We approach the last stretch of the season where the next five or six games will make a huge difference for NFL teams. Some quick thoughts:
The Pittsburgh Steelers look like a good favorite to have a good playoff run. With an ability to run with James Conner and a defense that has held its own, they provide Ben Roethlisberger at least another chance for a third Super Bowl title with him. Baltimore might have a quarterback controversy unless they part ways with Joe Flacco, which I doubt will happen. Lamar Jackson had a strong game against Cincinnati, but whether he can cobble up more victories is something that he'll have to prove.
A handful of AFC teams sit at five and five records following yesterday's games. The Indianapolis Colts have been on a tear in a month's span and could be a favorite for the Wild Card if they continue the hot streak. Tennessee has been rather inconsistent and an injury from Marcus Mariota only adds to the issues they have. What Baltimore does depends on who shows up and plays their guts out. And slumping Cincinnati has a certain problem depending on the game they have. They are slowly fading and they have to get their act together in order to even secure a Wild Card spot. The LA Chargers were stunned and while they are a playoff favorite, getting the AFC West from Kansas City just got tougher.
With Alex Smith's gruesome leg injury in Washington, the NFC East is up for grabs. It's a stretch to say any of them could win it, but Dallas seems the most favorable. With a decent group on both sides of the ball, they could find themselves winning the division. Philadelphia experienced another painful loss, but in embarrassing fashion against New Orleans. A thinning secondary that is banged up and a inconsistent running makes up a recipe for a Super Bowl hangover.
The NFC North has a similar story, but Chicago has built a strong year, including a current four game winning streak. A smothering defense and a young offensive group could mean a playoff berth for the first time since 2010. Minnesota might have experience, but a poor ground game and injuries on defense could keep crippling them. Plus, you never know what version of Kirk Cousins you're getting. Green Bay might have their star quarterback, but an inconsistent running attack and poor defensive unit make it hard to determine if they even have a shot for the Wild Card. Detroit could also have a shot, but like the rest of the North, they will need a lot of luck.
New Orleans look to be the Super Bowl favorite. Every facet playing very strong has them very hungry for a second Super Bowl title. The momentum is high and they need to keep playing on a high level. Carolina might still have a Wild Card spot, but after a bad decision at the end of their loss to Detroit, it might be a bitter pill to swallow and a game that could hurt them. Still, they have a decent offense and defense. Atlanta's regressions continue and their chances to even make the playoffs are slim. No strong ground game and a shaky defense make it tough to see them as a Wild Card team.
The Rams are another Super Bowl favorite and if they were to face New Orleans in the playoffs, it could be a game for the ages because of both sides being equally great. With a big win this past Thursday, Seattle has put themselves in the running for a Wild Card spot. A better running attack and young defensive unit has helped compliment Russell Wilson's ability to keep throwing touchdowns.
Who do I think gets the playoff spots as of this blog? In the AFC, the Pats will have the East again. Pittsburgh will win the North. Houston continues on and gets the South. Kansas City has the West. Wild Cards would be the Chargers and Colts. For the NFC, Dallas gets the East. (Was thinking Washington before Smith's injury) Chicago holds on and gets the North. New Orleans has the South, as does the Rams in the West. Wild Cards would be Carolina and Seattle.
My guess for teams that could sneak in are Baltimore and Minnesota. The season is still a bit away from being finished, but crunch time is the name of the game now.
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