AFC Playoffs Preview: Who Stands Out In Wide Open AFC?
by JasonB on Jan 4, 2012 3:05 PM EST
in Philadelphia Eagles News
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PrintJust because the Eagles aren't a part of this year's playoffs doesn't mean we aren't interested and can't talk about them. So over the next two days I'm going to preview this years' playoffs and give my predictions. Today we start with the AFC, which unlike the NFC, doesn't have quite as clear of a hierarchy.
Patriots - There is no team that has cruised into the postseason with a softer schedule and with less quality wins than the Patriots. In fact, it's not even possible to have less quality wins than the Pats because they have none. They played only two teams with winning records (Giants and Steelers) and lost both games at home. Combine that with the fact that they have literally the worst defense in the NFL and this would appear to be the softest 13-3 team ever.
Ravens - The anti-Pats are the Ravens, who played 7 games against teams with winning records (thanks to their vastly superior division) and went 6-1 in those games. There's no doubt that the Ravens have been inconsistent this season, but more than any other team in the AFC, they've shown an ability to get up for big games.
Texans - It's really a bummer what has happened to the Texans with injuries. They lost both QB Matt Schaub and DE Mario Williams for the season and while the fact that they still are a good defense and their running game can keep them competitive, it's hard to see this team as any kind of real threat. With Schaub healthy earlier this year though, they really looked like they could play with anyone.
Broncos - We all know the story with Denver at this point. Tim Tebow got the starting the job, they reeled off six straight wins despite some historically poor play on his part and "Tebowmania" gripped the nation. Then, as quickly as it came, it went. The luck ran out, Tebow started turning the ball over & just didn't have the ability to make plays when needed. The Broncos have done an admirable job hiding his deficiencies (you know, throwing the ball) but it was always going to catch up with them. Here's some food for thought. Tebow completed just 47% of his passes this season. Only two QBs have ever been worse in a season. Akili Smith and our old pal Mike McMahon in the 2005 season where he filled in for Donovan McNabb.
But throwing the ball isn't the only thing Tim Tebow is bad at. As it turns out, he really can't run the ball either.
However, just because he runs more than any other quarterback doesn't mean he necessarily runs more effectively. In 117 carries, he fumbled six times, two more than any other quarterback. (Cam Newton also ran 117 times, and he didn't fumble on any of them.) Tebow had 29 carries on third or fourth down that failed to pick up a new set of downs. That's more than any other player in the league, including all running backs. And he only started 11 games!
Denver backed into the playoffs at 8-8 and now have drawn the Steelers.
Steelers - While you might think that Steelers should crush the Denver Tebows, they are not without their own issues. Rashard Mendenhall was lost for the year with an ACL last week. Ben Roethlisberger is beat up... However, Isaac Redman has proven to be a capable RB averaging 4.4 ypc this year and rushing for 93 yards in Mendenhall's place in week 17. It's hard to see them going into Denver and losing.
Bengals - Here's the problem with Cincy. The Schaub-less Texans aren't the worst draw in round one (although Houston did win in Cincy less than a month ago), but they're probably going to have to beat one of their AFC North rivals, Baltimore or Pittsburgh, to advance further. And in four tries this year, they've failed to do that. Plus, against good competition, Cincy has been pretty bad. They faced 7 playoff teams this year and lost every game. That accounts for all 7 of their losses. Unlike the Pats though, they did at least beat one team with a winning record, the 9-7 Titans.
Predictions
Wildcard Round
Steelers over Broncos
Texans over Bengals
Divisional Round
Steelers over Patriots
Ravens over Texans
Conference Championship
Ravens over Steelers
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Go Ravens
I’d like to see a Ravens-Saints SB.
Follow @PhillyFollower
Writer at Iggles Nest
#HireSpags
by PhiladelphiaEagles on Jan 4, 2012 3:17 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I have a hard time seeing the Saints winning on the road in Green Bay.. If the Pack get upset though, I think the Saints advance easy.
Dome teams, Saints included, are just so terrible outside in January.
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Flacco is not good
He simply is not a good quarterback. I guess if Rice is going to get 2 60+ yard TDs per game, Flacco only has to throw 1 TD pass to win with that defense. Maybe it is impossible to stop Ray Rice, but if a defense can contain him and force BAL to win with the pass, BAL is in trouble.
The views expressed by this comment belong to they who wrote them, heretofore referred to as "comment maker."
The views do not reflect the official views of the comment makers employer.
The views do not reflect the official views of the organization through which the Internet was accessed by the comment maker.
i like this guy
"Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that."-Bill Shankly
Got bad knees and a high motor? Well cmon on over to PHILLY, we'll do our best to put you in the right position and do a better job!
by theaction on Jan 4, 2012 6:13 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Call me crazy!?
I think Pittsburgh is ripe for the taking. I see Denver winning. Houston v. Cin. doesn’t interest me at all. I think Cin. pulls off the upset.
In the Divisional Rd. NE tops Den. & Balt crushes Cin.
NE v Balt title game!
I just can’t see Denver getting anything going against the Pitt D. It will be low scoring, but in the end Tebow vs Big Ben? That’s by far the biggest mismatch we’ll see this postseason.
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The AFC is really down this year
I had the steelers a sure lock to win this week but with no Mendenhall or Clark it will be closer I see 14-3 Steelers (Broncos cant score enough to win IMO). I see the Bengals beating the Texans fairly easily. (Game will be close in first half but Bengals end up with a win by at least a TD most likely more)
Then I think Pats over Bengals and Ravens over Steelers
AFC Title Game: Ravens over Pats
Super Bowl
I have the Ravens topping the Saints
by Mr.electric10 on Jan 4, 2012 3:30 PM EST up reply actions
Roethlisburger's Ankle Sprain
Dumervil and Miller get after the QB and I think that sprain could translate into some easy sacks. Once Ben starts forcing it, the interceptions start happening. And Redman has proven to be a fumble machine the past few games. If Tebow stays clean, this is a lot closer. He only has to get Prater to the 35 yard line.
The views expressed by this comment belong to they who wrote them, heretofore referred to as "comment maker."
The views do not reflect the official views of the comment makers employer.
The views do not reflect the official views of the organization through which the Internet was accessed by the comment maker.
Tebow Time is over.
The Curse of Lombardi
#TeamFireAndyReid
"Stats are for fantasy and losers. Winning is an attitude."
Tim Tebow is
Gay
A Virgin
Not Good
Not A Virgin
2 of the 4 are correct. Tebow is a playoff virgin and is not good.
Ben Roethlisberger is
a douchebag
a douchebag t-shirt (?)
gay
fat
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Donovan McNabb is
fat
done
gay
terrible
"The only game I play is football, and to me it's not a game."
-Jeremy Maclin
A kU fan once tried to test me. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice chianti.
#OccupyNovaCareCenter
by McNabb2Maclin4Philly on Jan 4, 2012 4:38 PM EST up reply actions
Troy Aikman is
overrated
dating
gay for Joe Buck
gay
"The only game I play is football, and to me it's not a game."
-Jeremy Maclin
A kU fan once tried to test me. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice chianti.
#OccupyNovaCareCenter
by McNabb2Maclin4Philly on Jan 4, 2012 4:46 PM EST up reply actions
Are you okay?
The Curse of Lombardi
#TeamFireAndyReid
"Stats are for fantasy and losers. Winning is an attitude."
Hims haz a drunkz
Astra Inclinant, Non Necessitant
by EagleGreeninMD on Jan 4, 2012 3:45 PM EST up reply actions
Here’s how I see it-
AFC Wildcard
Houston vs. Cincinnati- Houston
Pittsburgh vs. Denver- Pittsburgh
NFC Wildcard
Detroit vs. New Orleans – Detroit
Atlanta vs. Giants – Giants
AFC Divisional
Houston vs. Baltimore – Baltimore
Pittsburgh vs. New England – New England
NFC Divisional
Green Bay vs. Detroit – Green Bay
San Fransisco vs. Giants- Giants
AFCCG
Baltimore vs. New England- New England
NFCCG
Green Bay vs. Giants- Green Bay
Superbowl
Green Bay vs. New England- New England
Formerly known as The Pied Piper
I can’t see the Pats beating Baltimore or Pitt let alone both.
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pats dont have a win against a winning team this year
They could beat a banged up pittsburgh but thats it
I’d agree, but Steelers have some injuries.
Steelers may not even go to NE. If the Bengals win they would, and with Houston all banged up that’s a possibility. That would make things easier for NE, as they would not have to face both Pittsburgh and Baltimore.
I think that it is going to be Baltimore vs NE, with the Ravens winning it.
Go Eagles!
Yeah, the Lions D is so bad. That secondary is going to be destroyed by BRees.
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Saints D is pretty bad too and I think Detroit has better offensive weapons. Brees is the better Q, but Detroit has a more solid running game and receiving corp
by The Mad Hopper on Jan 4, 2012 4:56 PM EST up reply actions
Even with Ingram now on IR
NO’s run game pisses all over Detroit’s and Detroits secondary is ripe for Brees taking it apart. I’m not saying it wont be a shootout or it wont be close, but the odds are stacked in the Saints favour.
Yeah, I think out of all the possibilities the most likely is that the Packers and Saints wind up in the NFCCG.
Now, as for the AFC, that’s much more open… Pats defense is bad, Steelers are banged up and have looked unimpressive lately, so the Ravens would probably be my pick.
by licensetochill on Jan 4, 2012 4:25 PM EST up reply actions
If Tebus hoists the Lombardi, I may give up on football.
AR should have to wear a Flava Flav necklace until he learns how to manage a clock.
I am the proud target of temper tantrums.
I would buy his jersey if that happened.
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by PhiladelphiaEagles on Jan 4, 2012 5:24 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Dawkins would get a ring.
The Curse of Lombardi
#TeamFireAndyReid
"Stats are for fantasy and losers. Winning is an attitude."
You do have a point, but I’m just not sure that I could live in a world where Tebus is a Super Bowl winning QB.
AR should have to wear a Flava Flav necklace until he learns how to manage a clock.
I am the proud target of temper tantrums.
It’s not bad to see tebus win, it’s bad to see him get all the credit.
I like turtles.
by Bleediots on Jan 4, 2012 6:23 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Joe Flacco just doesn’t seem like a playoff quarterback to me; Baltimore’s offense will go as far as Rice can take them. That being said, I think they take down Pittsburgh in the AFC CG. New England’s lack of a defense will come back to haunt them eventually.
"The only game I play is football, and to me it's not a game."
-Jeremy Maclin
A kU fan once tried to test me. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice chianti.
#OccupyNovaCareCenter
by McNabb2Maclin4Philly on Jan 4, 2012 4:41 PM EST reply actions
Hou vs Cin – Cin (take the money line)
Pitt vs Den – Pitt (buy 2pts and go heavy on Pitt minus 6)
NO vs Det – NO( but take Det to cover the 10.5)
NYG vs Atl – NYG
Not going any further based on injuries can happen.
I put $200 on Pitt minus 6. Been on an absolute tear lately.
At least one more year of Andy and Juan. If they don't win it all they both better be gone!
I’m thinking a niners ravens superbowl.
"Get 'Em"
PSN Username: FlyEagles15....MW3!!!!
by FlyEagles15 on Jan 4, 2012 4:43 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Here’s my problem with the Niners. For one, Alex Smith. Good luck with that in the playoffs.
But when you look at their biggest strength, what is it? Stopping the run.
Now look around the NFC. Of the Giants, Packers, Saints, or Lions… which needs to run the ball to win? None. Atlanta does, but that’s about it.
And if they face New Orleans next week, they don’t have that cold weather vs dome team advantage.
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Yeah can't really argue that
My dad is a niners fan and it’s the only team I can justify rooting for. So… I shall root
"Get 'Em"
PSN Username: FlyEagles15....MW3!!!!
My prediction
AFC Wildcard
Houston vs. Cincinnati- Houston
Pittsburgh vs. Denver- Pittsburgh
NFC Wildcard
Detroit vs. New Orleans – New Orleans
Atlanta vs. Giants – Giants
AFC Divisional
Houston vs. Baltimore – Baltimore
Pittsburgh vs. New England – New England
NFC Divisional
Green Bay vs. New York– New York
San Fransisco vs. New Orleans- New Orleans
AFCCG
Baltimore vs. New England- Baltimore
NFCCG
New Orleans vs. New York- New Orleans
Superbowl
New Orleans vs. Baltimore- New Orleans
With Pittsburgh’s injuries I could even see them losing to Denver. Either way I think the AFC title game will remain the same.
although I do hope NE keeps up their streak of losing in postseason
I cant see them losing to any of the wildcard teams with Pittsburgh banged up
plain and simple
Who the hell is stopping the Saints offense?!?
"Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that."-Bill Shankly
Got bad knees and a high motor? Well cmon on over to PHILLY, we'll do our best to put you in the right position and do a better job!
by theaction on Jan 4, 2012 6:16 PM EST via mobile reply actions
13-3 eagles eam in 04 only played 2 winnig teams too :(
and lost to Pitt
JoeD AKA The Voice Of Reason
Bengals over Texans
I feel like the Texans are less cohesive right now than earlier in the season. Bengals aren’t great, but good enough.
Steelers over Broncos, for sure.
WILD CARD:
AFC:
Texans over Bengals (either way both teams lose next round, but texans will control the game)
Steelers over Denver (Tebow plays terrible, steelers still only score 16-20)
NFC:
Falcons over Giants (Even though its a road game, the giants only wins in the last strecth of the season were the jets, and cowboys twice, not impressive.)
Saints over Lions (shootout, but much like the lions packers games, lions cant keep up)
DIVISONAL ROUND:
AFC:
Baltimore over Texans (Road game for texas and they cant score, but there is upset probabilty)
Pats over Steelers (really without mendenhall, i dont see them scoring over 17)
NFC:
Packers Over falcons (Last year all over again)
49ers over Saints (Saints are medicore on the road, and 49ers are very good at home))
CONFERENCE GAME
AFC:
Pats over Ravens (Ravens leave their stadium and i think Joe Flacco will put up a clunker)
NFC:
Packers over 49ers (the only way 49ers win is if the packers play the same as they did against the chiefs)
SUPER BOWL:
PACKERS OVER PATS ( i reallllly want this game to happen, and i think it will, uh, shoot out, but it will be more conservative than people think, high 20s-low30s, not 30s-40s (scorewise))
I hear you got quarterback problems i feel bad for you son...
i got 99 problems but vince aint one
by XxActionJacksonxX on Jan 4, 2012 10:36 PM EST reply actions
Go Ravens
Hopefully my 2nd fave team can pull it through. The Pats won’t win against anyone their D is terrible. They could beat the Ravens though because Flacco has limited receiving options.
I Miss BDAWK
Andy Reid should stay one more year
Shady McCoy is Dirty
My thoughts
AFC
Texans over Bengals
Steelers over Broncos
Steelers over Patriots
Ravens over Texans
Ravens over Steelers
NFC
Saints over Lions
Falcons over Giants
Packers over Falcons
Saints over Niners
Saints over Packers
SUPER BOWL
Saints over Ravens
I like how the post was about the AFC and we all throw in our predictions about both conferences.. that said, I don’t really want anyone in particular to win the ‘ship. It feels like I’m forced to root for the team I dislike least; either the Saints or Lions.
Maybe I’ll just sit back and try to enjoy the games not really caring who wins?
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