Eyes On NFL: Divisional Round Playoffs

By @TrueGodImmortal

This is unusually early for this article, but it is appropriate. With the playoffs winding down and the divisional round about to kick off very soon, it's only fair we take a look at the games that will shape the AFC and NFC Championship Games. Who will walk out as a winner this week in the second round of the playoffs? Let's take a look.

*Atlanta Falcons vs Philadelphia Eagles

-I don't know what to really make of this game. Going forward, it's honestly interesting to see that the Falcons might be able to secure their ticket to the NFC Championship once again, and guess what? They might be the favorites considering the fact that the Eagles don't have Carson Wentz at QB, but for some reason.... after seeing the performance by the Falcons against the young Rams team, I'm not 100% convinced that the Falcons are going to walk into Philly and defeat the Eagles. The Eagles have a solid run game and a solid core of receivers and honestly, if Foles can play it sort of safe here and get the right throws and scores..... the Eagles could pull this off. While the smart money says the Falcons will win..... for me, I would like to think the Eagles have been well rested, fired up, and are ready to pull off a big time victory that would be the first time in history that a first seed upset a sixth seed.... at home. Atlanta fans, I know you want to get back to the Super Bowl....but I think the Falcons will take the Eagles lightly and that will be their downfall.

Winner: Eagles

*New England Patriots vs Tennessee Titans 

-I wish the Titans were better than this. I really do. Their coaching is suspect. Their defense isn't the greatest and we watched them make a comeback on a Chiefs team that is known for choking. Let's be clear: that was a fluke victory over the Chiefs, but the Patriots will not allow the same thing. If the Patriots have a 21-3 lead going into the half, you can bet the game is pretty much over. Tom Brady is precise in the playoffs and you'd be silly to beat against him..... HOWEVER, if we can get a top tier Marcus Mariota performance and Derrick Henry can run his ass off..... there might be something to this. The Titans for the upset? Unlikely, but if it does happen.... social media would crumble. Social media would fall.

Winner: Patriots

*New Orleans Saints vs Minnesota Vikings

-This is the most intriguing of the two NFC games. The Vikings have a wonderful defense, and their offense is just good enough to make something happen for them and led them to the NFC North title and a top 2 seed in the Conference. The Saints have a great offense, but after watching the refs help them secure the game against the Panthers, it's obvious that they could possibly be vulnerable going into this game and the Vikings could take advantage of this. Drew Brees had a vintage game against the Panthers, but the Vikings are a better team here. Many people are expecting to see a Falcons vs Saints NFC Title game.... but I don't see it. I expect to see the Falcons and the Saints lose for some reason, and we get the NFC Title game that no one expected: Nick Foles vs Case Keenum.

Winner: Vikings

*Pittsburgh Steelers vs Jacksonville Jaguars 

-I want to go ahead and say the AFC Title Game will be the Titans vs Jaguars and honestly.... if the NFL didn't have the sketchy referees that they have.... I would definitely see this being the case. The truth is however, the Steelers are out for blood and that's obvious. Antonio Brown will be back. The Steelers will mostly be healthy this game and their offense is deadly. We are on a collision course for these two teams and those teams are the Patriots and the Steelers. I think the Steelers are on a mission and although I wouldn't mind seeing the Jaguars win... I think this is the Steelers' year to win the AFC.... Steelers will find a way to win.

Winner: Steelers

-True

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Eyes on the Ring 11:53 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: Week 16 Games To Watch

By @TrueGodImmortal

With the NFL regular season season almost at the end, the playoff picture is almost set. The only thing that hasn't been set officially are the first round byes (aside from the Eagles) and some of the seeding. For now, a number of the teams are all set and the rest of the games this season are mostly pointless, but there are a few that have some significance. Which games are those? Let's take a look.

*Los Angeles Rams vs Tennessee Titans

-This game matters for two reasons. The Rams can lock up the NFC West with a win and be one step closer to a possible first round bye if everything goes the way it needs to for them. I'm sure they'll settle just for the NFC West title, but they face a Titans team that is struggling to make it into the playoffs. The thing about this game is that while the Rams are hungry and ready for more wins, the Titans are just as hungry for the playoffs. It all depends on how Mariota and the rest of the boys play, but if I had to bet my money on one of these teams, I would side with the Rams. The more momentum they continue to build, the better. Plus, who can stop Todd Gurley? Not this Titans defense. 

*New England Patriots vs Buffalo Bills 

-This game has little significance to the Patriots. They are the no. 1 seed in the AFC as expected, and have locked up yet another division title. By now, this is a cakewalk for them. However, they have been very lucky this season for a number of their wins and hungry teams have pushed them to the limits. With the Bills so close to locking up a playoff spot, they will come out and give it all they have to try and get a win. Can the Bills pull it off? I think it's very possible that they can, but the Patriots seem to be in rhythm for the postseason and I have to go with Brady to pull it off. However, you can't count the Bills out entirely.

*Atlanta Falcons vs New Orleans Saints 

-This is the most important game on the entire schedule this week. With the Falcons and Saints both vying for the NFC South crown with the Panthers also in the hunt, this game could be a determining factor in the division and in the playoffs. A win for the Saints puts them in prime position, while a win for the Falcons keeps their hopes alive for a playoff berth. The fact three of the NFC South teams could make the playoffs is crazy, but nothing is promised. I think the Saints will end up winning this game, putting the Falcons in jeopardy for the playoffs, and the only reason why I see the Saints winning is because of their Ingram and Kamara tandem, alongside the fact that the Falcons have barely escaped with victories the last few weeks mostly. So with that, I'm going with the Saints.

*Seattle Seahawks vs Dallas Cowboys 

-Ezekiel Elliott is back. The Cowboys are barely in the playoff hunt. The Seahawks need a win. The Cowboys need a win. Both teams want to keep their playoff hopes alive, but the Seahawks are admittedly banged up and rely too much on Russell Wilson to make it happen for them. Still, I think Zeke will likely be a tad off in this game, which may shock some. I think you're due to see the Seahawks step up big time and Russ will have an amazing game, exposing the Cowboys and their secondary. The game will be close, but I think the Seahawks keep their playoff hopes alive, and kill the Cowboys hopes of the playoffs with a big victory.

*Pittsburgh Steelers vs Houston Texans 

-Why does this game matter? Two reasons. One, the Steelers won't have Antonio Brown and they probably need this win more than anyone this week because of this. The first round bye would come in handy for them in the event they can secure it. However, with Joe Haden returning for the Steelers, as well as the offensive strength that they have, this should end in a victory for the Steelers. A win here should lock up the first round bye and of course, they'll lock up the AFC North. The Texans are playing for nothing really, so I think this game ends with a victory for the Steelers. The season officially ends next week, so it'll be interesting to see how things shape up this week for Week 17.

-True 

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Eyes on the Ring 11:42 PM  No comment

Eyes On NFL: The 5 Best Teams In The AFC

By @TrueGodImmortal

The AFC isn't as competitive now as we hoped, but one thing is clear, their playoff picture is starting to shape up pretty clearly. With that being said, I wanted to take a look at the top 5 teams on the AFC now, as we head into week 12 of the NFL. Who ranks at no. 1? The Steelers or The Patriots? Let's take a look.

5. Tennessee Titans
(6-4)

-As of this writing, the Titans hold a wild card spot. They might actually pull it off this season and make the playoffs, but they aren't a serious threat or contender. Marcus Mariota hasn't been very consistent, and their run game hasn't been very consistent either, but they are in position for a playoff spot and that is what earns them a spot on this list. Whether or not the Titans can close out the season well remains to be seen, but I wouldn't bet on them to win the division or even make any noise as we near playoff time. Hopefully I'm wrong, but I doubt it.

4. Kansas City Chiefs
(6-4)

-The Chiefs don't even deserve to be on this list after what I witnessed this weekend, but I'll let it slide I guess. They still lead the AFC West, but I have little faith in them. Alex Smith looks like Alex Smith again and Kareem Hunt has began to slow down some. The thing about the Chiefs is that they are like the rest of the AFC, inconsistent. They had a great offense at first and managed to get some big victories starting out, but now they look more pedestrian than ever. Will the Chiefs be a threat into the postseason? I doubt it, but due to the rest of the division not being very good at the moment, it is a possibility that they win the AFC West with ease unless a big turnaround by the Raiders and Chargers happens to go along with an even bigger Chiefs collapse. For now, they are here at no. 4.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars
(7-3)

-Honestly, I don't know how the Jaguars are 7-3, but they seem focused and confidence is the thing that will carry them into the playoffs. Their defense is making them reminiscent of the Broncos from two years ago, and Leonard Fournette is a solid runner that could do damage to the AFC defenses when the playoffs begin. The Jaguars have an issue at QB as I don't think Blake Bortles is going to be the man to lead them anywhere, but it remains to be seen how well things go when the playoffs arrive.

2. New England Patriots
(8-2) 

-I still don't have faith in the Patriots, but to be fair, I never will. Still, Tom Brady is still Tom Brady and their offense is ridiculous, but their defense has been inconsistent through the season. The defense seems somewhat comfortable right now, but come playoff time, one has to wonder how ready that defense will be. The fact of the matter is, the Patriots are exactly where we thought they would be and will likely remain in one of the top two seeds in the AFC when playoff time comes. Brady could be on the way to another ring... or another Super Bowl loss... whatever the case, the Patriots are firmly in the hunt for AFC supremacy and the first round bye.

1. Pittsburgh Steelers
(8-2)

-I hate actually putting the Steelers here at the top, but they earned it. I'm not convinced that the Patriots are the best and although their defense has improved, I feel like the Steelers have a better defense overall and more dangerous weapons offensively, as they possess the best WR IMO with AB and one of the best running backs in the game with Bell. Big Ben has stepped it up after seeming like he was heading toward the twilight of his career. The Steelers are the best team in the AFC at the moment and it is very possible that they end up in the AFC Championship game across from the Patriots. It remains to be seen how well these Steelers play in the postseason and if they can stay healthy, but if they can... watch out.

-True 

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Eyes on the Ring 12:03 AM  No comment