The NFL regular season is over, which means one of the best sports weekends of the year is approaching. That's right, I said it; NFL wild card weekend is one of the BEST sports weekends of the year. This has been a particularly interesting season in that there hasn't been a truly dominant team. I wouldn't be surprised if any team ended up hoisting the Lombardi trophy come February 8th (Okay, maybe the Panthers would be a bit shocking). With that being said, I think it's a good time to go through why each team will and won't win the super bowl. This is somewhat high-level as I'm not getting into specific stats (except for some highly-advanced metrics all ball-knowers will want to be aware of).
NFC
1 - Seahawks
Why they will win: They have one of the premier defenses in the league with a legion-of-boom worthy defense. 2nd year head coach (and former Michigan DC) Mike McDonald has them firing on all cylinders at the perfect time. You also can not discount divine intervention. The last (2) times a new pope has been elected (2005 & 2013), the Seahawks have been the top seed in the NFC and made the Superbowl and winning the big game in 2013. History is bound to repeat itself when you look at the big picture.
Why they will not win: Two words - Sam Darnold. When given the opportunity to play for the 1 seed on the Vikings in 2024, he crumbled in the biggest moment. This year, he overcame that hurdle and secured the one seed but talk to any Seahawks fan and ask them how much they trust "I See Ghosts" Sam, and you'll quickly see why he is a problem worth worrying about.
2 - Bears
Why they will win: The cardiac Bears have been electric to watch this year with multiple come-from-behind wins in the closing minutes of the game. Caleb "Iceman" Williams is playing at a high level, and when you have the QB, anything is possible. This team has found ways to win against many playoff teams, and with home-field advantage most of the playoffs, wins should come easily.
Why they will not win: The same reason they will win is also why they can't. This team has relied heavily on the ball bouncing their way all year, and their luck has to run out. You simply cannot rely on good fortune when you're playing in January. Their defense has also been too reliant on turnovers. This will also catch up to them when facing elite QB play and giving up points is no way to win in the playoffs. Finally, they lack an effective pass rush - or one at all really. When top tier QBs have all day in the pocket, they will pick this team apart.
3 - Eagles
Why they will win: They are the defending champions with experience that cannot be understated at this time of year. Knowing how to win big games simply can't be taught. Jalen hurts is a proven winner, and they have the defense to back him up. The tush push is still one of the most unstoppable plays in the game, meaning anything inside 3 yards is essentially a gimme.
Why they will not win: Their entire offense has been inconsistent all year. Saquon hasn't really gotten going, and AJ Brown is still pleading for targets. If the defense slips up even a little, I'm not sure if this offense can hang in a shoot-out.
4 - Panthers
Why they will win: Bryce is a solid quarterback who has shown he can hang with the best of them. When he plays well, which he has of late, he's more than capable of carrying this young team. Add to that the stars aligning in a similar way to the Seahawks, and this team is dangerous. In 2002-2003 and 2014-2015, OSU won the college football national championship; the Panthers opened the season versus the Jaguars; and Jennifer Lopez filed for divorce. Oh, and the panthers made the Superbowl. Well, the first (3) things have happened this time around, so its practically a given the Panthers will make the big game.
Why they will not win: The Panthers just aren't a good team. They have a sub-0.500 record and didn't even control their own destiny in making the playoffs after losing to the Tamba Bay Buccaneers in week 18.
5 - Rams
Why they will win: Matthew Stafford is playing MVP-level football paired with one of the best receivers in the game in Puka Nacua. This high-powered offense is more than capable of steamrolling any opponent.
Why they will not win: Special team woes. Despite firing the special teams' coordinator after a miscue cost them the game, there is a lingering uneasiness associated with the ST unit. Big games often come down to the little things, and we've already seen a missed field goal cost a team a postseason opportunity - and their head coach.
6 - 49ers
Why they will win: Brock Purdy and the offense is clicking. They have been playing some of the best offensive football in the last few weeks, and head coach Kyle Shanahan hasn't even scratched the surface of his deep bag. Oh, and lets not forget Christian McCaffrey. When you have the best player on the field, your odds are good.
Why they will not win: Defensive struggles will be the death of this team. They have been hampered by injuries all year, and just have not fully meshed as a unit. Defense wins championships, but this one might not even get them there.
7 - Packers
Why they will win: Jordan Love was playing at an MVP level before getting concussed from an egregious play against the bears in week 16. There is no reason to assume he won't return to form and lead this team to the promised land. He'll have an opportunity for vengeance right away. History is also on the Packers side. The last two times they've won the Superbowl (1997 & 2010), the starting quarterback has been 27 years old. Wouldn't you know it, Jordan Love is 27. Also, the last time they won, they did so as a wild card and beat the Bears in Chicago enroute to their victory. Things are set up nicely for a repeat.
Why they will not win: Their defense has been sketchy without Parsons. The offense has been inconsistent all year. Special teams is always a problem. Nothing more needs to be said.
AFC
1 - Broncos
Why they will win: Similar to the NFC counterpart, they have a fantastic defense. It's on the same level as their 2015 defense, which conveniently took that team to the promised land. I see no reason why they won't do it again.
Why they will not win: Again, similar to the Seahawks, Bo Nix just isn't a trustworthy quarterback yet. With the game on the line and one drive for glory, I'm not completely comfortable with the ball in his hand.
2 - Patriots
Why they will win: MVP caliber play from quarterback Drake Maye means this offense can put up points. They have produced explosive plays all year and those are crucial come playoff time.
Why they will not win: This is a generally inexperienced team when it comes to postseason games, and that cannot be underestimated. Knowing how to win these types of games is incredibly beneficial. There is also no way to predict the level of play/mindset from top WR Stefon Diggs given his recent legal issues.
3 - Jaguars
Why they will win: Trevor Lawrence and the offense are playing very well (notice a trend with good QBs?). No need to rehash previous sentiments, just know this team is for real.
Why they will not win: Like the Bears, they have no pass rush, which is a true achilles heal when you're staring down the barrel of Drake Maye, Josh Allen, and Aaron Rodgers. New head coach Liam Coen also lacks big-game experience.
4 - Steelers
Why they will win: Aaron Rodgers might still have some magic left and if vintage Rodgers can show up, then everyone else better watch out.
Why they will not win: They have been inconsistent all year and just honestly are not a good team.
5 - Texans
Why they will win: Another team in the playoffs with a dominant defense that can absolutely shoulder the responsibility of carrying a team.
Why they will not win: An iconsistent offense has been mediorcre at best all year. At the helm is a product of a collegiate system known for producing sub-par quarterbacks (read Ohio State quarterbacks don't pan out in the NFL). CJ Stroud is just an untrustworthy in big games as Sam Darnold and Bo Nix.
6 - Bills
Why they will win: Josh Allen. Talk about having the best player on the field. Josh Allen mashes all the controller buttons and just makes big plays happen. He is a touchdown scoring machine, and unlike the popular improv comedy show Whose Line is it Anyway, the points absolutely matter.
Why they will not win: Josh Allen. He has proven he is incapable of winning the big one, and even with Mahomes, Lamar, and Burrow out, someone else will take up the mantle this year.
7 - Chargers
Why they will win: The Chargers are a ball-club. Perhaps the most ball-club a team could be. It is an intangible that cannot adequately be described, but you know it when you see it.
Why they will not win: Injuries. Justin Herbet has been dealing with a hand injury for the last couple of weeks, and while it hasn't completely hindered his abilities, he is noticeably different. The offensive line is also battered, which has contributed to the team's inability to protect Herbert.