The absence of last year’s Super Bowl winner, the Los Angeles Ramsopens the door for a new team to secure arguably America’s most prestigious sports award, the National Football League’s Lombardi Trophy.
The road to the final starts this Saturday is what is being dubbed the Super Wild Card Weekend. There will be old acquaintances, such as the eternal Tom Brady and his Tampa Bay Buccaneersbut there will also be new candidates vying for the crown like last year’s finalists, the Cincinnati Bengalsand Patrick Mahomes‘ Kansas City Chiefs.
That said, the 2022-23 Play-Offs will start in somber circumstances following the collapse of Damar Hamlinthe safety for the Buffalo Bills. While Hamlin has made a full recovery, the incident will still be on the minds of his teammates.
This year’s postseason should offer plenty of thrills, with 14 teams vying for the Lombardi Trophy with the Super Bowl scheduled to take place in Arizona on February 13.
American (AFC) and National (NFC) Conference No.1s
Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles are the regular league champions in the American and National conferences, respectively. Two different teams which are both legitimate candidates for the ring. They have the best records in the regular season (14-3), both being contenders to go all the way to glory.
The Chiefs are led by a sublime Patrick Mahomes. He broke the all-time record for yards, with 5,614, in addition to 45 touchdowns and a 105.2 passer rating. A world-class player who leads his team when necessary, Mahomes is a skillful passer and makes an offense that lost receiver Tyreek Hill work. He is a complete player in terms of condition, physicality and imagination.
The Eagles are facing more doubts. They were the first team to secure a post-season spot and they have a spectacular defense. But they ‘played with fire’ in recent weeks. Jalen Hurts got injured and lost his consistency (back-to-back losses to the Saints and Cowboys), which is key in the high standards required in the NFL. However, when the top spot was confirmed, their confidence improved.
Wildcard round in the American Conference
Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins
Hamlin is recovering and the Bills can brag that they boast a dynamic, consistent offense. Miami will travel to Buffalo without a quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, while their defense has been struggling. There is a clear favorite in this tie.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Baltimore Ravens
The Bengals are the favorites to win this duel following a second half to the season Joe Burrow has shined due to his incredible passing ability. Ja’Marr Chase has bounced back after recovering from injury, with the Ravens being his latest victims. Meanwhile, Baltimore‘s finest performer, Lamar Jacksonis an injury doubt.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs Los Angeles Chargers
In a year and a half, the Jaguars have gone from being the worst team in the NFL to having put together one of the most exciting sides, with their quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, impressing on the field. They will face the Chargers, who have made giant strides since key players have recovered from injuries. They don’t mind playing offense, but if they are forced to defend, they have the players to do so as a solid Joey Bosa.
Round of Wildcards in the National Conference
San Francisco 49ers vs Seattle Seahawks
The NFC may not boast the strongest teams, but the Niners are their stronghold. They lost Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance at running back to injuries, but Brock Purdy has helped them improve while Christian McCaffrey generates advantages with his speed and physicality. At receiver, George Kittle and Deebo Samuel will be key. They will face a breakthrough side in the Seahawks, who are improving in defense and have a brilliant Geno Smith at quarterback.
Minnesota Vikings vs New York Giants
This is the tightest duel in the Playoffs. Minnesota had a great regular season, led by Justin Jefferson at receiver (125 receptions and an average of 14 yards per reception), but they play on the edge. They lost by three to the Colts and the Giantsalso recording an embarrassing defeat (41-17) against the Packers. That’s why New York have options.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Dallas Cowboys
ESPN defines the clash as a duel between America’s team and the best of all time in America. Tom Brady will be back in postseason action after winning as many as seven NFL titles. His offense didn’t quite work this season, but Dallas face a difficult task in their bid to contain him.
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