NFL Playoff Team Discussions

Playoffs aren't finalized yet with 2 weeks remaining , but getting a head start and should begin profiling the ones that have already clinched already:

AFC

Broncos

Patriots

Jaguars

Chargers

Bills

NFC

Seahawks

Bears

Eagles

49ers

Rams

In the hunt: Steelers, Texans, Colts, Ravens, Panthers, Packers, Lions, Bucs

Feel free to chime in with your own analysis 

Colts have no chance. Rivers is going be tap dancing to Houston and Jacksonville defense. 

Broncos:

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/sean-payton-says-broncos-are-capable-of-winning-super-bowl-this-is-my-seventh-team-that-i-think-has-that/

Pretty interesting to see this article dating back to August. Almost any coach can say their teams are capable of reaching the Super Bowl, but this coming from a proven Super Bowl winning head coach makes it a slightly bigger deal. This belief has given his players confidence and has resulted in the best record in the league at 12-3. Sean Payton gives Broncos the head coaching advantage over other AFC teams in the playoffs. 

Broncos coming into the season had a projected 15th toughest schedule. The schedule turned out to be not as hard as expected. They currently have the 31st toughest SOS. The teams that were supposed to be good: Chiefs, Commanders, Bengals faltered while the (early season)Colts and Jaguars took their place. Other bad teams that were suppose to improve had become worse such as Raiders. Broncos 10 of 12 victories were by one possession.

Against this season's playoff Calibur teams they have been mostly up to the task by beating Eagles, Texans and Packers in a dogfight but lost to Chargers and were soundly beaten by Jaguars last week.  3-2 is commendable and they are capable of going toe-to-toe with any team in the playoffs field, but to call them a dominant #1 seed I can't yet especially the way they got manhandled by the Jags. Point differential is +67, nothing spectacular. There's a great chance Broncos slip to #2 and Patriots sneak in the #1 seed with an easier last 2 games. 

Strengths: Offensive line/pass blocking, Bo Nix scrambling and extending plays with legs, strong defensive line pressure/sacks, RedZone efficiency off/def

Weakness: Running game, weak turnover differential

Broncos at +900 to win the Super Bowl currently might have some value if they can retain the #1 seed. Payton with extra time to prepare has usually been solid straight up. They're making progress each of their last 3 seasons with Payton. Broncos are good enough for at least one playoff win if they end up a wildcard team.