NFL 2016-17 playoffs running thread

Rodgers vs Bears/Lions/Vikings every year... it should happen.

 

Patriots and Packers 19th playoff appearance in the last 24 years

 

McCarthy is a highly successful NFL coach. Just ask him.

 

Biggest problem for GB is OBJ. Though the Packers kept him quiet during their meeting in October, they're down to one really bad corner (Ladarius Gunter), Chuck Cecil, the ghost of Ray Nitschke and some Preble High kids who were ineligible for basketball.

If he doesn't throw a tantrum, Beckham is going to have a huge day.

 

No way the Seahawks make it. As inconsistent as they are, they won't be able to put together three straight good games to make the Super Bowl.
I'd say it's either Dallas or Green Bay taking on New England.

 

Maybe I'm the only one that thinks KC's defense is good enough to carry the day if it gets to New England.

 

Seahawks would need the bracket to get weird so they wouldn't have to go on the road at any point. They've been pretty mediocre away from Seattle.

 

Except for beating New England in Foxboro. That was pretty strong. Of course, Thomas played in that game.

 

I don't quite get why NE is such a huge favorite in the AFC. They had one of if not the easiest schedules in the league this year. Of the playoff teams they've faced, they beat a Matt Moore-led Miami team last week, lost to Seattle (at home), held on to beat a Landry Jones-led Pitt team, and beat the Texans and the Dolphins earlier in the year. Where is the signature win against any good team? Beating Denver 16-3 on the road a few weeks ago?

I always respect what Brady and Belichick can do, but I really think NE is a shell of the team it's been in years past without Gronk and other defensive playmakers. Maybe Floyd will be the difference-maker they need, but it seems like everyone is just handing it to them. Pitt is rolling and loaded on offense. Their defense has improved dramatically since Shazier came back. And now Tuitt will be playing too. I think Pitt could win in NE. KC, too. I just don't think NE is that loaded this year on both sides of the ball.

Would be nice to see Detroit reach the SB for the first time. Stranger things have happened.

 

I almost forgot that had happened. The stinkers in Tampa and Green Bay are kind of stuck in my head ...

 

The difference for the Pats is that their offensive line is playing about five to 10 times as well as it did last year. Since the one tried and true method of beating them is knocking Brady on his ass early and often, that's why NE is stronger than it was last year. Also it has given them a more than decent running game.

 

It's impossible for that to happen. They are in Atlanta no matter what if they win.