Suddenly, we’re down to four teams in the playoffs. We see the white hot Ravens, the schoolyard bully 49ers, the playoff veteran Chiefs, and the young underdog Lions, all fighting for 2 spots in the biggest game on the face of the earth: The Super Bowl. As we grow closer and closer to the end of another NFL season, how did the 8 teams from last week look?
1. Ravens
While the rest of the NFL had close, nail biting games, the Ravens finished with the only blowout of the Divisional Round. At this point, Baltimore looks like the only team in the race without a true weakness and have fans (like myself) thinking Ring #3 is on the way. While they have a matchup with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs coming up, I think the Ravens should handle Kansas City. Interesting anecdotes; The last time the city of Baltimore hosted the AFC Championship? 1970 with the Baltimore Colts. Also, the Ravens possible opponents in the Superbowl? The Detroit Lions or the San Francisco 49ers. They’re 2-0 against both teams, with a 38-6 win over Detroit and a 33-19 over San Fran. With an average margin of victory of 23 points against the two, why would Ravens fans be hopeful? Now to just get past the Chiefs.
2. Niners
San Francisco was on the edge of their seat practically the entirety of the 4th Quarter. After a huge miss by Anders Carlson, the Niners had life and took the late lead with a TD from Christian McCaffrey. Still with butts clenched and Green Bay having possession, they were able to unclench when they realized that the Packers didn’t have Aaron Rodgers anymore. Jordan Love’s late pick probably recognized on the Richter Scale, with the entirety of California jumping to their feet. While they were able to finish off Green Bay, they have a hungry Lions team next. The Niners have got to play better if they want to make it to Vegas.
3. Lions
After not having a single postseason victory in the 21st century, the Lions suddenly have two playoff victories in a row and are appearing in their 2nd NFC Championship in Franchise history! I gotta say, I don’t think there’s a single NFL fan that isn’t secretly proud of Detroit, I know I am. In my entire lifetime, the Lions have always been a laughing stock, so it makes me all warm and fuzzy to see their success. That being said, they still have to go through the Niners in Santa Clara to make their first Superbowl in Franchise history. We shall see how generous the Football gods are feeling next week.
(Author’s Note: One of my exes lived in Livonia, Michigan growing up. Her school won a local contest to meet the Detroit Lions on their practice field. So, her and the kids got pictures with the players and got to pass the ball. So, you’re probably thinking, “When did this happen, Josh?” August, 2008. If only they knew what was coming.)
4. Chiefs
Close call by Kansas City, but the Chiefs are on their way to their 6th consecutive AFC Championship, but their first that they haven’t hosted this millennium. Going to Baltimore is certainly no small feat, especially with the crowd making a huge difference against the Texans, but how will it affect Patrick Mahomes? While he is currently 3-1 against the Ravens, this matchup is different. Their passing game has struggled and the Defense has kept them in the fight. While the Chiefs have the 2nd best scoring Defense in Football, the Ravens have the #1 scoring Defense. That, and Baltimore has only allowed 27 TDs all season (including the Playoffs). The Ravens fan in me says Ravens by 20. The NFL fan in me says Ravens by a TD. Maybe KC can prove me wrong?
5. Bills
Pain. Misery and pain. With such a fantastic end to the season and a run in sight, older Bills fans had sudden PTSD of Scott Norwood as Tyler Bass pushed the game tying kick wide right. Man, all Buffalo knows is pain. Still, they were able to fix their season, win the AFC East, and win a Wildcard game. That’s definitely commendable. I actually heard a funny story from Buffalo. Supposedly 5 weeks ago, a Bills fan fell into the hole where they’re currently building the new stadium. Since then, they’ve been pushing fans into the pit to keep the win streak going and until now, it’s worked. Just shows the lengths that Bills fans will go for their team to win. Good season, Bills Mafia.
6. Packers
Speaking of pain, Packers fans have to be feeling it too. Their Kicker also missed a huge kick to tie the game. That, and Jordan Love threw the ball straight to Dre Greenlaw to end their season. Don’t be sad though, Green Bay. The Packers definitely blew through expectations and even scored a huge upset victory over Dallas. Jordan Love, even after having a rough game, looks like the future in Wisconsin. I’m sure they’ll come back stronger next season, hopefully with a new Defensive Coordinator and Kicker.
7. Buccaneers
To be honest, I didn’t expect the Buccaneers to make it this far. I made jokes about the NFC South winner being a glorified Bye week and the Buccaneers made me eat my words. Upsetting the reigning NFC Champs and keeping up with the Lions is much to be admired. While I do think the Bucs competitive window is closing, it’s nice to see that they’re still kicking. On that note, Baker Mayfield has stated multiple times that he wants to return to Tampa and the Buccaneers appear to feel the same way. Hopefully we can see Baker return and improve in Tampa. Hey hey, Tampa Bay. The Bucs will continue to shine.
8. Texans
It’s rough to see a young and hungry team get demolished. After going into the locker room at halftime tied with the high flying Ravens, they allowed 24 unanswered points to end their season in Baltimore. Losing to the best team in the NFL isn’t anything to be ashamed of, and CJ Stroud doesn’t seem ashamed. The Texans are still young, CJ Stroud is a star in the making, the Defense is only getting better, and they have a Coach of the Year candidate in Demeco Ryans. Mark my words: Houston will be back.
Pro Football Debate 
Leave a comment