Which 1-2 NFL Teams Have a Hope of Reaching the Playoffs?

Oh the perils of your favorite NFL team getting off to a poor start! For every team savoring in their early good fortune this season, there are equal numbers of team feeling quite the opposite; battered and bruised after several losses and unsure of where to turn for hope in the duration of this season. And while I’d be expecting the worst for any team that has started 0-3 (Oakland Raiders, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers), for those 1-2 teams there is still a small hope of salvaging this season, but they’ll need to pick up their game in a hurry.

While there are some of the typically poor teams currently sitting at 1-2, there are also several usually strong teams who were even involved in the playoffs last year that have gotten off to bad starts. These surprising poor starters include the Green Bay Packers, the San Francisco 49ers, the Indianapolis Colts, the New Orleans Saints, and the Kansas City Chiefs. That’s nearly half of last season’s playoff teams now suffering below .500!

In my mind these are the teams most likely to rescue their seasons. And history actually beckons warmly for several of them, including the Packers and 49ers, who both started 1-2 last year only to resurrect their hopes and make a strong playoff push.

The key ingredient for such teams is in how they finish the season, not how they’ve started it. Football teams are an organic being, as injuries, player development, and unforeseen future obstacles can alter a team’s shape and style immensely over the course of the year. NFL rosters look very different in September than they do in January and it’s the teams that can handle such change effectively that do well in the later months and typically end up claiming a playoff spot. Unquestionably, a great quarterback can also go a long way to leading a team back from a poor start to a potentially championship-winning season.

Each of the 1-2 teams I mentioned carries great starting quarterbacks (including Aaron Rodgers, Colin Kaepernick, Drew Brees, Andrew Luck, and Alex Smith) and this is why they still have hope. Other 1-2 teams that I wouldn’t expect to hear much of a whimper from are the Miami Dolphins, the New York Jets, the Cleveland Browns, the Minnesota Vikings, the Tennessee Titans, the New York Giants, the Washington Redskins, and the St. Louis Rams. These teams look to lack any sort of presence on the field and have been pretty marginable for years. Their poor records are due to simple lack of talent.

But for the better teams, they’ve just not clicked into high gear or have been unfortunate in the couple of key plays that can often decide a game one way or the other. Another thing to realize is that 1-2 is just a single game away from 2-1. A play here and there could have made the difference, and I’m sure you’ll find that most fans of 2-1 teams are more than satisfied with their seasons’ beginnings.

As the NFL season wears on, those slight hiccups or mistaken plays will carry less weight as the true contenders of the league emerge and get their needed wins. While I certainly wouldn’t be expecting a Super Bowl following two early losses for teams like the Packers, Chiefs, Colts, 49ers, or Saints, I think it’s far too early to be writing them off as has-beens or incapable of salvaging the season. In many cases they’ve done it before and these specific teams certainly have the talent capable to make a serious run at their respective divisions. But be careful, with their collective poor starts, I would only suspect 2 or 3 of these teams manage to right the ship and make the playoffs this year…

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NFL Season Picks Up Right Where it Left Off Last Season

The wonderful thing about the NFL is that with the worst teams getting the top draft picks, and with the inclusion of the salary cap, predicting who will remain dominant from one year to the next is a very inexact science.  Once great teams can implode very quickly while a “worst to first” occurrence in one of the NFL divisions seems to happen annually.  However, after watching week 1 of the 2014 NFL season, it seems like this year has picked up right where we left off from a year ago, with little substantial change.

In short, both Super Bowl participants of last year won big.  The Seattle Seahawks’ tough defense beat up on the Green Bay Packers (whose weak defense continues to look shaky).  Meanwhile, Peyton Manning and his high-octane Denver Broncos offense looked tremendous (even without the suspended Wes Welker) once again in their victory over his former team, the Indianapolis Colts.  However, the Colts still looked competitive, as Andrew Luck nearly pulled off a comeback reminiscent of his heroics last season in the NFL playoffs against the Kansas City Chiefs.  However, against a top-level team like the Broncos, his efforts weren’t enough.

Elsewhere, most of last season’s playoff teams won last week, including the Carolina Panthers, the Cincinnati Bengals, the San Francisco 49ers, and the Philadelphia Eagles.  A few surprises did rattle our predicting senses, like the Miami Dolphins tremendous comeback victory over Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, and the Tennessee Titans dominating the Chiefs, who’s poor form late last season seems to have continued.

Largely though, it was the same players kicking off the year in the fashion we’ve grown used to.  The Dallas Cowboys’ quarterback Tony Romo continued to throw the ball (and the game) away to the defense with 3 interceptions, the San Diego Chargers found a way to ruin a strong lead over the Arizona Cardinals, and the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints battled to an exciting, close game which Matt Ryan and the Falcons won.

And unfortunately, the typical lowest of the low NFL teams continued their atrocious form, reminding fans that they are still paltry teams that shouldn’t even dream of glory; see the Oakland Raiders, Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns, St. Louis Rams, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

But what does warmly breathe new life for football fans is that the sport has officially returned.  Yes, your specific team may still be dealing with the frustrations of the past and a rather bleak outlook, but at least your Sunday afternoons have returned to normal with all the games on display!

And who knows, there are still 15 games for each team to decide their fate.  The great thing about the NFL season is that teams can easily overcome a loss by proving the doubters wrong the next week by winning and changing their fortunes.  The real drama of the season will arrive come December, when the playoff contending teams must get their acts together and earn vital wins.  But those days are still a long ways away.  For now, it’s time to simply enjoy the action because while half the teams lost their openers, the season still beckons brightly for everyone….Except the Rams…losing Sam Bradford to an ACL again is just tragic!

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Which NFL Team With a Bye is Most Likely to Lose in the Playoffs this Week?

In the NFL, there is a definite goal during the regular season for the best teams to earn one of the top 2 AFC or NFC seeds in the playoffs.  While the other 8 teams had to compete in the wildcard round last weekend, these 4 distinguished teams had the luxury of resting players and gearing up for the final push in the season ahead of the Super Bowl.  Those fortunate squads include the league’s most potent offenses and most powerful defenses.

In the NFC, the Carolina Panthers and Seattle Seahawks have been terrorizing opponents’ offenses all year.  Hard-hitting players like Luke Kuechly, Greg Hardy, Richard Sherman, and Earl Thomas are quickly becoming known as some of the toughest in the entire league.  And as the cliché states, “defense wins championships”.  Both teams are among the favorites for the Super Bowl.

But in the AFC, the two top teams feature the legendary quarterbacks Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, who know how to win and how to score points.  Manning led the Denver Broncos and their offense to a record-setting year, while Brady helped the New England Patriots overcome numerous injuries and dismissals to still be among the best teams around.

But while the natural thought would be that these teams would steamroll their way to the Championship games next weekend, upsets have become more and more the norm for NFL games.  Especially for teams that receive a bye in the playoffs, there can often be a bit of a lull and a lost sense of urgency.  Slight rustiness can derail these teams’ hopes very quickly.  Additionally, there is the issue of momentum.  Some of these wildcard teams have been battling all season long, and have been playing in potential season-ending games for a month.  Meanwhile, teams like the Broncos and Seahawks booked their tickets to the playoffs a month ago and haven’t had to play in high intensity matches since November.  This can totally catch a favored team off-guard when a hungry and determined team comes into their stadium ready to fight!

So which team is most likely to be upset this weekend?  The Carolina Panthers.  The problem with the Panthers is that they lack playoff experience.  While the Broncos, Patriots, and Seahawks all have been in many such high profile games, the Panthers haven’t reached the postseason since 2008.  Additionally, this will be quarterback Cam Newton’s first experience in such a game.  Newton is an emotional player and has a tendency to overthrow receivers when rattled.  While he does have big game experience in winning the BCS National Championship with Auburn, he has yet to face an NFL defense in such a high profile game.  The San Francisco 49ers have a defense among the league’s best.  With such a young and inexperienced squad, the Panthers are ripe for the picking.

The one player who does have playoff experience is the team’s top receiving option, Steve Smith, who is likely to play but could certainly be slowed by a PCL sprain late in the season.  With his injury and the youth of the Panthers, I see them facing a severe test in this game.  The 49ers were in the Super Bowl last year and certainly can slow down Newton and the Panthers.  Additionally, 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick is a dynamic playmaker, and running back Frank Gore can certainly push the pile.

However, the Panthers did beat the 49ers in a defensive battle earlier in the year, and they clearly have the talent alone to make a Super Bowl run.  I think this game is a definite toss-up and may just be the end of a remarkable season for the Panthers.  While they are certainly the most likely of the top seeded teams to fall this week, the Carolina Panthers still have a great team and could win this game.  Let’s see what happens this weekend in the NFL Divisional playoff round!

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2013 NFL Wildcard Playoff Games Preview

The 2013 NFL Playoffs have finally arrived, and they are all set to begin with the wildcard matchups this weekend. While the league’s top 4 teams earned bye weeks and get to rest their weary legs, these underdog football teams will be put to the test right away, with their entire seasons hanging in the balance.  While these supposed “lesser” NFL squads have a long and hard road to the Super Bowl, such teams often do win the big dance, so none of them should be counted out.  But who will get past that initial first hump and into the divisional round?  Here is a preview for the NFL wildcard games this weekend:

Kansas City Chiefs at Indianapolis Colts – The Chiefs will probably lose this game.  Not only did they lose to the Colts 23-7 just two weeks ago, but they have now lost 5 of their last 7 games, a rather grounding experience following their 9-0 start to the season.  The only playoff team that the Chiefs have beaten is the Philadelphia Eagles.  Meanwhile, the Colts have topped the 49ers, Seahawks, and Broncos, making them one of the most dangerous teams around.  Is Andrew Luck ready to lead a playoff run?  I think so:  Colts win 23-7.

New Orleans Saints at Philadelphia Eagles – The Eagles rebounded from a bad start and now feature one of the NFL’s most dynamic offenses.  With the emergence of quarterback Nick Foles, the team thrives around the explosiveness of DeSean Jackson and LeSean McCoy.  However, the Saints also feature a high-scoring offense led by Drew Brees.  They have quite a strong defense and could have potentially earned a bye if not for the surprising year by the Carolina Panthers.  Although the weather will be cold, I foresee a shootout with the Saints winning through a defensive stand late in the game:  Saints win 41-35.

San Diego Chargers at Cincinnati Bengals – This is a total offense vs. defense matchup.  Philip Rivers leads a delightful passing attack by the Chargers, while the Bengals defense is amongst the best in the league.  These are two solid teams that could both do well in the playoffs, but I think the miraculous Chargers dream ends this week, as Andy Dalton and AJ Green should be able to muster enough points while the Chargers get slowed down by that defense.  Nevertheless, the game should be close, possibly featuring a poetically just missed field goal by the Chargers at the end of regulation:  Bengals win 20-17.

San Francisco 49ers at Green Bay Packers – The 49ers have the key ingredients for success in the playoffs: a strong defense and a powerful rushing attack spearheaded by Frank Gore.  They amassed a 12-4 record but are forced to go on the road as a wildcard team due to the great year by the Seattle Seahawks.  The Packers suffered to an 8-7-1 record with quarterback Aaron Rodgers missing nearly half the year.  However, he returned last week and won in miraculous fashion over the Chicago Bears, converting a dramatic last-minute 4^th and 8 for a touchdown.  They also have a strong running game led by rookie Eddie Lacy.  However, their defense is very questionable.  But with temperatures set to be in the single digits at Lambeau Field, this game will be a major test for both sets of players.  While Colin Kaepernick and the 49ers have dominated the Packers in recent games, Green Bay looks invigorated with Rodgers back at the helm, and I see them as a team of destiny: Packers win 28-24.

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Five Crucial Games in Week 2 of the NFL

Manning vs Manning

The NFL season is hitting full swing once again, and with it comes another exciting batch of football games in the week ahead.  Of course this early in the season, every team still has hope and optimism for what lies ahead, meaning that fans of all the teams can enjoy the sport once again before the crushing realities of the season sink in.  However, most of the contending teams are already known and their games will be a bit more exciting than the games between those desperately hopeful and woeful teams.  Here are 5 must-see matchups in the week ahead:

 

1.  Washington Redskins vs. Green Bay Packers – Both teams were in the playoffs last year, but both teams also lost in their first game of the season.  The 49ers beat the Packers again, while the intense new offence of the Eagles proved too quick for the Redskins defense.  Will Robert Griffin III be ready this week?  He sure looked rusty against the Eagles.  Whichever team loses this game is going to be in full panic mode after an 0-2 start to the new year.  I feel that Packers, led by the maturity and skill of Aaron Rodgers, will win this one.

 

2.  New York Jets vs. New England Patriots – Although the Patriots won against the Buffalo Bills led by rookie E.J. Manuel, it was a much tighter game than any Patriots fan would have liked.  Meanwhile, Geno Smith was a hero for the Jets and led a late game-winning drive.  With the Patriots defense not looking that good, could the Jets spring a surprise?  I highly doubt it, and I’m sure Tom Brady and his team will look better at home, but with new receiver Danny Amendola expected to miss this game, Brady is simply running out of offensive weapons.  This game could be quite close, but in the end you would have to be a bit crazy to pick against the Patriots against another rookie in their home opener.

 

3.  San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks – This is said to be the monumental struggle in the NFC West, with both teams winning in week 1 after having productive 2012 seasons.  With mighty defenses and exciting quarterbacks, this matchup should be a feast for the eyes and is surely the game of the week.  I still think the 49ers have the edge and that Colin Kaepernick is a better quarterback than Russell Wilson, but the Seahawks at home are a monstrous force, having won all their home games last season.  Hopefully a close game that comes down to the wire, I’m picking the 49ers here.

 

4.  Denver Broncos vs. New York Giants – Peyton Manning against Eli Manning is always going to be a treat, but while big brother Manning and the Broncos looks to have the best team in the league, the Giants had a pathetic showing in Dallas, stumbling out of the blocks.  Now they’re looking for help from 31-year-old Brandon Jacobs, who hasn’t rushed for 1,000 yards in a season since 2008.  Although the Broncos are the clear favorites and I’m picking them to win, don’t count out the Giants.  They are routinely the team that overcomes the odds and beats the best teams.  However, that usually happens late-season in the playoffs.  The Broncos will win this game.

 

5.  Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals – While Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers look like a team in decline, the Bengals are on the ups with A.J. Green and Andy Dalton.  However, let’s not get carried away.  The AFC North is as competitive as any division, and both teams came out losers last week.  The Bengals are expecting a big year this season and the pressure is on, while the Steelers are flying real low under the radar.  While neither team looks like real contenders, this game should still be a major battle between heated rivals, and should be quite entertaining.  I’m picking the Bengals because I like cats…

 

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5 Premature Contenders for Super Bowl XLVIII

Training camp is set to begin for most NFL Football teams in the next week or so, and with it will come the hopes and expectations of Super Bowl glory for the fans of every team. However, regardless of exciting drafts and big-name free agent signings, the dreams of many NFL teams are largely worthless considering their poor performances and weak rosters. Here are 5 teams with strong rosters that I foresee having a legitimate shot at winning Super Bowl XLVIII next season:

5. New York Giants – Beyond the fact that playing a Super Bowl in their home stadium would be ideal, the Giants are the mysterious team that keeps winning titles when no one expects them to. Built behind a powerful defensive line and quarterback Eli Manning, who simply makes the necessary plays when the team needs him to, the Giants have routinely emerged as contenders with strong playoff runs. With Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks out wide, this team can move the football too. The team often grows hot and cold throughout the season, but when they get hot in time for the NFL playoffs, look out!

 

4. Houston Texans – The Texans have immense talent all over the field. Offensively, Matt Schaub, Arian Foster, Andre Johnson, and Owen Daniels ensure that the team scores points. Defensively, the team has a monstrous defensive end pass-rusher in J.J. Watt, and has added veteran safety Ed Reed, who brings game changing abilities and championship-winning leadership from his Super Bowl victory with the Baltimore Ravens. Last year, the Texans had a bright year but stuttered in the playoffs. I expect them to be a stronger force this year.

 

3. San Francisco 49ers – Last year’s Super Bowl runners-ups are loaded with talent. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick is a beast and so are several members on the defense, including Justin Smith, Aldon Smith, and Ahmad Brooks. The team has brought in several veterans this year including Nnamdi Asomugha, Glenn Dorsey, and Anquan Boldin. Additionally, Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree, and Frank Gore provide serious weapons offensively. With Kaepernick’s dynamic ability to run and pass, the 49ers have the chance to establish dominance in the NFC and contend for next year’s Super Bowl.

 

2. Green Bay Packers – Aaron Rodgers. He is simply too good. Yes, the team has seen the departure of Greg Jennings, Charles Woodson, and Donald Driver, but expect Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson, and James Jones to take over comfortably. Additionally, draftees Eddie Lacy and Jonathan Franklin are hoping to add a spark to the Packers’ running game, and this team might become a force offensively that can manage the clock and score points. With Clay Matthews shouldering the workload on the defense, alongside B.J. Raji and Tramon Williams, the Packers should continue their strong run in this decade.

 

1. Denver Broncos – The is Peyton Manning’s last stand, and he’s been given all the tools to make a championship run to cap off a remarkable career. Damaryius Thomas and Eric Decker proved they are great receivers last year with 1,000 seasons, and the team even brought in Wes Welker, a fantastic slot receiver formerly of the New England Patriots. Last year, the Broncos defense let in fewer points than anyone in the AFC, and they even added cornerback Dominique Rodger-Cromartie to boost their secondary now. In a weak AFC, the Broncos are the clear favorites to get to Super Bowl XLVIII and potentially win it!

 

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