NFL: Packers move into the top-five
1. Baltimore Ravens (14-2, +0): The Ravens finish the season with a league-best 14-2 record as they’re riding a 12-game winning streak dating back to the first week in October. Baltimore ended the year with victories over the New York Jets (42-21), Cleveland Browns (31-15), and Pittsburgh Steelers (28-10). They are the top seed heading into the playoffs and will face either the Houston Texas, Buffalo Bills, or Tennessee Titans in the following round.
2. San Francisco 49ers (13-3, +0): The 49ers responded well after dropping to the #5 seed in the NFC just a couple weeks ago. San Francisco has won two straight since, versus the Los Angeles Rams (34-31) and Seattle Seahawks (26-21), as they have clinched the top spot in the NFC. This team doesn't really blow you away on offense but they don't make mistakes and the defense is arguably the best in the league. They have a shot at winning it all.
3. New Orleans Saints (13-3, +1): The Saints gave up a season-high 46 points in just their second home loss of the year to the 49ers a month ago. Since, New Orleans is 3-0 with wins over the Indianapolis Colts (34-7), Tennessee Titans (38-28), and Carolina Panthers (42-10). They’ll face the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Jan. 5 at 1:05 PM. The Saints are currently 7.5-point favorites and ESPN FPI gives them a 63.2% chance to win.
4. Green Bay Packers (13-3, +2): The Packers have been a hard team to figure out. Are they really that good or did they benefit from a weak schedule? Either way, it’s hard to doubt Aaron Rodgers at home in the playoffs and they will play at least one game at Lambeau Field. Green Bay will get a week off before facing the Saints, Philadelphia Eagles or Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Jan. 12 at 6:40 PM.
5. Kansas City Chiefs (12-4, +0): The Chiefs are on a six-game win streak and have won those games by a combined 98 points, highlighted by a 23-16 win over the New England Patriots on the road. Now that it seems Patrick Mahomes is completely healthy, this team should be considered Super Bowl favorites along with the Ravens, 49ers, and Saints. They earned a bye because of the Patriots loss so Tyreek Hill will get an extra week to get 100%.
MVP Standings:
1. Lamar Jackson (Ravens QB)
2. Michael Thomas (Saints WR)
3. Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs QB)
4. Arik Armstead (49ers DE)
5. Aaron Rodgers (Packers QB)
Photo Credit: CBS Sports.
