Eight teams are in it; which can win it?
Russell Wilson and the Seahawks are among the teams to have clinched a playoff berth. All give us reason to believe, and reason to worry.
With two weeks remaining in the NFL’s regular season, eight of the 12 playoff spots have been clinched.
Additional jockeying for seeding will take place in Weeks 16 and 17, and four spots remain up for grabs. Each of these eight playoff locks can make legitimate arguments for why they can win it all. However, it’s evident why any of those eight could falter. A look at the reasons to believe and worry about each playoff-bound squad.
NFC
Seahawks – Believe in them because they have Russell Wilson, whose wizardry gives them a chance against any defense. His offense has the backing of a hungry defense that features a good blend of experience and youth. Worry about them, however, because injuries have diminished the effectiveness of the defense, which puts more pressure on the offense.
Packers – Believe because Matt LaFleur and Aaron Rodgers have gotten in sync, and the first-year coach does a great job of scripting an attack that highlights what the quarterback does best. Improved health at the skill positions has this offense again clicking. Worry about them because the defense is guilty of inconsistencies.
Saints – Believe because Drew Brees and Sean Payton rank among the best QB-coach tandems. Michael Thomas is the best receiver in the game, and this veteran roster is battletested. Worry about them because, at times, it feels as though their talented defense forgets to show up and gives up so many yards and points that pressure mounts on the offense.
49ers – Believe because they have one of the best defenses in football. They’re aggressive, opportunistic and do a great job of limiting opponents, regardless of the style of play. San Francisco’s offense also features great balance. Tight end George Kittle is also one of the league’s most unstoppable forces. Worry, however, because though he has played well in the second half of the season, questions remain about QB Jimmy Garoppolo’s consistency.
AFC
Ravens – Believe because they’re led by the most electrifying player in the game in Lamar Jackson, who just set a season rushing record (1,109 yards) for quarterbacks. He also has 22 TD passes inside the 20 (tied with Wilson for first) and a leaguebest 16 inside the 10. And their defense, which features talented veterans and newcomers, gives opponents fits. Worry about Jackson’s limited experience in the postseason. Can he win games with his arm?
Patriots – Believe because, hello, it’s Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. New England also boasts the best defense. Worry because Brady and his unit have not looked good in the second half of the season. Favorite target Julian Edelman has battled injuries and looks like a shell of himself. The rest of Brady’s wideouts are young and inconsistent, and the Pats aren’t running the ball as effectively as they did a year ago.
Chiefs – Believe because after a midseason funk that coincided with Mahomes’ injuries, the Chiefs appear to have regained their stride. A defense that underperformed for much of the year has suddenly seemed to figure things out due to improved health. Worry because that offensive line isn’t great, and if teams can get to Mahomes, this offense goes south.
Bills – Believe because they’re a gritty team paced by an aggressive defense and a fearless, young quarterback (Josh Allen). Worry because although they have a strong run game, the offense doesn’t light up the scoreboard, averaging 20.8 points. Allen has energized his teammates with his willingness to pick up tough yards with his legs, but he’s averaging just 6.7 yards per pass attempt and owns a passer rating of 84.6, 24th in the league.