Eyes On NFL: Wild Card Round

By @TrueGodImmortal

The time has arrived. The NFL playoffs have begun. This weekend will see the start of the playoffs and the road to the Super Bowl begin. Of course, there are four games this weekend that will determine what the second round of the playoffs will be. Which teams will advance to face the Eagles, the Vikings, the Patriots, and Steelers? Let's take a look at the wild card round.

*Kansas City Chiefs vs Tennessee Titans 

-I have no desire to really watch this game. I'll be honest. The Chiefs and the Titans are two teams I didn't want to see in the playoffs. The Chiefs haven't been at their best since the first few weeks of the season and the Titans aren't a true threat. Marcus Mariota is a solid quarterback, but the biggest question mark about the Titans going forward is their defense. Can they stop Kareem Hunt, Alex Smith, and their receiving core? That will be the true question that decides this game. The Chiefs have played better than I expected the last few weeks, but that's mostly due to the level of competition. Their schedule allowed them to make it this far, but I think their luck doesn't run out just yet. The Titans will put up a fight, but the Chiefs will have more answers for them. I predict the Chiefs will walk away with the victory here.

Winner: Chiefs

*Atlanta Falcons vs Los Angeles Rams 

-I see a lot of people saying this game will be won by the Falcons. I'm not so sure. I think the fight within the Falcons will help them get an edge early in the game, but I don't think they have enough  to sustain Todd Gurley, who could be the difference maker in the game. The Falcons seem to be a bit banged up and that could be a difference maker in this game. The Rams have that great offense and with Jared Goff, Gurley, and all of the receivers playing, it might be tougher for the Falcons to slow them down. The fact remains however that the Falcons do have more playoff experience, but this is one and done. If the Rams come out firing, this game will be their victory and I predict they will win a close one.

Winner: Rams

*Buffalo Bills vs Jacksonville  Jaguars 

-I don't have high hopes for this one at all. This game might be ugly. I never expected to see the Buffalo Bills in the playoffs and I sincerely hope they don't win this game. Their defense has been surprisingly good against lesser offensive foes, but the Jaguars run game will be a big issue for them to stop. Blake Bortles has flashes of brilliance along with his usual mediocre play, but I can't determine what type of performance he will give us in this game. However, Tyrod Taylor has a lot to prove in this game after the benching debacle earlier in the season, and with the chance of Shady missing this game, it could really get ugly for the Bills. Still, I think this game will end up being a solid one with the Jaguars winning by 10 points. The Jaguars defense will need to step up and make things happen in order for Jacksonville to advance.

Winner: Jaguars

*Carolina Panthers vs New Orleans Saints 

-This is the most interesting game of the weekend. Two NFC South rivals with two important quarterbacks will do battle. The difference maker in this will be defense. All signs would point to the Saints being able to slow down the Panthers, who have struggled a bit, but the Saints are by default the NFC South Champions. Their run game is deadly, their passing game can be deadly if Drew Brees is focused, and they have an improved defense after the early problems they experienced. The question is, do they have what it takes to beat the Panthers? This is going to be a tougher battle than I believe most expect and for some reason, I can see Cam Newton having one of his best games this season and leading the Carolina offense down the field throughout. I think this could go either way, but I do believe that we'll see the Panthers pull off what has to be considered an upset.

Winner: Panthers

-True

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Eyes on the Ring 11:55 PM  No comment

Eyes On NFL: Week 17 Games To Watch

By @TrueGodImmortal

This is it. After everything that's transpired in the NFL season so far, from the kneeling controversy  (funny how that went away quickly) to the numerous injuries, it all comes to an end for a majority of teams. With the playoffs lurking and so close, I wanted to take a look at the games that matter this week. Most of the playoff spots have been solidified and the divisions have been decided, except one. The AFC West, South, East, and North have all been won. The NFC West, East, and North have all been won. The only division that hasn't been decided? The NFC South, the most competitive division this year. This week will decide that division, as well as a few of the final playoff spots. So, what games should you be tuned into? Let's take a look.

*Jacksonville Jaguars vs Tennessee Titans 

-This game is important for one reason: if the Jaguars win, the Titans don't make the playoffs. The Jaguars want to keep their momentum up for the playoffs, so they likely want to play their starters to make sure they are a bit rusty for the Wild Card, but the facts are, the Jaguars are having a bigger year than any of us expected. The Jaguars want to bounce back due to that 49ers loss, and they definitely seem like they have a focus heading into this week. Their defense will be interesting to watch against Marcus Mariota, who has an opportunity to make the playoffs after coming so close last year. Who wins? My money is on the Jaguars here.

*Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins 

-The Bills are in the playoff picture and could end up in their with a win over the Dolphins, a Chargers' loss, and a loss by the Titans. As crazy as that sounds, I actually expect them to get the win here and possibly make the playoffs. However, if karma is dictating the fate of this team, they will NOT walk away with any victory due to the one game where they benched Tyrod Taylor for no reason essentially. Still, in this game? I predict the Bills pull it off. Whether or not they make the playoffs is another story.

*Arizona Cardinals vs Seattle Seahawks 

-The final NFC playoff spot is up for grabs and it is literally two teams vying for it. The Seahawks should have an advantage going into this one, as the Cardinals haven't looked great all season, and with their playoff hopes on the line, it seems as if the Seahawks have continued to rise to the occasion. While it is strange not seeing them already clinched for a playoff berth, I will say that the Seahawks are still in a good position, and if Russell Wilson has anything to say about it, the Seahawks will win this game and move on to what's next, which is hopefully a playoff berth for them.

*Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons 

-The most important game of the week. For the Panthers, a win could mean they take their division. For the Falcons, a win could mean they are in the playoffs. For both teams, a lot is at stake. The Panthers, who have struggled at times with the Falcons, might want to take this game even more seriously than before, as a possible Falcons playoff berth could signal an issue for the Panthers in the postseason. Still, I feel like the Falcons will pull this off, as they seem hungry, but the biggest question mark will be whether or not the Falcons will have Julio Jones at full strength as he missed practice once. If Julio is healthy, the Falcons should see a victory. If the Panthers have any luck, Julio won't be effective and they can coast to a win. My money however is on the Falcons.

*New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

-This game only matters because it will likely decide the fate of the NFC South. Will the Saints get it together and make something happen? Will they be able to hold off the disgruntled Bucs who have to be disappointed in their season? I think they might. However, with the Saints comfortably in a playoff spot, they might not play as tough, while the Bucs want to leave their lasting impression for the season with a statement win, so it is entirely possible we see the Bucs sneak away with a victory in this game. For me, I think the Saints pull it off, but I'm not 100% sold on that. Still, this last week should be fun for football. I'll be tuned in, as should you.

-True 

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Eyes on the Ring 11:33 PM  No comment

Eyes On NFL: The 5 Best NFC Teams

By @TrueGodImmortal

This year, the NFC is once again the most exciting conference in the NFL. There are some intriguing teams staking their claim in the conference and a few surprises. Injuries and lack of chemistry have completely ruined the New York Giants, and of course Aaron Rodgers going down has seemed to stifle the chances of the Packers, but the biggest surprise this year is the success of the LA Rams and the Philadelphia Eagles. With that being said, what teams make the top 5 in the NFC currently? Let's take a look.

5. New Orleans Saints
(6-2)

-I really didn't want to include the Saints, but it's almost impossible not to now. Their defense hasn't been the greatest, but it's improved since the dismal start of the season. With these improvements, the Saints and their solid offense have experienced some success, which comes as a surprise honestly. They sit atop the NFC South and though I believe they could lose that spot soon to the Carolina Panthers, they manage to crack the top 5 just because of their current 6-2 record. Drew Brees is showing signs of slowing down immensely however and that can't bode well for the postseason hopes of the Saints.

4. Seattle Seahawks
(5-3)

-The Seahawks are really just here because they're the Hawks. That's it. There is nothing about this team that seems impressive yet, much like the Saints, but I think they have some momentum on their side. They would have been in the third spot, but the lackluster defense that led the Redskins to score in the final two minutes over them helped them slide down the rankings one spot. Russell Wilson is playing well, but his offensive line needs some improvement and their secondary can have mental lapses sometimes. All in all, they're still a good team and a top NFC team and I expect them to continue to compete in the postseason after making the wild card spot (Rams will win the division).

3. Dallas Cowboys
(5-3)

-With Dallas looking lesser than they did last year, it is slightly shocking to see them start to figure it out, as they seem more comfortable than ever after a big win over the Chiefs. After that victory, the Cowboys have set themselves higher than the Saints and the Seahawks as they look more offensively and defensively sound. They have a ways to go to catch up to the Eagles this season, but the biggest benefit is the halting of the suspension of Ezekiel Elliott. Dak Prescott looks solid this year, but Zeke still being on the field helps their offense immensely. Will the Cowboys show out in the 2nd half of the season? That remains to be seen, but they are very well on their way. 

2. Los Angeles Rams
(6-2)

-What a surprise. The Rams are the top team in the NFC West and seem to be on their way to a possible playoff berth. While that could always change in the 2nd half of the season, right now, they show no signs of letting up. With youth on their side, and a hungry offense, the Rams are a tough team to compete against. With Jared Goff looking better and Todd Gurley looking like a star, the Rams could win their division and compete heavily during the postseason and that's a bit shocking, but extremely promising. I hope the Rams continue to have success.

1. Philadelphia Eagles
(8-1)

-Carson Wentz is the current MVP front runner. How does this happen? Well it's simple. He's become more poised as a quarterback, more accurate and his confidence is through the roof. Alshon Jeffery, Zach Ertz, and more make for a solid receiving core, while the addition of Jay Ajayi seems to be a positive for this team. After their dominant win over the Broncos, the Eagles are not only the best team in the NFC, but the entire NFL right now. Come playoff time, we'll see how the Eagles fare, but for right now, they are the kings of the NFC and don't show signs of slowing down.

-True 

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Eyes on the Ring 1:00 AM  13 comments