Buy/Sell on 19 NFL Teams Still in Playoff Hunt: Which Contenders Are Legit? Who’s Suspect?
With just over a month remaining in the 2022 NFL regular season, 19 teams still have a legitimate shot at reaching the postseason. While some teams have solidified themselves as contenders, others are still fighting to prove their worthiness.
Buy: Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills
These three teams have separated themselves from the pack as the clear favorites to win their respective conferences. The Chiefs have the league’s most dynamic offense led by Patrick Mahomes, while the Eagles boast the NFL’s top-ranked defense. The Bills have a well-balanced team with a high-powered offense and a stingy defense.
Sell: Cincinnati Bengals, San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens
These three teams have all suffered key injuries that have raised questions about their ability to compete for a Super Bowl. The Bengals have lost wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, the 49ers have lost quarterback Trey Lance and running back Elijah Mitchell, and the Ravens have lost quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back J.K. Dobbins.
Buy: New York Giants, Detroit Lions, Seattle Seahawks
These three teams have all been surprise packages this season and are in contention for a playoff spot. The Giants have a strong defense and a running game that has carried them to a 7-2 record. The Lions have a high-powered offense led by quarterback Jared Goff and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. The Seahawks have a young and talented team that has won four of their last five games.
Sell: Los Angeles Chargers, Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns
These three teams have all struggled to live up to expectations this season and are in danger of missing the playoffs. The Chargers have a talented roster but have been plagued by injuries and inconsistent play. The Dolphins have a high-powered offense but their defense has been a major liability. The Browns have been a disappointment all season and are now without quarterback Deshaun Watson.
Buy: Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers
These three teams are all in the mix for a wild-card spot and have shown signs of improvement in recent weeks. The Vikings have a balanced team with a strong offense and defense. The Jets have a young and talented team that has won four of their last five games. The Steelers have a veteran team that knows how to win in the playoffs.
Sell: New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, Las Vegas Raiders
These three teams are all long shots to make the playoffs and have a lot of work to do in the remaining games of the season. The Patriots have a weak offense and their defense has been inconsistent. The Colts have a new quarterback in Matt Ryan who has struggled to adjust to the team’s system. The Raiders have a lot of talent but have been plagued by injuries and off-field issues.
Conclusion
With just over a month remaining in the regular season, the playoff race is heating up. There are a number of teams that are still in contention, but only a few have a legitimate shot at winning the Super Bowl. The Chiefs, Eagles, and Bills are the clear favorites, but the Giants, Lions, and Seahawks are all capable of making a run. The Bengals, 49ers, and Ravens have all been hit by injuries, but they could still be contenders if they can get healthy. The Chargers, Dolphins, and Browns are all in danger of missing the playoffs, while the Vikings, Jets, and Steelers are all in the mix for a wild-card spot. The Patriots, Colts, and Raiders are all long shots, but they could still surprise everyone if they can turn things around.