Super sprint: Lots to like at the start
Wild- card round offers up intriguing set of contests
Fromthe restedChiefsandSteelers to the relievedBrowns, Bears andRams, the field for the Super Bowl chase is set. There are some powerhouses and some pretenders — and a team with a losing record.
The reigning Super Bowl champion Chiefs ( 14- 2) and Packers ( 13- 3) earned each conference’s lonebye in the expanded playoffs. And no, adding a third wild- card entrant isn’twhy a 7- 9 club will be playing next weekend. Washington “earned” that spotbywinning the abysmalNFCEast that displayed in thefinale of the regular season why NFC Least has been so appropriate a moniker.
Still, coachRon Rivera dealing with skin cancerandquarterback AlexSmithreturning froman injury that nearly cost him his leg, those are redemptive and rewarding plots.
As for the spoils, here’s who plays next weekend and howit might look.
Saturday
Colts ( 11- 5) at Bills ( 13- 3)
Frank Reich has been a hero inWestern NewYorksinceengineering thegreatcomeback in NFL history while replacing the injured JimKelly in a 1992 opening- round matchup with the Houston Oilers. Reich now coaches the Colts, and he’ll remain heroic in Buffalo if they go quietly against whathasbeenthe league’smostimpressive team the last month.
The Colts defense must stand tall here. That’s a tall order thewayJoshAllen, Stefon Diggs and the Bills are going.
Rams( 10- 6) atSeahawks( 12- 4)
A third go- around for the NFC West rivals who split during the regular season. Both have strong defenses and have been spottyonoffense, theRamsfarmore sothan Seahawks.
The Rams clinched their spot in the playoffs without the inconsistent Jared Goff ( thumb surgery) at quarterback. The Seahawks have no issues at that position withRussellWilson.
Buccaneers( 11- 5) atWashington( 7- 9)
For sure, theWashington story is uplifting. Andthe last threeteamsto capture division titles without a winning record also pulled off upsets in the wild- card round.
Don’t look formuchof that inprimetime, not withTomBrady leading theBucs.
Sunday
Ravens ( 11- 5) at Titans ( 11- 5)
A year ago, the Titans rode Derrick Henry’s rushing power, agility and underrated speed to a stunning upset in Baltimore. They still are riding Henry. The Titans also can throwthe ball better than it could last season.
Alas, the Titans barely play any defense. So, with the Ravens having a more diverse but just as effective running game and a sturdydefense— not tomentionthememories of that beatdownlast January— Henry andCo. have anevenbigger task ahead this time.
Bears ( 8- 8) at Saints ( 12- 4)
The other NFC interloper, perhaps, the Bears almost belong in the Least, uh, East. They went from 5- 1 to 5- 7 before finishing strongly enough to sneak in. Their defense is dangerous, and when they run the ball well, they can compete.
If the Saints get some of their running backsbackfromtheCOVID- 19list— particularly scoring machine Alvin Kamara — they will be heavily favored.
Browns ( 11- 5) atSteelers ( 12- 4)
This had to be the topper for the weekend’s action. And it was just played out in Week 17— albeit with theSteelers resting a bunch of regulars.
Can the Browns win again in the wildcardmatchup? Sure, as long as they get their ample running game going and don’t have another COVID- 19 outbreak. The Steelers have won 17 straight at home against the Browns. BenRoethlisberger will be back.