NFL Playoff Power Rankings: Can the Seahawks and Broncos Repeat as Super Bowl Champions?
As we enter the final stretch of the NFL playoffs, many fans are nostalgic for past matchups that have set the tone for what's to come. In this case, there are a few teams whose paths seem destined to cross once again - most notably the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos.
For those who may not recall, these two teams met in Super Bowl XLVIII back on February 12, 2014. The outcome was never in doubt: Seattle's "Legion of Boom" defense put up a dominating performance, routing the Broncos 43-8 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Why should we care about this history? Well, if both teams can live up to their seeding expectations, it stands to reason that another showdown between these two teams could be on the horizon - this time with the championship on the line. The game would take place on the opposite coast in Santa Clara, California.
Now that the regular season is complete and the playoffs have begun, it's a great time to reflect on which teams are shaping up as contenders. For us, our rankings will focus solely on how each team performed overall during the 2023-24 season - disregarding any past matchups or head-to-head records between them.
Let's dive into our power rankings and see who has what it takes to bring home that elusive championship!
1. **Seattle Seahawks (14-3)**: While they didn't quite reach the same heights as their Legion of Boom defense back in 2014, Seattle still put together a remarkable season. Their defense not only lives up to its name but also shows significant improvement from last year.
2. **Denver Broncos (14-3)**: There's no doubt that Mile High Stadium can be intimidating for opposing teams - and Denver took full advantage of it this season. They'll need another strong team to take them down in the playoffs, though.
3. **New England Patriots (14-3)**: With a 10-win improvement from last year, Mike Vrabel has taken a big leap forward as head coach. This is shaping up to be one of the best seasons for New England in years - and they're deserving of every bit of that praise.
4. **Jacksonville Jaguars (13-4)**: Despite their tough matchup against Buffalo in the Wild Card round, Jacksonville showed an impressive ability to improve from last season. Their offense has rounded out nicely, giving them a strong chance at advancing deep into the playoffs.
5. **Los Angeles Rams (13-4)**: Injuries have been the major obstacle for LA all season - but now that their key players are back on the field, they're more dangerous than ever. Expect big things from this team as they head into the postseason.
6. **San Francisco 49ers (12-5)**: With a healthy defense, the Niners could become serious contenders - even if it's not a guarantee just yet. They'll need to stay on track and get through some tough matchups without major setbacks.
7. **Houston Texans (12-5)**: Incredibly, Houston has made it into the playoffs with an impressive 0-3 start to the season. It's clear they're a team that never gives up - but can they maintain this magic against stronger competition?
8. **Chicago Bears (11-6)**: The question on everyone's mind is Caleb Williams' ability to perform under pressure in big games. Can he live up to expectations? And just how vital will the run game be for Chicago as they head into the playoffs?
9. **Los Angeles Chargers (11-6)**: After overcoming a major OL injury crisis, LA now faces their toughest challenge yet: taking down the Patriots.
10. **Philadelphia Eagles (11-6)**: Defense has always been key to success in Philly - but can't pitch shutouts every week, they'll need their offense to come through in crunch time.
11. **Green Bay Packers (9-7-1)**: With Jordan Love possibly ready for the playoffs, could Green Bay surprise everyone with a deep run?
12. **Buffalo Bills (12-5):** The question is - will Buffalo be able to take down Jacksonville and make it past the Wild Card round this time around?
13. **Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)**: As Pittsburgh faces off against Houston's potent offense, magic might just have to play a big role in their success.
14. **Detroit Lions (9-8):** With better health and potential upgrades, Detroit should be back in the running next year.
15. **Baltimore Ravens (8-9) **: Sometimes, being the best team isn't enough - it's all about execution on the field. Will Baltimore overcome their season's struggles to take home a championship?
16. **Minnesota Vikings (9-8):** A big win streak helped Minnesota finish strong this year, but do they have what it takes to carry that momentum into the playoffs?
17. **Indianapolis Colts (8-9)**: Shane Steichen and Chris Ballard are back on board - but will QB Daniel Jones be able to make an impact as he recovers from his Achilles surgery?
18. **New Orleans Saints (6-11):** What could have been a breakout season for New Orleans now feels like a missed opportunity.
19. **Carolina Panthers (8-9)**: As huge underdogs against the Rams in the Wild Card round, Carolina's fate is all but sealed - unless some major upsets happen first!
20. **Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9):** With staff changes looming this offseason, can Tampa still get back on track?
21. **Atlanta Falcons (8-9)**: A change in leadership might just be what Atlanta needs to reboot their franchise.
22. **Dallas Cowboys (7-9-1)**: Matt Eberflus is gone - but will another defensive coach bring Dallas the success they need?
23. **Cincinnati Bengals (6-11)**: Contention might not be out of reach just yet, but Cincinnati has a long road ahead if they want to make some noise.
24. **Miami Dolphins (7-10)**: Mike McDaniel is staying put - now what about upgrading their trenches and new QB situation?
25. **Kansas City Chiefs (6-11):** Sometimes, even the best teams can fall apart in one season. Will KC bounce back from this rough year?
26. **Washington Commanders (5-12)**: The focus now shifts to bringing in younger talent while keeping QB Jayden Daniels healthy.
27. **Cleveland Browns (5-12)**: It feels like Cleveland is years away from contention again - but they'll need a little bit of luck to make it happen sooner rather than later.
28. **Tennessee Titans (3-14)**: The question on everyone's mind will be who becomes their new head coach after this season - and if that person can bring about some much-needed success?
29. **Arizona Cardinals (3-14)**: Change is coming to AZ this offseason - but what exactly will it look like for the team?
30. **New York Giants (4-13):** Will New York be able to hit on their new head coach and get back into contention soon?
31. **New York Jets (3-14):** Who would have thought that a former Pro Bowl cornerback coaching the Jets could become the first team in NFL history to go an entire season without throwing any interceptions?
32. **Las Vegas Raiders (3-14)**: Tom Brady is back, but what exactly does he have planned for his next move?
As we enter the final stretch of the NFL playoffs, many fans are nostalgic for past matchups that have set the tone for what's to come. In this case, there are a few teams whose paths seem destined to cross once again - most notably the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos.
For those who may not recall, these two teams met in Super Bowl XLVIII back on February 12, 2014. The outcome was never in doubt: Seattle's "Legion of Boom" defense put up a dominating performance, routing the Broncos 43-8 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Why should we care about this history? Well, if both teams can live up to their seeding expectations, it stands to reason that another showdown between these two teams could be on the horizon - this time with the championship on the line. The game would take place on the opposite coast in Santa Clara, California.
Now that the regular season is complete and the playoffs have begun, it's a great time to reflect on which teams are shaping up as contenders. For us, our rankings will focus solely on how each team performed overall during the 2023-24 season - disregarding any past matchups or head-to-head records between them.
Let's dive into our power rankings and see who has what it takes to bring home that elusive championship!
1. **Seattle Seahawks (14-3)**: While they didn't quite reach the same heights as their Legion of Boom defense back in 2014, Seattle still put together a remarkable season. Their defense not only lives up to its name but also shows significant improvement from last year.
2. **Denver Broncos (14-3)**: There's no doubt that Mile High Stadium can be intimidating for opposing teams - and Denver took full advantage of it this season. They'll need another strong team to take them down in the playoffs, though.
3. **New England Patriots (14-3)**: With a 10-win improvement from last year, Mike Vrabel has taken a big leap forward as head coach. This is shaping up to be one of the best seasons for New England in years - and they're deserving of every bit of that praise.
4. **Jacksonville Jaguars (13-4)**: Despite their tough matchup against Buffalo in the Wild Card round, Jacksonville showed an impressive ability to improve from last season. Their offense has rounded out nicely, giving them a strong chance at advancing deep into the playoffs.
5. **Los Angeles Rams (13-4)**: Injuries have been the major obstacle for LA all season - but now that their key players are back on the field, they're more dangerous than ever. Expect big things from this team as they head into the postseason.
6. **San Francisco 49ers (12-5)**: With a healthy defense, the Niners could become serious contenders - even if it's not a guarantee just yet. They'll need to stay on track and get through some tough matchups without major setbacks.
7. **Houston Texans (12-5)**: Incredibly, Houston has made it into the playoffs with an impressive 0-3 start to the season. It's clear they're a team that never gives up - but can they maintain this magic against stronger competition?
8. **Chicago Bears (11-6)**: The question on everyone's mind is Caleb Williams' ability to perform under pressure in big games. Can he live up to expectations? And just how vital will the run game be for Chicago as they head into the playoffs?
9. **Los Angeles Chargers (11-6)**: After overcoming a major OL injury crisis, LA now faces their toughest challenge yet: taking down the Patriots.
10. **Philadelphia Eagles (11-6)**: Defense has always been key to success in Philly - but can't pitch shutouts every week, they'll need their offense to come through in crunch time.
11. **Green Bay Packers (9-7-1)**: With Jordan Love possibly ready for the playoffs, could Green Bay surprise everyone with a deep run?
12. **Buffalo Bills (12-5):** The question is - will Buffalo be able to take down Jacksonville and make it past the Wild Card round this time around?
13. **Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)**: As Pittsburgh faces off against Houston's potent offense, magic might just have to play a big role in their success.
14. **Detroit Lions (9-8):** With better health and potential upgrades, Detroit should be back in the running next year.
15. **Baltimore Ravens (8-9) **: Sometimes, being the best team isn't enough - it's all about execution on the field. Will Baltimore overcome their season's struggles to take home a championship?
16. **Minnesota Vikings (9-8):** A big win streak helped Minnesota finish strong this year, but do they have what it takes to carry that momentum into the playoffs?
17. **Indianapolis Colts (8-9)**: Shane Steichen and Chris Ballard are back on board - but will QB Daniel Jones be able to make an impact as he recovers from his Achilles surgery?
18. **New Orleans Saints (6-11):** What could have been a breakout season for New Orleans now feels like a missed opportunity.
19. **Carolina Panthers (8-9)**: As huge underdogs against the Rams in the Wild Card round, Carolina's fate is all but sealed - unless some major upsets happen first!
20. **Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9):** With staff changes looming this offseason, can Tampa still get back on track?
21. **Atlanta Falcons (8-9)**: A change in leadership might just be what Atlanta needs to reboot their franchise.
22. **Dallas Cowboys (7-9-1)**: Matt Eberflus is gone - but will another defensive coach bring Dallas the success they need?
23. **Cincinnati Bengals (6-11)**: Contention might not be out of reach just yet, but Cincinnati has a long road ahead if they want to make some noise.
24. **Miami Dolphins (7-10)**: Mike McDaniel is staying put - now what about upgrading their trenches and new QB situation?
25. **Kansas City Chiefs (6-11):** Sometimes, even the best teams can fall apart in one season. Will KC bounce back from this rough year?
26. **Washington Commanders (5-12)**: The focus now shifts to bringing in younger talent while keeping QB Jayden Daniels healthy.
27. **Cleveland Browns (5-12)**: It feels like Cleveland is years away from contention again - but they'll need a little bit of luck to make it happen sooner rather than later.
28. **Tennessee Titans (3-14)**: The question on everyone's mind will be who becomes their new head coach after this season - and if that person can bring about some much-needed success?
29. **Arizona Cardinals (3-14)**: Change is coming to AZ this offseason - but what exactly will it look like for the team?
30. **New York Giants (4-13):** Will New York be able to hit on their new head coach and get back into contention soon?
31. **New York Jets (3-14):** Who would have thought that a former Pro Bowl cornerback coaching the Jets could become the first team in NFL history to go an entire season without throwing any interceptions?
32. **Las Vegas Raiders (3-14)**: Tom Brady is back, but what exactly does he have planned for his next move?
i mean, they've got a solid defense and their offense is decent too... but come on, they're not even in the top 2? shouldn't that be enough to secure them a spot at number 2? 
the seahawks are definitely looking strong though, their defense was insane last year and i'm pretty sure they'll make it to super bowl xlviii again 
They really know how to come out strong in the playoffs. I mean, Denver's defense at Mile High Stadium can be super intimidating, especially for opposing teams trying to take on the likes of Russell Wilson & Co.
I'm keeping an eye on Jacksonville and LA Rams - they both seem pretty strong this season. And, as always, can't count out New England or Philly in the playoffs - those guys know how to make deep runs!
. However, I gotta say, the Broncos' D didn't quite live up to expectations last season, so we'll see how that shakes out in the playoffs 
.
[Distracted meme of a cat sitting on a keyboard]
. With a strong defense like Seattle's Legion of Boom, they can easily shut down Denver's high-powered offense 
. It's also worth noting that the Seahawks' offense has improved significantly since 2014, so we shouldn't count them out just yet 
. The real question is how both teams will perform under pressure in big games 
. Can they live up to their seeding expectations and make it back to Super Bowl? Only time will tell 
.
Like, who cares about Seattle and Denver's past Super Bowl matchups already? Can we just focus on who's gonna win it all this year instead of reliving history? 
I mean, I know some folks are nostalgic for the Seahawks' dominant defense back in 2014, but let's not forget, that was a total fluke. 
Denver's got a great team too, but they need to find ways to stop opposing offenses from scoring 40+ points per game. 
On the other hand, Denver's offense is getting more explosive with each passing week, so they're definitely a force to be reckoned with.
Can't wait to see which teams come out on top in the playoffs! 
. They're still gonna be in for a tough road to the Super Bowl if they wanna make some noise.
.
Daniel Jones is coming back from an Achilles surgery and Shane Steichen is back on board for the Colts 
And what's going on with the Patriots? Mike Vrabel has taken a huge leap forward as head coach, but are they really that good now? 
. It was so cool! And then I started thinking about how some teams are kind of like those turtles - slow and steady, but still super effective in their own way. Like the Jaguars, they're not always getting all the attention, but they've got a solid offense and defense that's gonna take them far this season 
Teams 26 & 28 are gonna make some noise in the offseason
and their defense is looking even stronger. meanwhile, the broncos are not too shabby either 
but let's be real, seattle's got that "legion of boom" vibe going on 
will they be able to step up their game? 
. And I'm not sold on LA's chances just yet - they've got some big games ahead of them.
.