Eight teams remain in the NFL playoffs, all of which have a legitimate opportunity at the Super Bowl. The Green Bay Packers were the No. 7 seed and upset the Dallas Cowboys, becoming the first No. 7 seed in the expanded playoff era to get to this point — so anything is possible.
The Detroit Lions have an opportunity to reach the conference championship game for the first time since the 1991 season. Two of the teams remaining have never been to a Super Bowl and three have never won one.
Which team has the best chance to represent its conference in Las Vegas? We’re going by the easiest path to Vegas, not the talent on the roster (although that will help).
For all DeMeco Ryans and C.J. Stroud have accomplished in Year 1 together, the Texans easily have the toughest path to Vegas. Stroud has to face the likely MVP in Lamar Jackson and the Ravens on the road (against the No. 1 scoring defense).
If the Texans survive in Baltimore, Houston is either going to Buffalo or Kansas City in the AFC Championship. Either team will be tough to beat on the road, especially any team quarterbacked by Patrick mahomes and Josh Allen.
Can never count out a No. 7 seed, especially one that destroyed the Dallas Cowboys on the road. Being a No. 7 seed is a tough draw regardless, especially when facing the No. 1 seed in the conference that has essentially rested its starters for three weeks.
The 49ers are going to be well-rested for this one. If the Packers were to survive this, they’ll be going on the road again. The NFC Championship is arguably their easiest test.
The Buccaneers may have an easier path than most think weather-wise. Tampa Bay plays Detroit in a dome and would either play host to Green Bay or travel to San Francisco — should the Buccaneers advance. The Buccaneers will be facing double-digit win teams the rest of the way, but that wasn’t a problem in the wild-card…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/ranking-easiest-paths-to-super-bowl-lviii-among-teams-remaining-49ers-appear-bound-for-las-vegas/
Author : Jeff Kerr
Publish date : 2024-01-19 17:06:19
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