After a long NFL season, the games that truly matter have finally arrived.

The NFL playoffs have begun, and there are plenty of contenders that will be hunting for the Lombardi Trophy on February 4^th. Let’s look ahead at the teams that are still alive in the hunt.

Philadelphia Eagles

Why they can win: Yes, losing Carson Wentz hurts their chances a lot. Had he not been injured, then Wentz would’ve been the MVP without a doubt if he kept playing at the level he was. However, the Eagles defense is still one of the best in the league. They were the best team against the run and will keep themselves in close games. Backup Quarterback Nick Foles is no Carson Wentz, but he is a veteran in a system in which he dominated in the 2013 season. If Foles can play mistake-free and not turn the ball over, then the Eagles will look like a championship-caliber team.

Why they won’t: Foles is not the same player he was in 2013. He looked really bad against the Oakland Raiders and the Dallas Cowboys during the regular season. He will not be able to match the level of play that Wentz delivered. Even if he takes care of the ball and keeps his team in the game, it’d be a lot to ask for him to make the plays to win the game.

New England Patriots

Why they can win: The Patriots have arguably the best quarterback and best coach in NFL history with Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. They’re in every game they play and have set the example of a winning organization in the past two decades. Their defense has also gotten significantly better after the first four games of the season to finish with the fifth-ranked defense in the league.

Why the won’t: It is tremendously hard to repeat championships in this league, and this team is not as good as they were last year. Brady isn’t quite as good as he was last year where played like he was possessed. In fact, during the last five weeks of the season, Brady posted a quarterback rating of 83.66, which is considerably lower from his career average of 97.6. Father time is undefeated and the 40-year-old quarterback could hit a wall in the cold winter. He may not have it in him anymore to make the magical plays to win the game like he has so many times. Recent off the field issues between Belichick, Brady, and Owner Robert Kraft could start the end of the Patriots dynasty.

Minnesota Vikings

Why they can win: The Vikings defense is the best in the NFL and they’re even better at home. Securing the No. 2 seed was crucial for them because they’ve only given up 12 points-per-game and 8 touchdowns at home. The only possibility of them going on the road is to face the Eagles. Even if that happens, they should have their way with Nick Foles.

Why they won’t: This is the most complete team in the NFL. Their only weakness is Quarterback Case Keenum. This is unfamiliar territory for him and the lights could prove to be too bright. The offensive line is banged up, and he hasn’t shown he copes well under pressure like he did against the Panthers in Week 14.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Why they can win: Their offense is one of the most dynamic in the league and their defense has finally improved to compliment them. No longer is the Steelers defense a liability like it has been in the past. They outplayed the Patriots during their matchup in the regular season and would’ve won if the NFL knew what a catch was.

Why they won’t: They’ll most likely have to go on the road for a conference championship matchup against the Patriots, where it’ll be a tougher environment than when they played in Pittsburgh earlier. They haven’t looked all that dominant in the regular season and have been on the winning end of a lot of close games. This could be their downfall against better teams in the playoffs.

Atlanta Falcons

Why they can win: The Falcons proved that the Super Bowl hangover isn't affecting them with a win against the LA Rams. When their defense plays like it did against the #1 offense in the NFL, then they'll be tough to beat.

Why they won’t: They won't be able to count on special teams mistakes against other teams. The offense looked a little shaky against the Rams despite owning the time of possession. Matt Ryan and Julio Jones are having a bit of a down year compared to last season, and that can't continue for the Falcons to win the Super Bowl.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Why they can win: An elite defense that specializes in making quarterbacks miserable will go a long way for this team. Leonard Fournette has been outstanding at the running back position and has eaten up long drives to keep the defense fresh and dominant.

Why they won’t: Blake Bortles is having a career year where he looks satisfactory at best. Blake Bortles has played well before this season. The intensity of the playoffs and championship-level teams could be his Achilles' heel.

New Orleans Saints

Why they can win: Drew Brees is one of the best quarterbacks in the game and the defense is playing at a high level to help him out. This year, they’ve shredded teams on the ground as well. They can attack opposing defenses with every part of their offense.

Why they won’t: The ground game has somewhat come to a halt in the latter stretch of the season. They’ve been held under 100 yards in three of their last four. Being one-dimensional will only hurt them in these games.

Tennessee Titans

Why they can win: The Titans are going to have to ride the back of Derrick Henry, who exploded in the 2nd half against the Chiefs. When he gets going, the offense opens up and Marcus Mariota is at his best. His ability to play up-tempo and use his legs combined with Derrick Henry's ferocious running will be crucial for the Titans going forward.

Why they won’t: Expecting Derrick Henry to produce the same type of game is asking a lot. The Titans can't find themselves down big like they did against the Chiefs. The Titans defense got bailed out when Alex Smith lost Travis Kelce. They'll find other quaterbacks won't shy away from attacking them.