NFC Playoff Khaos Is Here!

And…here we are ladies and gentlemen! It’s a new year and the 2023 NFL Season has concluded as the NFC playoff picture is set. San Francisco 49ers will have homefield advantage and the first round bye to start the Super Bowl run to Las Vegas, Nevada. The field is wide open as it’s ever been in a crammed NFC. 

(1) San Francisco 49ers

The perfect roster in San Francisco will have home field advantage; along with a bye before starting their quest to Las Vegas. Winning the NFC West in back to back seasons, plus securing the top seed will pay dividends for the Niners. Led by MVP Candidates Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffery, rest and rejuvenation will aid the Niners in what’s going to be a tough road ahead. Getting the adversity off their backs earlier in the season will propel them beyond the divisional round. If getting healthy players helps and not missing a beat, San Francisco will find themselves hosting the NFC title game later this month. 

(2) Dallas vs (7) Green Bay

In what’s been a season of highs, some lows, and head scratching clock management; Dallas rides into the postseason with their third straight 12 win season under Mike McCarthy. Their second NFC East division title in three seasons; all odds against them and still secure the number two seed in the NFC. Led by Dak Prescott, who saw his stock rise in a five game stretch had a bounce back 2023. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb emerged as one of the best receivers in football to help propel the Cowboys offense. Defensively, it falls on the shoulders of Micah Parsons. More talk on his podcast versus impacting the game to help the Cowboys win. If Dallas has any remote chance in getting to the NFC title game, it starts with Micah Parsons’ play. With no run game to complement a high octane offense, Dak will have to play flawlessly to give Dallas any chance in getting past the second round. Depending on matchups, the odds will be even higher. 

Green Bay in their first season post Aaron Rodgers has been successful under first year starter Jordan Love. Jordan has commanded the locker room with his poise, leadership and play down the stretch. Credit to head coach Matt LaFleur for building Jordan’s confidence and simplifying the playbook. A solid offensive line, playmakers and decent defense, Green Bay won’t be an easy out for Dallas. Considering the playoff history between both teams, it could be a hard fought finish. Dallas went 8-0 at home in 2023. Can Jordan Love overcome the jitters of his first playoff game in Jerry World? Will Dallas advance to the divisional round for another home game? We shall see…  

(3) Detroit vs (6) Los Angeles Rams

Let the biting of kneecaps begin for Detroit as they won the NFC North Division for the first time in over three decades. Hosting a home playoff game since Barry Sanders last played in Motown. A high potent offense led by quarterback Jared Goff, look for Detroit to run up the scoreboard and keep it out of reach. Defensively, the Lions are strong against the run and horrendous in pass defense. With playoff jitters for everyone, expect the Lions to start the kneecap biting early. 

Two years removed from their second Super Bowl title, the Los Angeles Rams have revamped and back in the playoffs. The hottest team in late November through December will be a test as former franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford comes home and is looking to get a win against Detroit. Rams running back Kyren Williams and wide receiver Puku Nacua who’s a candidate for offensive rookie of the year will look to continue his dominance against a bad Lions secondary. Veteran defensive tackle Aaron Donald is still a wrecking ball to contain for Detroit’s offensive line. Look for this game to be rather close as both teams’ offenses will light up the scoreboard. Will the kneecaps get bitten, or Rams get out of Motown with a close win?

(4) Tampa Bay vs (5) Philadelphia

If you’d told me Tampa Bay would make the playoffs post Tom Brady, I’d take the bet in saying yes. Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield looked like a guy defeated after being traded from Cleveland to Carolina, Los Angeles Rams before signing with Tampa on a prove it deal. Considering the low expectations, he’s played well and has the Bucs in the postseason in three straight seasons. Wide receiver Mike Evans continues to show why he’s still top ten at his position posting his tenth consecutive season of 1,000 receiving yards. This defense is still solid led by Devin White; a stingy Bucs defense will keep them in the game. Long as Baker doesn’t get too cute, they can sail beyond the first round. 

As for Philadelphia… Start 10-1 and finish the season 1-5 as they prepare to fly into Tampa with more questions than answers. Commitment and identity crisis would sum up the 2023 Eagles season. Late season injuries to DeVonta Smith, AJ Brown, and Jalen Hurts; along with all the turmoil surrounding high expectations. When they were winning close games, “Super Bowl” was bound every week. Getting exposed by San Francisco really got the best of Philly. There are more internal issues with coaching, player personnel, a lot of blame to go around but not enough time to fix their “issues” will cost them to be one and done in Tampa. The fanboy head coach in Nick Sirianni, offensive coordinator Brian Johnson, defensive coordinator Sean Desai and defensive advisor/coordinator Matt Patricia all must answer to GM Howie Roseman as to why this team failed to replicate success in 2023. 

Look for the NFC wild card round to start with a bang for the buck! Be sure to check out the AFC playoff preview as well. Good luck and hope for the best!

Stai tuned…