NFL Week 12 Takes – Playoff Outlook
By Tony George
We may have very well seen the Super Bowl preview with Green Bay and New England squaring off on Sunday in Green Bay, where the Packers flexed their muscle and showed some excellent defense in a tight game and big win against the mighty Pats, but it did not come easy. If we see round 2 it may be a different results, time will tell. This biggest shock to me was the Rams blowout over the Raiders, and for those not paying attention the best Running Back prospect in recent years is Trey Mason for the Rams, he is the real deal folks and St. Louis may be relevant with him soon once they get a QB in place because Jeff Fisher is a good coach.
Let’s look at the AFC first and my takes on teams in the running for the post season, and then my NFC. I will skip all the speculation on who may or may not get it, and all the ”what ifs”, because the division leaders very well may stay put so I am only pointing out the best teams remaining and there may be a surprise or two in the next 4 weeks but most teams have their identity and the Pats are the team to beat, not Denver.
AFC
Patriots – Odds on favorites, good defense, and Brady and Belichick’s experience is a huge plus, and if home field goes through there, good luck. They are 3 deep at RB now, Gronk in full form, defense can hold their own.
Broncos– Beat a declining KC team Sunday, RB Anderson a big surprise but at days end they cannot win in New England it boils down to that scenario, or beat them at home this year.
Bengals – Andy Dalton a huge liability, as well as their head coach, and a 1 point win at Tampa was sickening to watch, while Pitt and Cleveland and Baltimore were all losing so they are in the division lead by default. They miss DC Zimmer badly.
Colts – QB Luck as good as damn near anyone, but a weak division and absolutely no defense and no rushing attack will have them out early against anyone good.
Wild Cards
San Diego – Well coached, you never know with them, a wild card for sure but lack of pass defense will kill them.
Kansas City – No vertical passing game, and Reid will not open up the offense, you cannot win scoring 20 ppg in the AFC. The secondary is beatable and with safety Berry out they are suspect to give up yards in chunks through the air.
NFC
Green Bay – Home field is brutal for any opponent when they play there, they have no other equal in the NFC with QB Rodgers simply the best and an improving defense makes them scary good.
Arizona – Falling fast, without QB Palmer not near the team, and no running game to back up Stanton, brutal remaining schedule, Seattle peaking at right time in division.
Philly – Cannot bank on them to win with QB Sanchez, but out of the group in the NFC, they are a top 3 contender with McCoy and Sproles at running back and the Chip Kelly offense is no joke even with Sanchez.
New Orleans / Atlanta – NFC South a joke, neither team plays defense and neither team can have their QB carry them alone, Saints have best chance at winning division but are no match for NFC elite teams.
Wild Cards – NFC up for grabs so more options
Pittsburgh – Perhaps a chance in their division, their running game and Big Ben always a scary opponent. Give too much up on defense to win a big game in playoffs.
Ravens – I like them in numerous areas and Flacco still one of the best and they are well coached – just cannot lose tight games like they have.
Dallas - Best Running game in the NFL outside of Seattle, Romo poised to win a playoff game, Bryant is damn near uncoverable. need to beat Philly in round 2 and shore up defense ASAP. Head coach Garrett a big question mark in a big game.
Seattle – Not enough passing on offense and one dimensional, but Wilson and Lynch are big threats anytime and the defense is one fire right now. Best wild card to advance deep playoffs in my opinion, and any games at home they will win.