The Beacon Beat

By Jonah Bryfman

As February 12th approaches, there are a lot of opinions and speculations about the contenders in this year’s Super Bowl. There are several teams from both the National Football Conference (NFC) and the American Football Conference (AFC) divisions that look promising for the upcoming playoffs, and many teams that can be ruled out for this year’s playoffs. Over the past 18 weeks, fans watched as stars got injured and rookies displayed their strength. There were countless surprises. However, two teams from both divisions have stuck out amongst others, and according to fans, are also the most likely teams to compete in this year’s Super Bowl. Let’s go review the two most likely teams to participate in this year’s Super Bowl, as well as their lineups and season statistics. 

AFC

The Baltimore Ravens, (13-4)

Throughout this year, fans have seen very little coming from the AFC North division, which is made up of the Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Baltimore Ravens. Though there hasn’t been much production from this division, the Baltimore Ravens have stuck out amongst the other teams in the division and have safely secured a spot in the 2023 season playoffs: the number one seed in the AFC. Though the Baltimore Ravens lost their star tight end, Mark Andrews, in Week 11 due to a season ending injury, their roster is filled with talent that has gifted the Ravens the number one spot in the AFC division. Some of those players are star quarterback and 2019 MVP Lamar Jackson, who has gained a total of 24 touchdowns, threw only seven interceptions throughout the whole season, and passed for a total of 3,700 yards. As of Week 18, the last week before the playoffs kickoff, Lamar Jackson is the leading MVP candidate, and fans are on their toes with anticipation. Another Ravens star has been running back Gus Edwards, who has tallied up a total of 13 touchdowns and 810 yards. Edwards began his rookie year in 2018 as a free agent who was picked up by the Ravens. The Raven’s star starting running back was added to the roster as a free agent. Last but not least is rookie wide receiver Zay Flowers, who was the 22nd overall draft pick in the 2023 draft. As of Week 18, Flowers has recorded five receiving touchdowns as well as 860 yards. It is safe to say that with Baltemore’s strong offense, possibly the best kicker of all time Justin Tucker, and debatably the top defense in the league, Ravens fans can have high hopes for this year’s playoffs and possibly a Super Bowl appearance this year in Las Vegas.

NFC

The San Francisco 49ers, (12-5)

It was during their Week 1 game against the Steelers that fans knew this was a Super Bowl contending team. Essentially, the 49ers dominate in every aspect of the game. From their strong defense, to their receiving squad, to their passing game, and most noticeably, their running game, the 49ers have dominated the NFC. Similar to the Ravens, the 49ers hold the number one seed but in the NFC, gifting them a bye during Wildcard Week. However, three players, two of whom are MVP candidates, have made it clear that without them, the 49ers would not even be close to where they are right now. The first on the list is none other than two-year quarterback, Brock Purdy. Purdy is a player who, at the beginning of the season, wasn’t receiving as much media attention as other quarterbacks. Now, he is an MVP contender as well as a top-ten quarterback in the league. As of Week 18, Purdy has logged a total of 4,300 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Purdy wasn’t just the last pick for the 49ers, but the last pick of the entire 2022 NFL draft. It is safe to say that 24-year-old Brock Purdy, 2022’s Mr. Irrelevant, will have an extremely promising career as well as an extremely impressive playoff appearance. Of course the Chiefs aren’t the only Super Bowl-contending team with a top-three tight end. In 2017, the 49ers drafted their now star receiver, starting tight end George Kittle. At the start of the season, Kittle had an injury, which made fans unsure of his abilities to perform this season. Now, as of Week 18, Kittle has logged a total of 1,200 yards and 6 touchdowns. This list would not be complete without the league’s number one running back, Christian McCaffrey. It is undebatable. Christian McCaffrey is the best running back in the league. He has logged a total of 1,500 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 272 carries, the highest results out of any running back in the league. It is safe to say that with Purdy throwing, Kittle receiving, and McCaffrey running, the 49ers are going to have a very promising playoff run.

Though both the Ravens and the 49ers are in great shape when it comes to the playoffs, after watching this year’s Wildcard and Divisional Weeks, fans can expect major upsets, including lower rated teams emerging dominant over top rated teams. Furthermore, with unexpected weather influencing playoffs, fans have already seen favorite teams lose and games postponed. It is safe to say that this year’s playoffs and Super Bowl race will be far more intense than previous years, and though most NFL fans may not have the pleasure of watching their team play, they are in for a great show.