CHIEFS (12-5)
2ND SEED
The Chiefs finish in second place behind the Titans for the overall seed. Their defense were skeptical the last two weeks. It cost them a win against the Bengals and almost a win against the Broncos too. The fumble return touchdown made by rookie linebacker Nick Bolton shifted the tide and they were able to lock up the second seed. The Chiefs offense may not be the same, but they have enough firepower to challenge any team in the conference. The receivers outside of Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce must step up. Their defense must play a role that previously helped the team to an 8-game winning streak.
BILLS (11-6)
3RD SEED
The Bills end their season on a four-game winning streak. They held off the Patriots long enough to fight for the three seed and division title. They achieved both after back-to-back home wins over the Falcons and the Jets. It’s unclear if the Bills can make another run for a second straight conference championship appearance. Someone at the running back spot must step up because everything can’t go through Josh Allen.
STEELERS (9-7-1)
7TH SEED
Steelers survive their season by beating their two division rivals. They took down the Browns on Ben Roethlisberger’s last Monday Night game and home game of his career. Then, they go into Baltimore to win a thriller to stay alive long enough to see the Raiders win an overtime thriller to let the Steelers in to the seventh seed. There’s no telling what will happen to Pittsburgh on wild card weekend, but the offense needs a spark somewhere.
COLTS (9-8)
ELIMINATED
The Colts needed a win for a playoff berth in one of their last two weeks. Unfortunately, they failed twice. Their offense failed to come through and Carson Wentz was unable to play his best football when the team needed him while Jonathan Taylor struggled. The Jaguars not only eliminated the Colts from a last ditch playoff opportunity, but Jacksonville maintains their overall draft pick after the Lions won their game. Unfortunate salt to the wound of their AFC South rival.
BROWNS (8-9)
ELIMINATED
RAVENS (8-9)
ELIMINATED
The Ravens dropped their last six games, lost five of them by two points or less, and Lamar Jackson was out with injury for the last four and a half games. They had a rough finish to their December and January schedule and nothing could be done with injuries and COVID affecting their roster.
RAIDERS (10-7)
5TH SEED
The Raiders end their season on a four-game winning streak decided by four points or less. They took down four teams that were eventually eliminated from playoff contention (Browns, Broncos, Colts, and Chargers). Kicker Daniel Carlson is currently the star of the team’s four-game success. Derek Carr can finally play his first postseason game since coming to the NFL. The Raiders need consistency on both sides, and impact players must play big if they want to make a surprise playoff run.
PACKERS (13-4)
OVERALL SEED
The Packers clinch homefield advantage again after defeating the Vikings prior to the Lions game. They have time to get everyone healthy and prepared for anybody that comes to Green Bay, but be wary of their matchups. Green Bay’s road to the Super Bowl may be possible, but anything can happen. Defense will play a key part in their playoff run if the offense struggles at all.
RAMS (12-5)
4TH SEED
The Rams escape Baltimore with a win, but they failed to escape the Niners again after a 17-3 lead at halftime. Matthew Stafford was beared down by the Niners’ pass rush late in the game and were pushed to overtime. After their loss, they dropped from the two seed to the four seed but still won the division due to the Cardinals loss against the Seahawks. Their roster is capable of a Super Bowl run, but it may take more than motivation to host it. They need more options to step up outside of Cooper Kupp, and their run defense must play better.
BUCCANEERS (12-5)
2ND SEED
The Buccaneers had a bizarre situation with Antonio Brown during their bizarre struggles against the Jets. They eventually overcame it and won. After taking care of the Panthers along with the Rams and Cardinals losing, the Buccaneers claimed the two seed. The current champs could return to the Super Bowl, but the offense must overcome any pass rushing teams they face. Also, Tampa Bay’s defensive backs, running backs, and receivers beyond Mike Evans and Rob Gronkowski must play a bigger role during the playoffs.
GIANTS (4-13)
ELIMINATED
SEAHAWKS (7-10)
ELIMINATED
49ERS (10-7)
6TH SEED
The loss to the Titans was the 49ers setback and they had to desperately finish the season with the last two wins for a playoff berth. They took care of the Texans with Trey Lance as the starter, and Jimmy Garoppollo returns for a drama-filled overtime win against the Rams. They kept their 6th seed after two weeks of weird and confusing scenarios. They will be formidable in the playoffs, but watch out for their defensive backs, penalties, and quarterback performance. It will make or break their playoff run.
The Wolf's Cave 
Leave a comment