chances to three-peat in Super Bowls become well within historic range. But before all of that, it must be determined if the Chiefs could be stopped during the postseason with the exciting young team on the rise, with bright young stars and potentially some surprise entrants with a shot at becoming real contenders.
Cincinnati Bengals
 They have one of the league’s best quarterbacks in Joe Burrow and a great offense led by Ja’Marr Chase, but they could not live up to expectations. The reasons their playoff hopes went down the drain were inconsistencies on both sides of the ball and a tough schedule. Fans will have to wait till next year to see if defensive changes bring better results for the team.
Seattle Seahawks
 The Seahawks played hard, winning six of their last eight games, but it wasn’t enough to get them into the playoffs. Quarterback Geno Smith had a great season and was recognized as the league’s most improved player. Too bad their late-season push wasn’t enough to get them into the postseason.
Playoff Teams to Watch
Kansas City Chiefs: They are still a favorite perennial with Patrick Mahomes; the team still has weaknesses on its offensive line and inconsistency in a passing game. For the Chiefs to win another title, they must play well because it will help them push through with their weaknesses in those areas.
Green Bay Packers: As a low seed, the Packers have been promising into the postseason with an offensiveness led by running back Josh Jacobs and an improving defense. Ahead, however, lies a pretty tough road, which makes them a dangerous wildcard.
Detroit Lions: Already silencing doubters with their explosive offense and nearly stellar defensive efforts, they come in as apparent NFC favorites. Quarterback Jared Goff has been a big part of the reason, making them a legitimate contender for the first time.
Key players shining the spotlight on the team
Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens): With a successful postseason, Jackson has a chance to cement his legacy. Lamar has grown under the tutelage of offensive coordinator Todd Monken to become one of the league’s most dynamic quarterbacks.
Jared Goff, Detroit Lions: The Lions are having a new high under Goff’s leadership and deciding skills. Goff can take the Lions to glorious heights in the playoffs with home-field advantage coupled with a well-balanced attack.
Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs: The whole team depends on Mahomes; if he does not play, Kansas City is not going to win another championship.
NFL Playoff Preview: Can Anyone Stop the Chiefs from Winning Three in a Row?
Prediction
AFC Championship: Baltimore Ravens over Kansas City Chiefs.
NFC Championship: Detroit Lions over Philadelphia Eagles.
Super Bowl Pick
Lions Over Ravens: Goff and a high-powered running game for the Lions could finally bring that elusive first championship to the long-suffering franchise. Of course, this will be nothing to sneeze at, what with Lamar Jackson and the Ravens on the other side of the field. End.
With intrigue and possibility on every front, the NFL postseason promises an exciting journey to the Super Bowl, with the die-hards already gearing up for an incredible experience.
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