NFL playoffs: The strengths and flaws that could define each Super Bowl contender

With four weeks remaining in the regular season, we take stock of the top contenders in each conference and what could propel them through the playoffs, or hold them back.

The NFL’s dominance among fans can be traced to its parity — the belief that, even in an era when the Kansas City Chiefs have won three of the past four Super Bowls, multiple franchises can credibly foster hope that this is their year for a deep postseason run.

One month before the playoffs begin, the race to the Vince Lombardi Trophy remains wide open. The Chiefs are 12-1 but vulnerable. Top offenses have been stopped, and good defenses have shown flaws. Attrition has racked depth charts. Each conference boasts many good teams. But how many will prove to be truly great? 

With four weeks left in the regular season, we take stock of the top contenders in each conference and what could propel them through the playoffs or hold them back.

Best potential playoff asset: The Chiefs are historically great at winning close games. Their walk-off win Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers was their 15th consecutive victory in one-possession games dating to last season. Patrick Mahomes has completed 70% of his passes when the Chiefs have either been tied or trailed this season, and he has been 10-for-17 passing specifically when they are either tied or trailing in the last four minutes of the fourth quarter.

Worst potential fatal flaw: They can’t keep playing with fire like this and continue getting away with it ... right? Of every team that has started 12-1, the Chiefs have scraped by with a record low scoring margin. Considering how beaten up the team has been around the margins, with injuries to its kickers, its offensive line — Mahomes has already been sacked more than in any other season of his career — its receivers and its running backs, everything hinges on Mahomes, and that’s a lot, even for a future Hall of Famer.

https://www.nbcnews.com/sports/nfl/nfl-playoffs-strengths-flaws-super-bowl-contenders-rcna183527

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