The parity in this league is on another level and that gives us some of the most exciting games to watch this year. Here is a rundown on this year's playoff teams and what they need to do move on; and why they were eliminated.
AFC
Patriots (11-5)
Yet another year that the Patriots top their division, making this the tenth consecutive year they have done so going back to 2009. This year however may prove the most difficult yet with their depleted wide receiving core. Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski are not playing at the level they once did and Josh Gordon’s departure has been another major setback. Brady too at time looks like he is losing the fight against father time with his yards per game (272.2) and yards per attempt (7.6) being the lowest they have been since 2014 . This Pats team lacks identity but we can never count out Brady and Belichick figuring things out; especially with the additional bye week they have earned.
Chiefs (12-4)
The Chiefs have rallied around their young QB, Patrick Mahomes, who by all accounts is the front runner for MVP. He managed to amass 5097 yards along with 50 passing TDs. The passing TDs in particular is amazing as he joins Tom Brady and Peyton Manning as the only other QBs who threw 50+ in a season. The offense continues to fire on all cylinders despite the loss of star running back Kareem Hunt. The achilles heel of the team remains in their secondary who struggle to get the opposing teams off the field. They have allowed 419 first downs, the worst in the league by far, with the next closest being the Browns at 377 first downs.
Texans (11-5)
The Texans were able to recover from their 0-3 start and even managed to top their division. Both Deshaun Watson and DeAndre Hopkins are quietly having an outstanding year. J.J Watts is constantly reminding the league why he is a 3 time defensive player of the year and that his recent injuries have not hindered his pass rushing abilities. The Texans have lost several key receivers to injury and a lot of pressure will be placed on the Watson-Hopkins duo to carry this offense. From what we have seen throughout most of the year, Hopkins is capable of that as he has seen 32.9 % of targets from Watson.
Ravens (10-6)
The Ravens have found a unique identity since the introduction of Lamar Jackson in the quarterback position. The Ravens heavily depend on their run game from both their running backs and Lamar himself. This, in conjunction with their elite defense and kickers means they can score points every trip down the field. The major concerns with this team is their ability to play from behind. Having most of your offense based around running the ball is an issue especially if you need to preserve precious game clock. Lamar has an abysmal 58.2 completion percentage and has just not shown an ability to carry games with his arm this season which is why the Raven need to dictate the tempo of the game in order to be successful.
Colts (10-6)
The Colts started the season 1-5 being the third team since the NFL merger to make the playoff with such a start, winning 9 of their last 10 games. Andrew Luck has returned to his past form but it’s has been the defense that has everyone surprised.They have lead the league in scoring defense since week 7 when they began to turn things around. A Key player of note on this rising defense is rookie and first team All Pro linebacker, Darius Leonard. He’s finished the season with 7.0 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, and most impressively, 163 tackles, which leads the league.
Chargers (12-4)
The strongest of all the wildcards teams and widely regarded as one of the most complete teams on both sides of the field, the Chargers find themselves in the wildcard spot as a result of a tiebreaker with the Chiefs. Philip Rivers is another player that is quietly having a career year while running back Melvin Gordon is having his own breakout year. Points of concern would be that he has been dealing with an ankle injury which has forced him to miss 4 games throughout the season. Their defense has been solid ranking within the top 12 of most major defensive categories; rush TDs (6th), rush yards per attempt (12th), and passing yards (9th).
NFC
Saints (13-3)
The Saints have secured home field advantage throughout the playoffs (excluding the Super Bowl) which was crucial as Drew Brees at home and in a dome is absolutely remarkable. This all too resembles the 2009 Saints who went 13-3, held home field and won their very first Super Bowl. Despite not playing at the level he once did, Brees has been elevated by his teammates and his efficiency is at an all time high (74.7 completion %) . They have run the ball phenomenally well and have been able to neutralize the opposing rush attack. Even the initial doubts of their pass defense have quietly been mitigated over the final weeks of the season. Anything less than a Superbowl appearance would be a major disappointment for this team.
Rams (13-3)
Despite going 13-3, the Rams have looked shaky in the second half of the season. In particular, Jared Goff has struggled, throwing 7 interceptions since week 9. This may be a result of a combination of factors which include the loss of WR Cooper Kupp and the occasional off game from Todd Gurley. Gurley will however have fresh legs for their first playoff game not having received a snap since week 15. The defense has also been an area of concern which may be surprising given they have, Aaron Donald, arguably the best interior rusher in the game. The defense lacks cohesion which likely explains why they allow 6 yards per play on average, 7th worst in the league. This team still has plenty of talent to get them deep into the playoffs but may struggle against defensive minded opponents that can neutralize their offense.
Bears (12-4)
Heading into the playoffs, the Bears have established themselves as the defensive juggernauts ranking within the top 10 of all major defensive categories. Most notably, they have only allowed 5 rushing TDs and caught 27 interceptions all over the course of the entire season, both of which are league leading. This defense has covered up the lack of talent on the offensive side of the ball but so has the creative play calling from the coaching staff. The risky offensive play calling is not all that risky when you have defense that you can rely on.
Cowboys (10-6)
The Cowboys are once again in the playoff behind league leading rusher in Ezekiel Elliot and their stellar defense. Questions remain with Dak Prescott and whether he will be able to step up and elevate the play of his offense in high pressure games. Remember, If the game comes down to the wire and clock management becomes an issue, Elliot will become a non factor and the game will be on Dak’s shoulder. The mid season addition of Amari Cooper has definitely helped Dak out but opposing team have found ways to shut that combo down. They are 5-1 when Dak throws over 250+ yards.
Eagles (9-7)
The defending super bowl champions managed to narrowly squeak into the playoffs again with Nick Foles at the helm. The Eagles are a different team with Foles in the mix. Although undoubtedly Wentz is the greater talent, the team seems to better rally behind Foles and embrace the underdog status. The defense in particular has stepped up, allowing only 55 rushing yards a game in the final 3 games which were all considered to be must win games.
Seahawks (10-6)
The Seahawks have surprised many with their run based offense which ranks first in rushing yards (2560 yards) and second in attempts per game (534). The Seahawks have 3 young running backs, Chris Carson, Mark Davis, and Rashaad Penny, that constantly pound opposing defenses. You also have to remember that quarterback Russell Wilson is good also not afraid to run himself. The only main concerns is on the defensive side of the ball which is middle of the pack when comparing to rest of the league.
Wildcard Results
Cowboys 24 v.s 22 Seahawks
- Seattle's league leading rush was held to 73 yards while Dallas managed to rush for 164 yards, 137 coming from Ezekiel Elliot himself
- Seahawks were 2-13 in 3rd down conversions punting 7 times total
- Both teams had average success throwing the ball, SEA (233) - DAL (226)
Bears 16 v.s 15 Eagles
- 2 major penalties in the 3rd quarter on an important Eagles drive cost the Bears 47 yards as well as a touchdown
- Golden Tate was crucial to the win catching 5 for 46 yards, most notably the touchdown that put the Eagle up by 1
- Game winning field goal was missed by Cody Parkey, likely as result of a tip by Treyvon Hester
- Trubisky played well throwing 303 yards and 1 TD
Texans 7 v.s 21 Colts
- IND O-line held up and did not allow any sacks on Andrew Luck
- Although Hopkins was quiet, Keke Coutee had a breakout game, 110 yards and a TD
- Texans were out rushed by a large margin, 200 vs 105
- Texans were penalized 8-times whereas Colts were only penalized twice
Chargers 23 v.s 17 Ravens
- Chargers got to the quarterback several times with 7 sacks and a net loss of 55 yards.
- Lamar fumbled 3 times
- Chargers struggled to get in the endzone settling for 5 field goals
- Rivers was quiet only throwing 160 yards and no TDs
Stats obtained from https://www.pro-football-reference.com/
By: Jason Lam and Khashayar Akbari
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