"The NFC Playoffs Will Roar Through Detroit!"

A crazy, tense and khaotik NFL season has concluded and... All the bad 
clock management issues with coaches, screams and shouts. The NFL 
postseason has arrived folks as each conference bracket is set. Too 
many scenarios were in play, but I'm not going to attempt breaking it 
down. Let's dive into the NFC as Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions 
secure home field advantage with a 15-2 regular season record. Buckle 
up, here we go.

1 Detroit Lions- Home field advantage and first round bye. 

One of the best records in franchise history as Detroit wins the NFC 
North Division. A 15-2 record with losses to Tampa Bay and Buffalo, the 
Lions roared their way through every game biting "kneecaps." This is 
new territory for Detroit as success has came within a four year rebuild. 
A first round bye was needed to have their guys ready for a deep playoff 
run. Injuries across the board, Detroit didn't flinch; they kept biting and 
clawing with no remorse. Great play calling, but gambling on fourth 
down is who this team is. No challenge is too great for Dan Campbell.
We shall see who their divisional round opponent is in a week.

2 Philadelphia Eagles vs 7 Green Bay Packers

The Eagles will begin their quest for another Super Bowl run in three
years. With pretty much the same roster, Philadelphia has the hottest
seat with head coach Nick Sirianni. Turmoil turned bad press early on,
but star running back Saquon Barkley eclipsing 2,005 yards but an
organizational decision to sit Barkley in the final game. Avoiding risk of
injury and dismissing breaking Eric Dickerson's record. Quarterback
Jalen Hurts should be cleared from concussion protocol this coming
week.

An Eagles defense which can make plays and keep you out of the end
zone. Credit to Vic Fangio for turning around this unit and being a top
seven defense. With an arsenal of talent surrounding Hurts and Barkley
rested, Philadelphia should be in control of this wildcard matchup.

For Green Bay, finishes third place in the NFC North and back to back
playoff appearances with a 11-6 record. Quarterback Jordan Love's
health is a concern leading into this game. Along wide receiver Christian
Watson having an injury during their regular season finale in Chicago.
Running back Josh Jacobs has been really good and can bruise any
defenses. With injuries and the status of Love, Green Bay will have to
play their best football and shred another upset like they did in 2023 wild
card game versus Dallas.

3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs 6 Washington Commanders

With all the noise and hype surrounding their division rival Atlanta
Falcons, Tampa Bay stayed the course and guided themselves into the
postseason. Quarterback Baker Mayfield having a great season despite
being snubbed for the Pro Bowl, it's going to make great storylines. A
team who cracked early on, yet win 10 games after those early season
losses to Atlanta. Wide receiver Mike Evans having his eleventh straight
season of 1,000 yards and being reliable during his Bucs tenure. Solid
run game but this team will need to play hard nosed defense and
Mayfield be at this best to lead the way. Defensively, banged up but
didn't break often. Going up against Washington's offense is going to be
make or miss.
Washington returns to the postseason since 2020 led by rookie
quarterback Jayden Daniels. A team who started hot and hit a bad
stretch of football found their stride to give themselves a chance.
Running back Brian Robinson Jr who can flip the field and create some
bruising. Wide receiver Terry MacLurin is an under the radar solid

number one and tight end Zach Ertz with playoff experience will have
the Commanders ready to roll. Defensively, they can bend, but don't
break. The matchup I'm most looking forward is Bucs offensive line
versus Commanders defensive line. Daniels has developed the clutch
gene early in his young career and can move with his legs. Coaching
matters and we'll see which man will push the right buttons to get their
team a win.

4 Los Angeles Rams vs 5 Minnesota Vikings

The hottest team in football Los Angeles Rams make back to back
playoff appearances. A slow start filled with injuries and hype
surrounding their divisional rival San Francisco. Head coach Sean
McVay has worked wonders with aging quarterback Matthew Stafford
with the emergence of second year wide receiver Puka Nacua regaining
form. Look for the Rams to strike early and often; along with their
defense keeping afloat against potent offenses. Four seasons removed
from their Super Bowl run, Los Angeles will flex their championship
pedigree.

Minnesota Vikings made history becoming the first fourteen win team to
the playoffs as a wild card team. Yes, fourteen wins and the five seed
starting their Super Bowl hopes. Quarterback Sam Darnold has been
the biggest surprise as he's led Minnesota back to dominance. A career
year and being a hot topic as to rather the Vikings should re-sign him is
all but a yes. Running back Aaron Jones was the biggest free agent
signing and still a force in Minnesota's offense.

Wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Mattison will have to catch
passes thrown their way; along with tight end TJ Hockenson. The story
may be an high potent offense, but we have to show love to this Vikings
defense. Brian Flores' unit has been one of the top defenses of 2024.

Led by veterans Harrison Smith and Stephon Gilmore, a stout and
stingy front four who can get home to the quarterbacks. Rookie
defensive end Dallas Turner has been one of the biggest steals and a
foundational player moving forward. This rematch from earlier in the
regular season will come down to quarterback play. Can Darnold avoid
seeing "ghosts" in his first playoff start and upset the Rams?

With the wildfires in California, this game may be played in Arizona. The
league is monitoring this closely and player safety is a priority. From
everyone here at The Gryd Network, we hope and pray all is following
evacuation protocols.

Stai tuned for the AFC Playoff Preview article as well!