Week 15 has come and gone, and now with two weeks left, the playoff picture is materializing. Using ESPN.com’s Playoff Machine (found at http://espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs/machine), I’ve made my predictions for the remaining two weeks of the season, and here are my playoff teams and seeding:
AFC:
1. Patriots
2. Ravens
3. Texans
4. Broncos
5. Steelers
6. Jets
1. Patriots
2. Ravens
3. Texans
4. Broncos
5. Steelers
6. Jets
NFC:
1. Packers
2. 49ers
3. Saints
4. Giants
5. Falcons
6. Lions
I think it’s worth noting the race for the #6 seed on both sides. The way that I have the games unfolding, the Jets and Chargers finish 9-7, and the Jets own the tiebreaker. It’ll be a bit easier for the Jets to get there if they can beat the Giants next week, but I have the Giants recovering from their poor loss to the Redskins this week and winning that game. On the other side, the Lions. The Lions??? Yes indeed! Speaking as a fan who has stuck with the team since the mid ‘90’s, it is exciting to see the Lions back in contention. I actually have them losing their last two games of the season (Chargers, Packers) and finishing at 9-7, along with the Cowboys. Luckily, the tiebreaker goes to Detroit.
If the playoffs include these twelve teams, here are some things I think we should watch out for:
1) Tebow-mania: Will the madness continue through the playoffs? I found it laughable that several ESPN analysts wanted the Patriots to “end the madness” this past week. OK, so the Patriots took it to the Broncos. Did that really stop anything? NO. These are the Patriots. We wouldn't be surprised if they beat anybody like they beat the Broncos this past week. We will not stop talking about Tebow until the Broncos are out. If the Broncos defense can get back to playing like a top 5 defense, anything can happen. Tebow will never be Brady or Manning or Rodgers, but can he win games? Yep.
2) New York Giants: Despite their inconsistent play throughout, well, basically every season I can remember, the Giants are always a playoff presence. It’s simple: when you can run the ball and rush the passer like the Giants can, you can beat anybody. And hey, let’s not forget about Eli Manning. He has as many Super Bowl rings as Rodgers and Brees, you know, and went through Brady to get it.
3) The formerly undefeated Green Bay Packers: Speaking of Rodgers, Green Bay finally lost a game. Who were they playing this week? Kansas City?? Wow. Look, there’s no reason to overreact. I’m a big proponent of the idea that a meaningless loss is a good thing. In the big picture, this is meaningless: Green Bay will maintain hold of the #1 seed in the NFC. This loss helps the team re-focus on the true task at hand, winning a second straight Super Bowl, and working out the kinks before that first playoff game. This loss positions the Packers to make a poised run to another Super Bowl.
Thanks for tuning in. Since things are just starting up, look for another new entry soon!
1. Packers
2. 49ers
3. Saints
4. Giants
5. Falcons
6. Lions
I think it’s worth noting the race for the #6 seed on both sides. The way that I have the games unfolding, the Jets and Chargers finish 9-7, and the Jets own the tiebreaker. It’ll be a bit easier for the Jets to get there if they can beat the Giants next week, but I have the Giants recovering from their poor loss to the Redskins this week and winning that game. On the other side, the Lions. The Lions??? Yes indeed! Speaking as a fan who has stuck with the team since the mid ‘90’s, it is exciting to see the Lions back in contention. I actually have them losing their last two games of the season (Chargers, Packers) and finishing at 9-7, along with the Cowboys. Luckily, the tiebreaker goes to Detroit.
If the playoffs include these twelve teams, here are some things I think we should watch out for:
1) Tebow-mania: Will the madness continue through the playoffs? I found it laughable that several ESPN analysts wanted the Patriots to “end the madness” this past week. OK, so the Patriots took it to the Broncos. Did that really stop anything? NO. These are the Patriots. We wouldn't be surprised if they beat anybody like they beat the Broncos this past week. We will not stop talking about Tebow until the Broncos are out. If the Broncos defense can get back to playing like a top 5 defense, anything can happen. Tebow will never be Brady or Manning or Rodgers, but can he win games? Yep.
2) New York Giants: Despite their inconsistent play throughout, well, basically every season I can remember, the Giants are always a playoff presence. It’s simple: when you can run the ball and rush the passer like the Giants can, you can beat anybody. And hey, let’s not forget about Eli Manning. He has as many Super Bowl rings as Rodgers and Brees, you know, and went through Brady to get it.
3) The formerly undefeated Green Bay Packers: Speaking of Rodgers, Green Bay finally lost a game. Who were they playing this week? Kansas City?? Wow. Look, there’s no reason to overreact. I’m a big proponent of the idea that a meaningless loss is a good thing. In the big picture, this is meaningless: Green Bay will maintain hold of the #1 seed in the NFC. This loss helps the team re-focus on the true task at hand, winning a second straight Super Bowl, and working out the kinks before that first playoff game. This loss positions the Packers to make a poised run to another Super Bowl.
Thanks for tuning in. Since things are just starting up, look for another new entry soon!
Though I know it's very unlikely, I really want the Broncos to win it all... that would be so epic. Haha. Do you have a superbowl pick for us too, or will you wait? Looking forward to the blog! Makes me want to start mine back up...
ReplyDeletei agree with brian, like i mentioned to you earlier, i know it's so unlikely, but how cool would it be if the broncos and packers went to the super bowl? either win would make for such great stories, the broncos as the underdogs and the packers, almost perfect record, with their second title? anyways, just dreams..:)
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