This has been a great and very intriguing year for the NFL. Many teams have surprised me with their perseverance and continued to win even with injuries. Teams that struggled last year are now on top, and teams that once were the best have started to crumble and fall. So here is my prediction for who will win the Super Bowl for the 2023-2024 season.
The First Round/ Wildcard Matchups
AFC:
The Cleveland Browns (#5) vs The Houston Texans (#4) Predicted Winner: The Houston Texans
In this wildcard matchup, I predict that this young Texans team will be able to beat the Browns. Both of these teams were some of the worst teams in the NFL last season but were able to turn it around this year and become top seeds in the AFC. The Texans are led by rookie CJ Stroud at quarterback, who is just coming off an injury but is most likely to win Rookie of the Year. In an interview on his last game this season, which clinched a playoff birth, Stroud was very emotional when he said, “We put a lot of work in” and was excited to see “The city of Houston on the come up again.” Although the Texans’ star rookie receiver, Tank Dell, suffered an injury, the team still has multiple role-player receivers. As for the Browns, although they have Amari Cooper, Joe Flacco, and Myles Garret, I still feel they will fall short and lose a close game to the Texans.
The Miami Dolphins (#6) vs The Kansas City Chiefs (#3) Predicted Winner: The Kansas City Cheifs
The Dolphins and Chiefs are very different teams than last year. At the time, the Dolphins were still looking to make that giant leap to be a top team, and the Chiefs were winning the Super Bowl. Now, the Chiefs are on the decline, and the Dolphins are on the rise. However, the Chiefs will find a way to win with their star players like Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Isiah Pacheco on offense. Plus, with defensive players like Chris Jones and La’Jarius Sneed, they can hope to stop the Dolphins’ offense. As for Miami, they are missing one of the current best receivers in the league: Tyreek Hill, who may be out with an injury. Even worse, their 2nd receiver, Jaylen Waddle, is out for this big game, leaving the team with possibly no options at the wide receiver position. The team must rely on quarterback Tua Tagovalioa and running backs Raheem Mostert and Devon Achane to carry their offense. While on defense, the team needs big games from cornerbacks Jevon Holland and Jalen Ramsey. Because of the alarming injuries and previous playoff struggles, I think the Chiefs will win by a touchdown or two.
The Pittsburgh Steelers (#7) vs The Buffalo Bills (#2): Predicted Winner: The Buffalo Bills
The Steelers, like the Browns, also had a backup quarterback who was able to lead them to the playoffs. For the Steelers, their backup quarterback was Mason Rudolph. For the Steelers to win this game, they need to trust their star players to lead them to victory. On offense, their running back threat of Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, and at receiver George Pickens and Dionate Johnson, need to be on point. Seasoned Pro Bowl vet Minkah Fitzpatrick will have to help out on defense. The Bills struggled at the start of this season but then improved at the end.
NFC:
The Philadelphia Eagles (#5) vs The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (#4): Predicted Winner: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Some people may not agree with me that the Bucs would beat last year’s Super Bowl contenders, the Philadelphia Eagles, but because the Eagles have not been playing well, this upset is possible. This year, the Eagles have lost to or narrowly won against multiple teams who didn’t make the playoffs or finished around last in the league. Because of this slump, this on-point Buccaneers team could lead to an upset. The Bucs have been looking great with players like quarterback Baker Mayfield, wide receiver Mike Evans, and running back Rachaad White leading them. Also, this team could win with an elite player at almost every defensive position. Although Philly still has excellent players at all positions, the Bucs must buckle up for a challenging game.
The Los Angeles Rams (#6) vs The Detroit Lions (#3): Predicted Winner: The Los Angeles Rams
This is one of the best games as former Lions quarterback, and now Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford will be facing former Rams quarterback and now Lions quarterback Jared Goff. Most people thought the Rams would have to worry about rebuilding their team, but thanks to their rookie 5th-round pick receiver Puka Nacua and second-year running back Kyren Willams, the team has looked great. The City of Angeles will need their cornerbacks to be their best as they face a problematic receiver in Amon Ra St. Brown of the Lions. Hopefully, for the Rams, Aaron Donald can take down the Lions running back duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.
The Green Bay Packers (#7) vs The Dallas Cowboys (#2) Predicted Winner: The Dallas
Cowboys
In this rematch, after one of the craziest catches that didn’t count, the Cowboys are looking for revenge against this Packer’s team, and I believe they will get it. The Cowboys have looked great and are the best in their NFC East division. Because of their success and the fact that they are playing a team that isn’t as dominant, a win seems quickly in their grasp. With star receiver CeeDee Lamb playing like a beast and Dak Prescott looking much more improved, Dallas hasn’t looked better in years. Unlike the Cowboys, the Packers have a much younger team with their stars and veteran players. Green Bay is led by their new starting quarterback, Jordan Love, who has only been in the league for three years. Love has veteran running back Aaron Jones and many more unique weapons at the wide receiver position. But the team is also missing their elite cornerback Jaire Alexander, who was told he couldn’t play after the last game, making himself a captain. With the Cowboys out for blood, I see them winning significantly over the Packers.
