For the first time in 19 years we get a postseason featuring 3 Wild Cards and a new formula which includes a 7 team per conference playoff with only the Top Seed getting the Bye. Anyways who will be the 14 teams fighting for the 55th Lombardi Trophy?
Kansas City Chiefs: I know many people are considering them a lock for a 2nd straight Super Bowl especially the people at ESPN but despite the 14-2 season and claiming the best record in the NFL the Chiefs have to overcome the wonders of playing down to their competition. Even with Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, plus one of the most underrated defenses in the league they have to avoid the wonders of Full Reid awakening after a well needed break. I said it before and I will say it again, they are doomed if the right team faces them. I think they will have their feet thrown into the fire right away.
Buffalo Bills: The self proclaimed best offense in football and return of the K-Gun juggernaut that has been missing since the mid 1990s has become one of the glamorous Super Bowl Contenders in years. Josh Allen this year has put numbers that would make Jim Kelly himself proud plus Stefon Diggs is everything that they wanted and more. Just like what we all said about the Ravens last year they are being dubbed unstoppable but remember this: They don’t have a true #1 Running Back, the weather in Orchard Park is horrific, and they are a Top 10 defense but struggle against the run. I know their fanbase is crowning them Super Bowl Champs but they first need to win a playoff game for the first time in 25 years before they can talk about that.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Earlier in the season these guys were chasing the perfect season and everyone was thinking that this would be the first team ever to go 19-0. Then you realize that they are a one dimensional team that plays down to competition and has to be bailed out by High-End Talent. It’s the be all and end all of Steeler football ever since the Bill Cowher era. All their fanbase needs is for Big Ben to play like he did in Weeks 1-11 and for the defense to regain its old form. To me they are either going deep in the playoffs or disappointing their fans again. I think the NFL world would be fine either way.
Tennessee Titans: I wish I could say the window will be open for them for years to come but this year is a crucial year for the Titans. Many contracts especially on defense are up this Spring and there just isn’t enough Cap Room to keep the whole gang around. Despite the outstanding years from King Henry XXII, Ryan Tannehill and AJ Brown Tennessee is looking to regain the magic they had from last year if the defense is able to overcome their struggles as of late. I’d say a rematch with KC is a given according to your fans but your first opponent is probably the hottest team in the league, and they want your heads after last year. I wouldn’t mess with these guys if I were you.
Baltimore Ravens: It’s time once again for the Insufferable “Maryland Festivus!” This year’s edition comes with a 6-5 start only for them to turn back the clock to last November and win 5 straight going into the playoffs. If there is one thing I underestimated about the Ravens was their ability to rally in hard times. Despite the COVID outbreak and 3 game losing streak in the middle of the season Lamar Jackson has been given new life and JK Dobbins has emerged as their next great Running Back. Plus they have even more weapons on offense thanks to an impact acquisition in Dez Bryant to help guide their inexperienced receiver core. You may think this team is full of choke artists, their style of play isn’t built for the playoffs, and John Harbaugh isn’t the same coach as he was in the Ray Lewis era. You might be right but here is the thing, YOU ONLY NEED 4 GAMES!!! As long as the defense plays up to their potential they have a shot. Let me put it this way, They are either going back to the Super Bowl or Lamar and Greg Roman will seal their choking reputations with a 1 and done for the 3rd year in row. Just pull off the unthinkable please!
Cleveland Browns: We are living in a whole new world where the Cleveland Browns are in the playoffs. The reason for their revival from utter hell over the past 17 years is due to the same scheme that made them successful in the late 1980s. A punishing 2 headed monster (Nick Chubb, and Kareem Hunt) in the backfield, plus a Pro Bowl caliber TE (Austin Hooper) and not to mention a QB (Baker Mayfield) that has a love hate relationship with the media but is beloved by the Dawg Pound. If there is one major weakness on the Browns it’s their linebacker corp and secondary. Yes, make excuses all you want about Ronnie Harrison and Denzel Ward being injured or on the COVID list if they can’t stop a No 1 receiver it could be groundhog day for them. The last time they were in the playoffs they blew a 24-7 lead to the Steelers and Tommy Maddox, guess who their opponent is? THE YINZERS! I would avoid an 0-3 record against them in the playoffs if I were you. BOOM! OH BUT THE FOOTBALL GODS HAVE PLANS FOR YOU BROWNS FANS! Kevin Stafanski has just tested positive for I Corona! Whenever you think there is hope there’s a way further down!
Indianapolis Colts: Yes they might be the 7 seed but in my opinion this is perhaps the biggest dark horse candidate for a Super Bowl run. From what I am seeing this team reminds me of the 2018 Patriots, a team that has aging pieces on offense with the run game emerging as well as the defense turning into a brick wall. They have perhaps the best defense in the AFC playoff picture plus a balanced attack on offense led by Jonathan Taylor turning in an outstanding rookie season. If there is any way that they have a chance against Buffalo in the 1st Round they need Philip Rivers to avoid his San Diego luck in the playoffs. This might be his last chance at the Lombardi. Don’t mess it up!
Green Bay Packers: I didn’t expect this out of them. Losing several offensive lineman, with questions on the defense and Aaron Rodgers potential replacement being drafted. WE WERE ALL FOOLED! This year Rodgers has returned to being the frontrunner for MVP led by a now potent receiving core featuring Davonte Adams entering his prime and several unsung heroes. Even their defense has been reliable in key moments. Well for the first time since 2011 Green Bay has home field throughout the playoffs and they have not hosted the NFC Championship Game since Brett Farve was still there. Considering if a warm weather or dome team has to come to Lambeau except the Bucs it will be doomsday for them.
New Orleans Saints: Once again I’m going to ask. Am I supposed to be impressed with the Saints this year. Yes their defense is better than ever, Alvin Kamara has lived up to his huge contract, and Drew Brees is back to full strength. The good news is that you won’t have to face the Vikings again but as long as you put away your opponent early you have a chance. Honestly this is likely the last chance at a Super Bowl with Brees and Sean Payton. If you lose in the 1st Round YET AGAIN the entire Nickelodeon network will be throwing gigantic playoff memes at you! For the love of Billy Goats at least make it to the NFC Championship!
Seattle Seahawks: When I look at the Seahawks throughout the year I see 2 different teams. In the first 8 they have to rely on High End Talent to bail them out of defensive meltdowns, in the last 8 games the defense has always played up to their potential while the offense doesn’t have to do too much. Yes the core of Russell Wilson DK Metcalf and Bobby Wagner are performing as advertised and Jamal Adams has overcome his injury prone start to play up to his expectations. The only issue is that they have to play a Rams team first that isn’t at full strength but their defensive stars want your heads!
Washington Hogs: Everyone is saying that they only got in because the Eagles decided to shoot themselves in the foot but remember this. Despite the bad blood of the front office this team has 2 amazing stories. Alex Smith, and Ron Rivera both overcame life ending threats of a broken leg and cancer to return to 2015 form not to mention a strong defense led by a generational talent in Chase Young. I know this may be one of the worst teams that has ever made the playoffs but remember this. Since Smith has returned they are 6-1 and have beaten playoff teams along the way. The only problem of having more success is your 1st challenge.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Do you all remember the insane hype that #TompaBay got this offseason? We all did, expected to be the class of the NFC the Bucs are where I thought they would be, The 5 seed and being the team that no one wants to face. Anyone that has Tom Brady, Gronk, Antonio Brown, Chris Godwin, and other weapons on both sides of the ball despite the horrific knee injury that Mike Evans suffered last week should always be in discussion for the Super Bowl. There are 2 outcomes I think that they will either have.
- They are losing in the 1st Round to a team with No Name thus resulting in insufferable memes.
- They will become the first team to play a Super Bowl in their own Stadium.
CHOOSE YOUR DESTINY!
Los Angeles Rams: I was wrong about these guys. Sean McVay once again has figured out how to punish teams across the NFC. Instead of being the 2nd coming of the Greatest Show on Turf like in 2018 the Rams have remodeled their game into a defensive powerhouse. Led by Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey their defense is arguably the best in the NFC playoffs. Even if Jared Goff and several offensive playmakers are injured all they need to do is score enough points to win. I would be optimistic but who am I kidding they probably just replaced the Texans on the given 1st Round Elimination from the playoffs.
Chicago Bears: This year has been a Roller Coaster for the people around Halas Hall. They started 5-1, lost 6 in a row, yet won 3 straight, and now are headed to Bourbon Street for an all you can eat playoff buffet. Mitch Trubisky is exactly what Jay Cutler and Rex Grossman were before him, a Mystery Box QB that has good or bad days. Remember if they are losing and its close they have a Super Bowl MVP off the bench in Nick Foles. Plus the only hope that Bears fans have of a massive upset is due to the defense, as long as Khalil Mack, Robert Quinn, Eddie Jackson, and the rest of the Monsters of the Midway hold Drew Brees in check. Good luck boys.
Prediction: This is a playoff bracket where any team has a chance of a deep playoff run by means of talent, speed, skill, coaching, mythos, luck, momentum, and REFBALL! Noticing how this league has been scripted over the past few years. We can’t have anything good so let’s get the matchup that no one but the marketing people, ESPN, and State Farm want! Green Bay and Kansas City! The battle of Jake from State Farm grows insufferable as one client will claim the gold. You can all do a funky dance as the NFL will do everything they can for Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay to make the Super Bowl! REVERSE JINXING DON’T FAIL ME NOW!!!
Bragging Rights Sports 