The NFL Playoffs. We’ve seen this showcase get insane year after year. And we’ll probably have more of it this time around. However there will be a twist. We have teams that are either overpowered, teams with unknown tendencies, or the Buccaneers. Anyways let’s go over the 14 teams.
Kansas City Chiefs (Retooled): It was said during the summer that Kansas City wasn’t going to be the same team once Tyreek Hill was traded to South Beach. They were right, except in this case, the Chiefs adapted and are once again a bazooka that has been kicked into high gear. Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce are still at the top of their games, but what makes this crew dangerous is the amount of depth they’ve added, on both sides. The RB and WR by committee approach has been a true success mostly due to an outstanding O-Line. (Similar to the system Andy Reid had in his early years in Philly) The same can be said about their defense. You wanna know where most of the draft capital went towards this offseason due to the Cheetah Trade? Yep, the Front Seven. It may not be in the Top 10, but it’s serviceable. This may be the most balanced team they’ve boasted in the Mahomes Era on both sides of the ball. Will this be the year they get a 2nd Ring in four seasons? Or will Full Reid consume them again?
Buffalo Bills (#DamarStrong): The preseason favorite to win it all. Their season was what we expected on the field. Josh Allen and the passing game doing their usual things, the running game breaking out into its full potential, a defense that was record setting early in the season, and all of the football nerds adoring their colorful fanbase. That was expected. But the Bills had to overcome a life changing event. During their Week 17 game in Cincinnati, Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest, which forced the game to be conceded by both teams. One of the emerging pieces of their highly touted secondary was forced into a battle for his life. And he won that battle. Just a week after that horrific scene, Hamlin was released from the hospital and returned home to Buffalo. His spirit has inspired both the team and BillsMafia, and they showed it in their Week 18 win over New England. If they can overcome the Hamlin situation, the loss of Von Miller at midseason, the ghosts of the Chiefs the past two seasons, and the McKinley Curse, this would be an incredible story. I hope that happens. With what Buffalo has been through historically in the playoffs, this better be their time. (If not, Cap Hell is staring down on them)
Cincinnati Bengals (“The Bungles Who Cried Wolf” -Ravens fans): I had no idea what to think of Cincinnati going into the season. Even after their Super Bowl run, with the amount of trash they talked towards the AFC’s Elites in the offseason, I felt that they would have issues after the highs of a year ago. Well they backed up their expectations alright. Despite injuries to some of their weapons, they overcame those thanks to Joe Burrow and his coolness in the big moment. That and the fact that their defense has mostly carried that team while JaMarr Chase and Tee Higgins were out. However despite their 8 game win streak, there are questions. Against Tampa Bay and New England the Bengals survived due to the self-destructions of their opponents. They struggled against their own division as well. (And they’ll be facing a divisional foe in the 1st Round) Cincy has the team in order to make another deep run, they’ve clearly shown that. Will the magic return, or will they be victimized like Ohio State was by a certain coordinator who knows their system? (To be honest, if they lose to Baltimore in the 1st Round, it may tarnish their run last year)
Jacksonville Jaguars (UH OH Has Returned to Duval County): Ask yourself this question. Did you see the Jaguars making the playoffs at midseason? All of us said no. But they overcame those odds and ripped off a solid win streak to end the season. It says something when every single move they made this offseason that was mocked by the football nerds has gone in their favor. Christian Kirk is playing like a #1 WR. Their O-Line has massively improved. Foye Olyekun has led the league in tackles. Darious Williams has become the lockdown corner they’ve missed since Jalen Ramsey. (Fun fact: They were teammates on the Rams last year) Even if Travon Walker hasn’t flashed his full potential, the combo of he, and the other Josh Allen can’t be taken lightly. Jacksonville has been one of the hottest teams in the NFL in the 2nd Half. And I haven’t even mentioned Trevor Lawrence yet. The combination of he and Doug Pederson have brought in a winning culture that Duval hasn’t seen since the Days of Tom Coughlin. Even if they don’t make a deep run, this is a major boost of confidence for the future. Considering that Calvin Ridley is on the way, they’ll have a fun team to root for going forward. But Lawrence did say that if Cincy could make the Super Bowl last year, so can we. He might have a point if their streak keeps up in the playoffs. Considering that Pederson has playoff and Super Bowl experience that could be dangerous for the rest of the AFC.
Los Angeles Chargers (Spanos Revenge): On paper this is a squad that could make a run at a Super Bowl. But when you look deeper there are many concerns surrounding this team. This team made it to the playoffs in spite of their coaching staff. Everyone calls Brandon Staley an aggressive thinker, but some of his calls this season have been baffling. Like going for it on 4th Down on repeat in his own territory. But unlike last year, most of them haven’t backfired. That’s because they either got lucky or Justin Herbert bailed them out of their flaws. Herbert, just like Philip Rivers before him, has to solve all of the Chargers problems both on and off the field. And just like Rivers he has Keenan Allen and Mike Williams to throw to. But, CRACK! Both haven’t been 100%. CRACK! As well as Joey Bosa. I’m one of the few that isn’t going to blame Staley for not resting his starters only because he wanted momentum for the playoffs. The bad news is that it backfired, because not only did they lose to the lowly Broncos, they now have injuries to deal with like they’ve had all year. It’s going to take a miracle for them to do anything, but yet again the Bolts spent all the money in the world this offseason to get to a Super Bowl. If they go on a run like the Rams did last year, THIS LEAGUE IS RIGGED! (Media: Oh but they play in LA! Reality: They survived an easy schedule to end the year, and got lucky. Fraud Alert!)
Baltimore Ravens (Relentless SOS Mode): The return of the Maryland Festivus is upon us after a year hiatus. That’s good, but I feel like the Ravens may have punched above their weight level. In what is possibly the most crucial year in franchise history, it has been a roller coaster ride that hasn’t been seen in their city in about 5 years. (Example: 2017 Orioles) Early in the season, it was all about Lamar Jackson and the offense, with a defense that was inconsistent. Since they got Roquan Smith at the trade deadline, the defense has become another in a long line of great Baltimore units. Earning the nickname SOS. (You can thank the Raven Brothers for that idea) All it cost them was an elite offense due to Lamar as well as their top two receivers getting injured long term. I honestly don’t know what to expect out of these guys. If Jackson is unable to go and they are forced to start Anthony Brown it will probably be another early exit. Although if there is anything that John Harbaugh enjoys more it’s playing on the road in the 1st Round, and Mike Macdonald was brought in to adapt to a certain rival of theirs. Even if you lose in the 1st Round, just don’t get blown out on National Television. If Greg Roman is indeed leaving no matter what happens, he better go out with a bang. (If they get crushed by the Bengals, this may be the Greatest Single Season Embarrassment in Franchise History)
Miami Dolphins (The Usually Hard Luck Franchise): This season describes the Dolphins for the majority of the 21st Century. Get out to a fast 3-0 start with wins over the Ravens and Bills. Lead the division going into December with an 8-3 swing and Tua having an MVP season. And then they collapse over the final seven games thanks to injuries and cold weather exposing the offense. Even with a splash acquisition in Tyreek Hill to pair him with Jaylen Waddle, Miami is facing their version of Groundhog Day. Like I said, a fast start to the season, being the media darling of the league, getting exposed in frigid conditions, Tua getting injured, (Teddy Bridgewater too), and then the historical fear of getting lorded over by Buffalo in the playoffs yet again. If it weren’t for the New York Jets and their ButtFumble reputation this would have been a collapse rivaling 1993. The worst part about this is that not only is Tagovailoa’s career in jeopardy, they put themselves right back in Cap Hell thanks to the contracts of Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb. And they don’t have a 1st Round pick until 2025. They’re stuck, and that 8-3 start may have been the worst thing that happened to them. This poor team.
Philadelphia Eagles (Will the DevilMagic Return?): The Eagles were on paper the best team in the NFC going into the season. And for the 1st 15 weeks, it was on full display. A run heavy offense, mixed in with big plays out wide, one of the best O-Lines of the modern era, and an underrated defense that tied the league record for sacks in a season. That’s great, but as of late, I just don’t know which team will show up. Jalen Hurts who was on his way to being the unanimous MVP of the league got injured and Gardiner Minshew nearly cost them the division and the #1 seed. Speaking of Hurts, he and AJ Brown are the pieces to make all this work. But like I said earlier injuries are piling up. Lane Johnson and DeVonta Smith aren’t 100%, and it may cost them in the playoffs. The biggest question I have with the Eagles was the same one I had on the Ravens in 2019. Can their success during the regular season translate to the playoffs? I don’t know but if there is anything this past year has told us is that Philadelphia is getting another taste at championship glory. This is going to be 1980 all over again.
San Francisco 49ers (DubNation Migrated to Santa Clara): Who had these guys as a serious contender considering that their QB situation was a major question mark. In the beginning it was supposed to be Trey Lance. CRACK! But then the Football Gods punished him. Out for the season. Jimmy G, solid QB for what he is, leadership and winning percentage are major assets. CRACK! Also injured. With both of their QBs out, you’d think this team would be finished. Instead they summoned the newest underdog story in football. BROCK! N! ROLL! Ah yes Brock Purdy, a man who has fit right in with the system that Kyle Shanahan has put together, and has a tremendous supporting cast around him. A mid-season trade for Christian McCaffery to go along with George Kittle and Deebo Samuel has only made them stronger. Then there’s that vaunted defense, which is once again unleashing havoc on their opponents. When you win 10 straight games to close out the season regardless of who is under center, you deserve to be heavy favorites for the Super Bowl. But this is Shanahan in the playoffs. It has not been kind to him. Hopefully for his sake he’ll finally get over the hump. Please don’t lay another massive egg in the NFC Championship.
Minnesota Vikings (“Let’s Get Nuts” -Prince): When you think of the Vikings historically there are a few things that come to mind. Underachievement, kickers missing clutch field goals, losing close games, and frustrating the fans at the worst time. Not this year. Minnesota for the moment has vanquished these past narratives. That’s what happens when you replace a culture of fear with a culture of hunger. Kevin O’Connell may not be Bud Grant or Dennis Green, but so far he’s done a good job with what he has. Kirk Cousins has gone from hated figure to the QB they envisioned he would be when they signed him four years ago. It also helps when you have both Dalvin Cook and Justin Jefferson in their primes. The defense may not be as good as they were under Zimmer, but they still have a few good players like Harrison Smith left over from those years. Their window has opened up again, and even if they have a negative point differential, and are the equal of the 2012 Orioles in one-score games, if the Vikes are going down, they are going down with a fight. This may not be the year, but hey at least you lorded over big brother and that’s a rare feat. Keep it up.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Survivors of Tank Division): If you look at the Buccaneers from someone who only knows Tom Brady and nothing else, you’d think they have a shot at the Super Bowl. Here’s my counter argument. Have you watched them this year? They may be the biggest frauds in the NFL thanks to Todd Bowles learning nothing from his time with the Jets, and injuries to the Offensive Line having a massive impact on Brady and his durability. The only reason why they are here is because of a few late game comebacks due to opponents’ self-destructions and the fact that they play in this year’s Tank Division. On paper they have most of the core that won a championship in 2020. But their structure has been shot since Bruce Arians retired. It’s going to take hell freezing over for #TompaBay to do anything. However Brady does have an unbeaten streak against their 1st Round opponent. I wonder who that is?
Dallas Cowboys (JerryBoy Wants It All… AGAIN!): It’s interesting that the Cowboys made it to this point despite the injury to Dak Prescott in Week 1. When he was out, they were still winning thanks to Tony Pollard, Zeke, and the defense. Now that Dak has returned it’s complicated. When they are firing on all cylinders, Dallas is in a flashback to the 90s. When they aren’t, it’s Total McCarthyism going back to his time in Green Bay. Normally with the record they have, Dallas would be hosting one if not two playoff games. Thanks to their stacked division, they must play on the road as the 5 seed. It’ll be tough for them, since the last time they won a road playoff game, it was the 1992 NFC Championship Game. And they’ve struggled all year away from AT&T Stadium. With the talent on defense they have with Parsons, Diggs, and Tank Lawrence in their primes, plus depth at receiver and tight end, they have a shot to make it past the 2nd Round. They better make it there. That much talent on the roster, and the experience of the coaching staff, they should not go home early. If they do, JerryBoy is going to file another deep state conspiracy towards the league. Will Cowboys Arrogance rule over all that stand in their path? Or will the memes strike again? I’d be fine either way.
New York Giants (Don’t Go On a Yacht This Time): What a difference a year, as well as structure and good coaching can do for a team. One year after winning just four games, the Giants have made it to the playoffs. They may not have the talent as some of the other top teams in the NFC do, but they have determination and hunger. And that’s a scary combo. Daniel Jones may not be the most flashy QB, but he has earned the right to exorcise most of his doubters. The same goes for Saquan Barkley, who is carrying most of the offense thanks to being back in elite form. Their defense is the same as the offense. No true superstar but full of unsung heroes with Wink Martindale pushing the right buttons. (He wanted a change of scenery after last year, and it was for the best) The coaching staff that Brian Daboll has assembled is one that is full of hard workers and men who want to win. That’s what the G-Men lacked when Dave Gettleman was the GM. Now they have restored their legacy. If they can win a playoff game this time around, the sky will indeed be the limit in New York. Ironic isn’t it.
Seattle Seahawks (The 2010 Seahawks Reincarnated): Pete Carroll must have had great confidence in his crew. Why wouldn’t he? They were supposed to be instant Tank Bowl contenders after trading away maybe the best player the franchise has ever had. However, this was an accidental blessing. Seattle, thanks to a tremendous rookie class led by Kenneth Walker, rivals the 1st year classes that the Jets and Ravens had this year. It is a big reason why they’ve made it to the playoffs one year after blowing it up. That and a somehow revived Geno Smith have been the keys to their success. They did hit a wall in December thanks to a rough schedule, and the run defense getting exposed. But thanks to home wins in their last two games, the impossible has happened. It gets better for the 12s. Remember the Russell Wilson Trade? The Seahawks are getting a Top 5 pick in this year’s draft. What they’ll do with it remains up in the air. But for now, even if they get knocked out by their arch rival in San Francisco, this is a major boost for the future. Guys I’m proud of you. PAUSE.
Alright, we’re almost to the end of the program, let’s get some predictions for the postseason.
Prediction: This is truly a postseason that can be described as a mystery box. We don’t know which teams will dominate. On paper, there are 4-5 championship caliber teams, then everyone else. Knowing how crazy the NFL has been this past calendar year anything can happen. However, I’m going for the Captain Obvious pick. Buffalo against San Francisco. The two most complete teams right now with momentum, structure, talent, ratings, and a style of play that’ll be perfect for the big game. Although for the love of god I don’t care what the matchup is in the Super Bowl, ANYONE BUT CINCINNATI! I’m not suffering for another year after what happened 12 months ago. Knowing my logic, they probably will make me eat more crow. (If I had control of this, they would be eliminated in the 1st Round by you know who) Anyways, Let the games begin!
Bragging Rights Sports 