Strengths, Weaknesses & Superlatives: Comparing All 4 Remaining NFL Teams Entering Championship Weekend
Football's next test is here, but don’t let the numbers fool you. The Lions and Chiefs may be the No. 3 seeds and road underdogs this weekend, but there’s plenty of reason to believe in magic. San Francisco and Baltimore have host duties, and a lot of media have already crowned the 49ers and Ravens. But hey, the Lions are hungry, and the Chiefs have that guy named Mahomes. There's a lot the analytics can't foretell. Let’s put on our detective hats and analyze where each of the final four teams excel (and struggle) before Championship Weekend. We’ll also point out some key concerns for the underdogs from Detroit and Kansas City, then hand out some superlatives, just for kicks.
The NFL’s Final 4 Teams
Detroit Lions (14-5) — +700 SBLVIII Odds
Total Offense: Rank 5th (27.1 Points Per Game)
Total Defense: *Rank 23rd (23.2 Points Allowed)
Kansas City Chiefs (13-6) — +350 SBLVIII Odds
Total Offense: *Rank 15th (21.8 Points Per Game)
Total Defense: Rank 2nd (17.3 Points Allowed)
Baltimore Ravens (14-4) — +200 SBLVIII Odds
Total Offense: Rank 4th (29.2 Points Per Game)
Total Defense: Rank 1st (16.5 Points Allowed)
San Francisco 49ers (13-5) — +145 SBLVIII Odds
Total Offense: Rank 3rd (29.9 Points Per Game)
Total Defense: Rank 3rd (17.5 Points Allowed)
Key Concerns for Lions & Chiefs
*Chiefs Offense (Turnovers & TDs): The Chiefs’ offense was surprisingly mediocre this year. That obviously changes in clutch playoff moments when you have Patrick Mahomes, but Kansas City is the only remaining team without a top-5 scoring offense. They’re minus-11 in the turnover battle. The last team to win a Super Bowl without a top-10 scoring offense was the Peyton Manning-led Broncos in 2016.
*Lions Defense (Secondary Pains): Despite Dan Campbell’s defensive-minded approach, the Lions’ defense, mainly the secondary, is a weak spot among the final four teams. The three other clubs all rank top-5 in points allowed. The Lions were 23rd this season, but they rank 27th in pass defense. Don’t sweat yet, Lions fans. Each of the past two Super Bowl winners (Rams and Chiefs) didn’t boast a top-10 defense.
Final 4 Superlatives
There are big expectations for all four fan bases heading into Championship Weekend, and only one true underdog. We handed out some made-up superlatives that could define the last three games of the NFL Playoffs. Enjoy.
Best Overall Team: Ravens
Most Balanced Team: 49ers
Most Valuable Player: QB Lamar Jackson
Most Clutch Spoiler: QB Patrick Mahomes
Big-Play X-Factor: RB Christian McCaffrey
Underdog Momentum: Lions
Championship Pedigree: Chiefs
Best Defense: Ravens
Best Xs & Os Coach: Chiefs (Andy Reid)
Best Motivator: Lions (Dan Campbell)
Best Roster Management: 49ers (GM John Lynch)
America’s Bandwagon: Lions
Ready for some football? We'll know our Super Bowl LVIII teams Sunday night.
NFL Championship Weekend Schedule
AFC: Chiefs at Ravens (Sun. 3:00 pm ET, CBS)
NFC: Lions at 49ers (Sun. 6:30 pm ET, FOX)
Read More
USA Today: Ranking All 4 Potential Super Bowl Matchups
FOX Sports: Why the Lions Are More Than a Cinderella Story
ESPN: Lamar Jackson Expects ‘Heavyweight Fight’ Against Patrick Mahomes
