NFC Divisional Round: Let's Roar Shall We!"

Another NFC wild card weekend has concluded as we move into the 
divisional round of the postseason. If your team is still in the bracket, 
congratulations. Allow me to preview our two great matchups for this 
coming weekend. Buckle up, this will be worth your time! 

1 Detroit Lions vs 6 Washington Commanders 

"Biting kneecaps" is the mantra for Detroit; as head coach Dan 
Campbell and his Lions will be in roaring form. A much needed first 
round bye for players to get healthy on both sides. Detroit has one of 
the best offenses in pro football and it's easy to see how and why. 
Quarterback Jared Goff has been pretty good behind a great offensive 
line. Running backs David Montgomery and Jhamyr Gibbs, better 
known as "Sonic and Knuckles," give this team a 1-2 punch. 
This high potent offense can score at will and with an arsenal of 
receivers in Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and tight end Sam 
LaPorta, you better prepare for a track meet. Speed, power and no 
mercy with play calling. Campbell will go for it on fourth down and live 
with the results. That's expected if you've watched any Lions games the 
last couple years. But... This Lions defense can play on their terms. 
Comb the mane and run for dear life in snatching down opposing 
offenses. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has done more than 
enough to keep this unit on pace. If all the Lions are healthy to play,
best believe they'll be ready for some much "kneecaps."

Washington Commanders have been the story of 2024. Led by rookie 
quarterback Jayden Daniels, this team has arrived a year early. A 
franchise which needed a culture change and relevance is what fans 
needed. Head coach Dan Quinn has implemented his stamp on the 

team and players have bought in. When your rookie quarterback is
clutch early on, there's likelihood he's going to be leaving it on the field.
Solid run game from Brian Robinson Jr as he's been serviceable for
Washington. Offensive line has been okay, but will have their hands full
with Detroit's front four. Terry McLurin is one of the league's underrated
wide receiver's and veteran tight end Zach Ertz's leadership will give the
Commanders enough to stay afloat.
Defensively, it's the bend but don't break mentality as Washington can
keep it close without getting out of reach. They'll need all hands on deck
with their rotational guys hydrated much as possible against Detroit's
fast paced offense. If it's a one score game and Daniels can orchestrate
an upset, nothing would shock me to say the least. I've seen what this
young man can do and knowing my beloved Dallas Cowboys will have
to deal with him for a decade plus, it's scary hours. Daniels shows no
flinch or fear, poised while making the right plays with his arm and legs.

2 Philadelphia Eagles vs 4 Los Angeles Rams

A stacked roster and elite defense in Philadelphia can scare opponents.
What if I told you head coach Nick Sirianni's seat is hotter than a
summer day in July if they were to lose this game? For the Eagles, it's
always some type of melodramatic story; rather its quarterback Jalen
Hurts and wide receiver AJ Brown's "disconnect," you gotta have
something to bring everyone on board. Yes, this team has shown a lot of
highs and many lows; but they're good enough to compete.
Reason being: running back Saquon Barkley has been the missing
piece and boy did he ever show his greatness. Eclipsing 2,005 yards
and missing out on breaking hall of famer Erick Dickerson's record.
Bigger picture: postseason matters more than a record. Having the
opportunity to play for a Super Bowl would mean more than breaking a
record. With a great offensive line and arsenal of players, Jalen Hurts

looks good to go after missing the last couple games in concussion
protocol.
For this defense, credit Vic Fangio for fixing a broken unit. Losing future
first ballot hall of famer Brandon Graham middle of the season, this unit
has been the best in pro football. Rookie cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell
and Cooper DeJean can find interceptions. The loss of linebacker
Nakobe Dean is huge as Philly will look to their secondary in making big
plays.

Los Angeles Rams, the one team everyone counted out early when
injuries hit every single player on the field. A slow start and strides in
finishing ahead of San Francisco. Head coach Sean McVay has done a
lot with starters out, second and third string players inserted in place.
Midway through, the Rams got healthy and bulldozed their way to the
playoffs.
Veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford has been good enough to win
games. With a strong offensive line, you can count on this team to strike
at any given moment. Running back Kyren Williams has been the
speedster who can flip the field. Wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka
Nacua plus tight end Tyler Higbee can deliver big plays for Stafford.
This defense... Sheesh, did any of you see it dominate the wild card
game versus Minnesota? Nine sacks... Yes, nine sacks in a playoff
game against the Vikings offensive line. Do I expect the Rams to
replicate that many against Philly? Possibly, maybe if they force Hurts
into uncomfortable situations in holding on to the football. For the Rams,
it's playing with heavy hearts as the city of Los Angeles is battling
wildfires.
All of these questions and more will be answered this coming weekend.
Be sure to checkout my AFC Divisional Round preview article as well on
The Gryd webpage!
Stai tuned.