The most exciting part of the NFL season is here! Teams vie for playoff positioning. Here’s where things stand going into Week 12.
With Week 11 in the books, the NFL is in the home stretch. And that means the playoff picture is beginning to take shape. Weeks 12 through 17 will seal the deal, but getting is a challenge. The NFC is loaded with tough-nosed and talented teams, and the AFC has Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens! Need I say more?!
Given what we know today, here’s my take on who’s in, who’s close, and who’s looking in.
AFC Playoff Picture
Courtesy, Newsweek
New England Patriots (9-1): Tom Brady and the Pats are in the hunt … again! This year, the defense is king in New England. The offense, though, has been sub-par–so much so, that even Brady is complaining! People are saying that the Patriots didn’t play anyone of consequence in the first half of the season (which is true, except for the Ravens and the Bills). But never underestimate what Brady, Bill Belichick, and Robert Craft can do. I predict these guys will be in the AFC Championship game … again.
Baltimore Ravens (8-2): LAMAR JACKSON IS THE TRUTH!!! The Ravens are soaring high with big wins over the Patriots and Texans. Baltimore is showing that it can beat top-notch teams. The offense has an identity (run first), and Jackson adds a dimension to the attack that no other team can match. This is a team that others will want to avoid come playoff time.
Indianapolis Colts (6-4): No Andrew Luck. No problem! But think: How good would this team have been had Luck been under center this year? Now led by Jacoby Brissett, the Colts have a serviceable QB who can win games. But Brissett is primarily a game manager. The offense needs to be more creative if the Colts want to keep the lead in the AFC South. That requires an uptick in Brissett’s passing because Marlon Mack’s broken hand limits the Colts’ running game.
Mahomes can only carry this team so far (photo, NFL.com)
Kansas City Chiefs (7-4): It has been an up-and-down season for the Chiefs. Hill has been out for most of the year. Mahomes got injured. The defense is, well, horrible, giving up 5 yards a crack on the ground. Bad D puts more pressure on Mahomes to deliver. If KC’s defense doesn’t improve soon, these Chiefs can start thinking about next year. Mahomes is great, but he can take this team only so far.
Buffalo Bills (7-3) (Wildcard): The Bills are a team on the rise. Last year, the defense was carrying the team because the offense was unpredictable and sometimes just plain lacking. This year is different. The offense has caught up with the defense, and that means Buffalo has balance. The Bills are a sneaky good team capable of knocking off someone in the playoffs. Beware!
Houston Texans (6-4): First thing first: FIX THE OFFENSIVE LINE! Deshawn Watson is getting beaten up every Sunday. Head Coach Bill O’Brien is a big problem, too. If he doesn’t go, these Texans have a bleak future.
In the hunt: Oakland Raiders (6-4), Tennessee Titans (5-5), Pittsburgh Steelers (5-5)
NFC Playoff Picture
San Francisco 49ers (9-1): Tough! That word describes this team. Kyle Shanahan has these West Coasters firing on all cylinders. The 49ers defense is one of the best (if not the best) in the NFL. On offense, San Fran is running it down opponents’ throats. Yes, Kyle Shanahan has the ingredients to win a Super Bowl. The big question (and I think the only question) is how well Jimmy Garoppolo will do down the stretch? My answer? He’ll be just fine.
Hail to these two! (photo, Packers Wire, USAToday)
Green Bay Packers (8-2): ‘The Aarons’ have emerged as a Dynamic Duo in Green Bay! I’m talking about the player everybody knows, Aaron Rodgers, and the player everybody is getting to know, Aaron Jones. Both players have been playing out of their minds! Is there anything that holds this team back. Yes! The O-line needs to get better, and so does the defense. There’s time to clean up both acts, Packers, and cleaning them up is a team priority.
New Orleans Saints (8-2): Teddy Bridgwater steadied the ship, and now Drew Brees is back–and so is Alvin Kamara and Jared Cook. And I haven’t even mentioned (yet) the way Michael Thomas is balling! If Thomas continues to get 8-10 targets a game, he’ll shatter a record and catapult his team into the postseason. I think the sky’s the limit for this team.
Dallas Cowboys (6-4): Dak Prescott is playing for a new contract, and it’s obvious he’s happy in Dallas. The Cowboys have the #1 offense in the NFL, and its defense is getting better. This team has potential and could get to the Promised Land. To get there, though, the roster needs to hold up through Week 17. Can it? We’ll find out soon.
Seattle Seahawks (8-2): Anything is possible with Russell Wilson. Enough said.
Which Cousins will we see? (photo, Minnesota Vikings)
Minnesota Vikings (8-3): Minnesota is a balanced team with a run-heavy offense and a great defense. But can Kirk Cousins get over the hump when it comes to playoffs? The ‘old’ Cousins probably can’t and won’t. The Cousins we saw against the Broncos last Sunday probably can and will. Which Cousins will we see? Old or New? Stay tuned.
In the hunt: Los Angeles Rams (6-4), Philadelphia Eagles (5-5), Carolina Panthers (5-5)
