Jacob Petrarca
Staff Writer
In this issue:
NFL PLAYOFF SPECIAL
The NFL postseason is one of the biggest events on the sports calendar, and we have the 14 teams who will be competing for the Lombardi Trophy. Let’s take a look at how they got there.
Week 16 began with the two teams who selected first and second overall in the 2021 draft, but they’ve turned their franchise trajectories around significantly, with both squads still firmly in the playoff race. The Jacksonville Jaguars won its 6th game in 7 tries, taking down the Jets 19-3 with just one touchdown scored in the game, a rush from Jags QB Trevor Lawrence. This gave the Jaguars a significant boost in the AFC South race, as the Tennessee Titans were upset by the Houston Texans, Houston winning just its second game on the season, 19-14. Tennessee lost its fifth straight game to fall below .500 and tie with Jacksonville at 7-8, with the Jaguars holding control. The result of these two games left the outcome of Week 17 irrelevant, with the Jaguars and Titans slated to do battle in Week 18.
Another team struggling for playoff positioning in the AFC was the New England Patriots, who began Christmas Eve sluggishly, falling behind 22-0 to the red-hot Cincinnati Bengals, who entered the game having won five straight games. However, the Patriots woke up in the second half, making it a one-score affair and New England driving down the field late in the contest. Both kickers (Cincinnati’s Evan McPherson and New England’s Nick Folk) missed two extra points each in the chilly northeastern air, leaving the score at 22-18 when running back Rhamondre Stevenson fumbled on Cincy’s 5-yard line, saving the Bengals from massive collapse and severely damaging New England’s playoff hopes, a tough pill to swallow for a team that was once 6-4. The Patriots were aided however, when the Green Bay Packers won their third game in a row, taking down the struggling Miami Dolphins (now owners of a 4-game losing streak themselves) on Christmas Day, 26-20.
The Philadelphia Eagles had a chance to both win the NFC East and the top seed in the NFC playoffs, but, with starting QB Jalen Hurts out due to injury, the Eagles were forced to start journeyman backup Gardner Minshew II, who was once the starter in Jacksonville before Lawrence took over. Dallas won in a shootout, 40-34. Minshew had a solid performance despite the defeat, passing for 355 yards and 2 scores, but a completion percentage just over 50% (24/40) and 2 interceptions seriously hurt Philadelphia’s chances at victory. Dak Prescott had a much better game under center for America’s Team, with similar yardage but a much higher completion percentage, and a 3-1 TD-to-INT ratio as opposed to Minshew’s 2-2. Other NFC action saw Greg Joseph walk off the New York Giants with a 61-yard field goal, the longest in Minnesota Vikings history.
Besides the Packers’ win over Miami, other Christmas Day action included the Los Angeles Rams playing like Super Bowl champions for a change, demolishing the Denver Broncos, 51-14, as Baker Mayfield was near-perfect, passing for 24 completions in 28 attempts, 280 yards, and 2 touchdowns. And in the night game, Tom Brady led yet another comeback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, scoring twice in the final 8 minutes of regulation to knot the game at 16, and winning in overtime on a Ryan Succop field goal, beating the Arizona Cardinals and giving Tampa Bay a chance to lock up the NFC South for the third straight year in Week 17. On Monday Night Football, the Los Angeles Chargers dominated the Indianapolis Colts from start to finish, winning the game 20-3 and clinching a playoff berth for the first time since 2018.
The final Thursday Night Football game began Week 17, and the Tennessee Titans continued to free-fall, losing 27-13 to the Dallas Cowboys, who all of a sudden, were challenging the Philadelphia Eagles for the NFC East and top seed in the NFC. In order to do so, they’d need a win and a Philly loss in Week 18, as the Eagles, once again starting Minshew, lost to the New Orleans Saints, 20-10, their second straight defeat after beginning the season 13-1.
In the NFC South, a Tampa Bay Buccaneers loss would make things really interesting, with both the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints closing in on the 22nd Tom Brady-led team. However, 3 Mike Evans touchdowns led Tampa Bay to a 30-24 win and their second straight NFC South title, the first time they’d accomplished that feat in franchise history. Obviously, the win put Tom Brady back in the playoffs. Brady has only missed the playoffs once in a full season, in 2002.
The biggest playoff shift in Week 17 belonged to the New England Patriots, who, after suffering crushing defeats at the hands of the Raiders and Bengals, finally secured a win over the Miami Dolphins, who were without starting QB Tua Tagovailoa after the Alabama alum suffered his second concussion of the season. Instead, under center for the Fish was Teddy Bridgewater, who, after showing lots of promise in the first few years of his career with the Minnesota Vikings, was reduced to journey-man status due to injuries. The Dolphins were Bridgewater’s fifth team since leaving Minnesota (Jets, Saints, Panthers, Broncos) however, had his hand stomped on on a pick-six by Patriots safety Kyle Dugger on his way to the end zone, and was lifted from the game in favor of Skylar Thompson. New England won barely, 23-21, and remained alive as they carried control of the AFC’s final seed into Week 18.
The Las Vegas Raiders were among the biggest disappointments in the NFL in 2022. They’d made the playoffs in the previous season and had brought in Davante Adams in order to give the team a real recieving threat, plus, reuniting QB Derek Carr with his college teammate from their Fresno State days. The Carr-Adams combo was over in Week 17, as former Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels (now head coach in Vegas) benched Carr for former Patriots backup QB Jarrett Stidham. Stidham perfomed admirably, carrying the Raiders to a 17-14 halftime lead against the red-hot 49ers. However, the 49ers tied things up in the second half, and won in overtime, 37-34, on a game-winning field goal by former Penn Stater Robbie Gould. Stidham passed for 365 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions in the loss, while the former “Mr. Irrelevant” Brock Purdy continued to prove his worth for the starting job in SF, passing for 284 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Christian McCaffrey picked up 121 yards of his own on the ground.
Week 17 also had its share of blowouts. The Giants (38-10 over Indianapolis) Lions (41-10 over Chicago) Jacksonville (31-3 over Houston) and Chargers (31-10 over Rams) all secured solid wins to either prepare for the playoffs or put themselves in good positions for Week 18, while one top contender, the Minnesota Vikings, was on the recieving end of a shellacking, losing 41-17 at Lambeau Field to the Packers, who suddenly found themselves in win-and-in territory after their season appeared dead when they were 4-8. Now having won 4 straight games, Green Bay looked to punch their fourth consecutive playoff ticket with a win over the Lions in Week 18. Green Bay also showed off in unexpected places, as for the first time since 1967, they scored a kick return TD (Keisean Nixon) and pick six (Darnell Savage).
The most anticipated game of Week 17, however, took place at Cincinnati’s Paycor Stadium, as the Buffalo Bills took on the Cincinnati Bengals to battle it out for the AFC’s 2 seed and a chance to overtake the Kansas City Chiefs for the top seed and first-round bye in Week 18. The Bengals lead, 7-3, when, with 5:58 remaining in the first quarter, Bills safety Damar Hamlin collided on a tackle with Bengals wide reciever Tee Higgins. Hamlin appeared fine momentarily, but collapsed with what was later revealed to be a heart attack. Recieving CPR for 9 minutes on the field, Hamlin was taken to first the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, before being transferred to the Buffalo General Medical Center. The game was initially postponed and later cancelled by the NFL, an unprecedented move for a league notorious for prioritizing money over player health and safety. Hamlin awoke three days later on Thursday, and was discharged nine days after the incident, walking and talking on his own power once again. In the wake of the incident, all NFL teams and dozens of players declared their support for Hamlin, and a charity that the player started when he was still at the University of Pittsburgh in 2020, a community toy drive with an initial donation goal of $2500, recieved over $8.7 million in total donations.
With the cancellation, there were several changes to the playoff system. Kansas City now merely needed to beat the Raiders in Week 18, which they did, 31-13, to secure the AFC’s top seed. Also in the contest, Mahomes broke the record held by former Saints QB and future Hall-of-Famer Drew Brees with 5,614 all-purpose yards. Brees albeit achieved this in a 16-game season, but Mahomes’ achievement was no less impressive.
The Bills and Bengals would still battle it out for the #2 seed. The Bengals, who were automatically made division champions for the second straight year) were slated to play the second-place Baltimore Ravens in Week 18. Should Baltimore win, a coin flip would decide which team would recieve home-field advantage should the two teams meet in the playoffs. However, the Ravens were without starting quarterback Lamar Jackson, and Tyler Huntley wasn’t enough, as the Bengals won, 27-16, to avoid this. Finally, should the AFC Championship Game be played between the Chiefs and the Bills (if the two teams had posted the same result in Week 18), it would be played at a neutral site, later decided to be Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The Bills did win in Week 18, in an emotional game played at Highmark Stadium in Buffalo. Nyheim Hines returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown, and did it again later in the contest against a New England special teams unit that was not the best in the league. Hines’ 2 scores made the difference in a 35-23 win for the Bills, and the Patriots were eliminated from postseason contention for the second time in three years following the departure of Tom Brady, thanks to a Miami Dolphins 11-6 win over the New York Jets. The third team in the hunt for the 7 seed, the Pittsburgh Steelers, were eliminated with Miami’s win, but won 28-14 over the Browns to give head coach Mike Tomlin his 16th consecutive season of a .500 winning percentage or better, or his entire tenure as a head coach.
The Philadelphia Eagles finally locked up the number-one seed and the first round bye in Week 18, as the New York Giants, stuck in the #6 seed, rested their starters. With Philadelphia’s 22-16 win, and Dallas’ 26-6 loss to the Washington Commanders, the Eagles were NFC East champions for the first time since 2019, continuing the trend that saw no team win that division in consecutive years since they themselves did it in the 2003-04 campaigns.
The final spot to be determined was the #7 seed in the NFC, and there were three contenders entering Week 18. The Seattle Seahawks, Detroit Lions, and Green Bay Packers were all vying for the spot, and the latter two set to face off on Sunday Night Football. The Seahawks took on the Los Angeles Rams, who were having a Super Bowl hangover for the ages. The Rams led by 7 at the half, but Geno Smith, one of the front-runners for the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year award, rallied to tie the game in the 4th quarter, but kicker Jason Myers missed a 46-yard field goal at the end of regulation, and the teams entered OT knotted at 16. Myers got a chance to redeem himself, and sank a 32-yarder to keep Seattle alive in the hunt and eliminate the Lions. Also, the Rams finished the season with a 5-12 record and .294 win percentage, second-worst in history for a defending champion in the four major North American Leagues. The 1998-1999 Chicago Bulls, who saw Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Phil Jackson leave, went a mere 13-37 (.260 win %).
Even though Detroit no longer had anything to play for, it was clear that their fans longed to eliminate the Packers, who were the #1 seed in the NFC in both 2020 and 2021 but limping towards a playoff spot this season. The Packers led at the half, 9-6, but Jamaal Williams scored 2 touchdowns in the second half to not only put the Lions on top, 20-16, but break the team single-season rushing TD record, set by the legendary Barry Sanders in 1991, the year that saw Detroit win its only playoff game since 1957. The Lions buried the Packers with a successful 4th down conversion after the 2-minute warning, and eliminated the Packers from the postseason for the first time since 2018.
One final bit of news from the NFL’s final week was the controversial decision by Chargers head coach Brandon Staley to play his starters in a meaningless game vs. the Denver Broncos. The Chargers could not improve to the 5 seed, nor could they fall to the 7, so the result of the game didn’t matter. The decision came back to haunt Los Angeles, as wide reciever Mike Williams was injured in the contest and would be out for the remainder of the season, barring a Chargers run to the Super Bowl.
So, the 14 NFL playoff teams have been decided. Below is a breakdown of every team and predictions for the playoffs.
THE HEAVY FAVORITES
Kansas City Chiefs (14-3) 1st in AFC West, 1st in AFC. Last NFL Championship: 2019.
The Kansas City Chiefs are the model franchise in the National Football League. They’ve played in 4 straight AFC Championship Games, winning two and losing two. Led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce, both of whom are considered to be among the top players at their position (with Kelce in consideration for greatest TE of all time) the Chiefs won 9 of their final 10 games to end the season and secure their seventh straight AFC West championship. They’d lost wide reciever Tyreek Hill to the Dolphins in free agency, but the emergence of a running attack led by breakout Jerick McKinnon and rookie Isaiah Pacheco. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who is a front-runner for the MVP award, also set the new record for most all-purpose yards in a single season, (5,614) breaking Drew Brees’ record set in 2011. They’ll recieve a first round bye and begin their journey to a second title in four years next week.
Team Leaders:
(Yardage): Passing- Patrick Mahomes (5250). Recieving- Travis Kelce (1338). Rushing- Isaiah Pacheco (830)
Defense- Chris Jones (15.5 sacks) Juan Thornhill, L’Jarius Sneed (3 interceptions)
Philadelphia Eagles (14-3) 1st in NFC East, 1st in NFC. Last NFL Championship: 2017.
One year ago, the Eagles were on the recieving end of a 31-15 defeat by Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. As the #7 seed in the NFC, they weren’t expected to go far, and they didn’t. However, the emergence of second-year quarterback Jalen Hurts as a top 5 quarterback in football, the draft-day acquisition of AJ Brown from the Tennessee Titans (who became the first Eagle to eclipse 10 recieving touchdowns since Jeremy Maclin in 2014), and the breakout season of running back Miles Sanders (Penn State Alum) created a well-balanced offense. On defense, the Eagles were by far the best at bringing down the QB, leading the NFL with 70 sacks, 15 more than the second place Chiefs. 4 individual Eagles (Haason Reddick, Brandon Graham, Javon Hargrave, and Josh Sweat) each had at least 11 sacks. Like Kansas City, they’ll get a first-round bye.
(Yardage): Passing- Jalen Hurts (3701). Recieving- AJ Brown (1496). Rushing- Miles Sanders (1269)
Defense- Haason Reddick (16 sacks) Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (6 interceptions)
Buffalo Bills (13-3) 1st in AFC East, 2nd in AFC. Last NFL Championship: Never (est. 1960)
The Buffalo Bills are carrying the most emotional baggage of any playoff team, between the snowstorms that have ravaged Buffalo over the last few weeks and the Damar Hamlin situation. However, that shouldn’t detract from an amazing offense led by quarterback Josh Allen and wide reciever Stefon Diggs. The Bills have dominated the AFC East since Tom Brady left New England, winning their third straight division championship. Yet, they continue to search for both their first Super Bowl championship and first appearance since losing the Big Game four straight times from 1990 to 1993. They’ve come close, but ran into the Kansas City Chiefs both in 2020 (in the AFC Championship) and 2021. The 2021 defeat is notable as the Bills were 13 seconds away from victory before Patrick Mahomes led a game-tying drive before Kansas City ultimately won in overtime, 42-36. Don’t count Buffalo out. They begin their journey towards that coveted first Lombardi with a wild-card matchup against divisional rival Miami tomorrow afternoon.
(Yardage): Passing- Josh Allen (4283). Recieving- Stefon Diggs (1429). Rushing- Devin Singletary (819)
Defense- Von Miller, Greg Rousseau (8 sacks) Jordan Poyer (4 interceptions)
San Francisco 49ers (13-4) 1st in NFC West, 2nd in NFC. Last NFL Championship: 1994
When quarterback Trey Lance suffered a season-ending injury in Week 2, both the 49ers’ season and future plans at quarterback were severely damaged. When backup Jimmy Garoppolo went down in Week 13, those plans became very chaotic very quickly. Tossed into the fire was the last pick in the 2022 draft, Brock Purdy. Purdy has been nothing but stellar in San Francisco, as the 49ers are riding a 10-game win streak into the playoffs thanks to trade deadline acquisition Christan McCaffrey at running back and George Kittle at tight end. Speedy wide reciever Deebo Samuel also contributed to San Francisco’s offensive attack, and Nick Bosa led the league in individual player sacks. San Francisco is one of, if not the hottest team in the NFL, and look to win their first championship since the 80s and 90s dynasty and tie the Patriots and Steelers for most Super Bowl wins ever at 6 each. They open with a divisional wild card matchup against the Seattle Seahawks this afternoon.
(Yardage): Passing- Jimmy Garoppolo (2437). Recieving- Brandon Aiyuk (1015). Rushing- Christian McCaffrey (746)
Defense- Nick Bosa (18.5 sacks) Tashaun Gipson (5 interceptions)
SOLID CHOICES
Minnesota Vikings (13-4) 1st in NFC North, 3rd in NFC. Last NFL Championship: Never (est. 1961)
The Minnesota Vikings had a mediocre 2021. A 9-8 season led to the firing of head coach Mike Zimmer and the hiring of former Rams OC Kevin O’Connel, who’d most recently helped lead the Rams to Super Bowl glory. The Vikings had some legendary wins in 2022. A 33-30 back-and-forth overtime win over the Buffalo Bills in Week 10 and the largest comeback in NFL history in Week 15 against the Indianapolis Colts. The Vikings have one of the most electric offenses in the league, with quarterback Kirk Cousins, wide receiver Justin Jefferson (who led the league in recieving yards) and running back Dalvin Cook. However, there are holes. Despite their great record, the Vikings have a mere -3 point differential, 11 one-score wins, and only a 4-3 win vs. winning teams in 2022. The Vikings have also allowed the third most points per game (25.6) They’ll look to prove themselves and erase their 0-4 Super Bowl record when they play the New York Giants tomorrow afternoon.
(Yardage): Passing- Kirk Cousins (4547). Recieving- Justin Jefferson (1809). Rushing- Dalvin Cook (1173)
Defense- Danielle Hunter (10.5 sacks) Vonn Bell, Jessie Bates (4 interceptions)
Cincinnati Bengals (12-4) 1st in AFC North, 3rd in AFC. Last NFL Championship: Never (est. 1968)
The Cincinnati Bengals are in an odd place. They’re defending AFC champions and quarterback Joe Burrow has a 3-0 record against the AFC favorite Chiefs, but they don’t really feel like Super Bowl contenders as opposed to the Chiefs and Bills. Obviously, these games aren’t played on paper. Burrow, running back Joe Mixon, and wide recievers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins lead one of the hottest offenses in the AFC (3rd with 26.1 points per game behind the Chiefs and Bills). The Bengals are also on a long winning streak like San Francisco (9 games, having not lost since Halloween). They’ll attempt to continue this as they play their second straight game against the Baltimore Ravens tomorrow night.
(Yardage): Passing- Joe Burrow (4475). Recieving- Ja’Marr Chase (1046). Rushing- Joe Mixon (814)
Defense- Trey Hendrickson (8 sacks) Juan Thornhill, L’Jarius Sneed (3 interceptions)
MIDDLE OF THE PACK
Los Angeles Chargers (10-7) 2nd in AFC West, 4th in AFC. Last NFL Championship: Never (est. 1960)
The Chargers came into 2022 having improved their defense, adding Khalil Mack from Las Vegas and JC Jackson from New England. Neither Mack nor Jackson were notable this past year, but the Chargers sailed to their first postseason appearance in four years thanks largely to QB Justin Herbert and RB Austin Ekeler. They failed to steal the West division from Kansas City, and would’ve been the first non-KC team since the 2015 Broncos to do so. However, the Chargers still look very strong coming into the postseason, despite missing wide reciever Mike Williams thanks to a controversial decision by head coach Brandon Staley (see above). They open against the AFC South Champion Jacksonville Jaguars tonight.
(Yardage): Passing- Justin Herbert (4739). Recieving- Mike Williams (895). Rushing- Austin Ekeler (915)
Defense- Khalil Mack (8 sacks) Bryce Callahan (3 interceptions)
Jacksonville Jaguars (9-8) 1st in AFC South, 6th in AFC. Last NFL Championship: Never (est. 1995)
In recent times, the Jacksonville Jaguars have been among the worst teams in the NFL. They had the worst record in each of the 2020 and 2021 seasons (with a 1-15 record in 2020 and a 20 game losing streak between the two seasons) picking first in the draft both times, selecting QB Trevor Lawrence and DE Travon Walker. Hiring Super Bowl Champion coach Doug Pederson was also a big help, and a big step-up over the chaotic tenure of Urban Meyer that plagued Jacksonville’s 2021 season. Another new addition was signing wide reciver Christian Kirk to a large, $84 million contract. Jacksonville rebounded from a 1-6 record, as, combining with a 7-game losing streak from defending AFC top seed Tennessee, they won 7 of their final 9 games and entered the postseason for just the second time since 2007. They’re also one of four teams (Cleveland, Detroit, Houston) to never go to the Super Bowl. They’ll try to make their first Big Game trip as they open up against the Los Angeles Chargers tonight.
(Yardage): Passing- Trevor Lawrence (4113). Recieving- Christian Kirk (1108). Rushing- Travis Etienne (1125)
Defense- Josh Allen (6 sacks) Rayshawn Jenkins, Tyson Campbell, Andre Cisco (3 interceptions)
Dallas Cowboys (12-5) 2nd in NFC East, 4th in NFC. Last NFL Championship: 1995
The Dallas Cowboys are always an interesting team in the playoffs. They haven’t reached the NFC Championship Game since their Super Bowl championship season of 1995, yet have made the playoffs 5 times since 2014. With only 4 sub-.500 seasons since 2003, they’re one of the league’s most consistent teams. The team is quarterbacked by Dak Prescott, with the dual-headed running attack of Ezekiel Elliot and Tony Pollard. CeeDee Lamb and Dalton Schultz are also solid recievers. Dallas has a reputation as playoff chokers to shrug off, and they’ll begin their journey towards a 6th Lombardi Trophy Monday Night against the NFC South champion Buccaneers.
(Yardage): Passing- Dak Prescott (2860). Recieving- CeeDee Lamb (1359). Rushing- Tony Pollard (1007)
Defense- Micah Parsons (13.5 sacks) DaRon Bland (5 interceptions)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9) 1st in NFC South, 10th in NFC. Last NFL Championship: 2020
You might be wondering why the Buccaneers made the playoffs with the NFC’s 10th-best record, and why they’re in this tier. First thing: They won a very weak NFC South, outlasting the Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, and Atlanta Falcons to win their third straight division title. And the reason why they’re in the same tier as the Chargers and Jags? Tom Brady. Brady’s playoff record is unquestioned. The 7-time Super Bowl champion has the most playoff experience of any quarterback, and looks ready to lead a solid recieving corps of Chris Godwin and Mike Evans back to the Super Bowl for the second time in three seasons. Be prepared for an upset as Tampa Bay takes on Dallas Monday night.
(Yardage): Passing- Tom Brady (4694). Recieving- Mike Evans (1124). Rushing- Leonard Fournette (668)
Defense- Vita Vea (6.5 sacks) Jamel Dean, Mike Edwards, Sean Murphy-Bunting (2 interceptions)
LONG SHOTS
Baltimore Ravens (10-7) 2nd in AFC North, 5th in AFC. Last NFL Championship: 2012
The Ravens are heading into the playoffs without Lamar Jackson, at least for the short term, so that puts them in the long shots tier. Jackson’s backup, Tyler Huntley, has only passed for a mere 131 yards per game in the 5 contests since Baltimore lost the 2019 MVP. However, the Ravens have one of the best tight ends in football, Mark Andrews, at their disposal, and their defense was third in the league this season at 18.6 points per game allowed. Their 48 sacks were also good for third in the AFC behind the Chiefs and New England Patriots. Their first-round opponent, the Cincinnati Bengals, also allowed their QB Joe Burrow to be sacked 41 times, 6th in the NFL. The Ravens and Bengals do battle in Cincinnati tomorrow night.
(Yardage): Passing- Lamar Jackson (2242). Recieving- Mark Andrews (847). Rushing- Lamar Jackson (764)
Defense- Justin Houston (9.5 sacks) Marcus Williams (4 interceptions)
Miami Dolphins (9-8) 2nd in AFC East, 7th in AFC. Last NFL Championship: 1973
The Dolphins are in free-fall. It was only thanks to a Week 18 win over the New York Jets that punched their playoff ticket, previously, Miami was in a 5 game losing streak after beginning the year 8-3 and holding the top seed in the AFC well into November. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has suffered two concussions this season and will be out for the team’s wild-card matchup against the Buffalo Bills, and they’re also missing running back Raheem Mostert. If there are any positives in Miami, it’s that Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are one of the best recieving duos in the league, Hill becoming the first Dolphin to eclipse 1,250 recieving yards since Irving Fryar in 1994. Miami will be carried into the playoffs by rookie QB Skylar Thompson, and will be looking to shock the world tomorrow afternoon against the Bills.
(Yardage): Passing- Tua Tagovailoa (3548). Recieving- Tyreek Hill (1710). Rushing- Isaiah Pacheco (830)
Defense- Jaelan Phillips (7 sacks) Jevon Holland (2 interceptions)
New York Giants (9-7-1) 3rd in NFC East, 5th in NFC. Last NFL Championship: 2011
The Giants are no stranger to be counted out in January. In fact, no one expected much out of this team at the start of the season, but thanks to a breakout season by Penn State alum Saquon Barkley, who remained healthy for the first time since his rookie year, and a solid campaign by QB Daniel Jones, the Giants have made the playoffs for the first time since 2016. It’s worth noting that the last two times New York has won the Super Bowl, they did so as immense underdogs, knocking off the 18-0 Patriots to win Super Bowl 42 and the 15-1 Packers en route to winning Super Bowl 46 (again against the Patriots). They’ll enter loud US Bank Stadium tomorrow afternoon against the Vikings in search of a fifth Lombardi.
(Yardage): Passing- Daniel Jones (3205). Recieving- Darius Slayton (724). Rushing- Saquon Barkley (1312)
Defense- Dexter Lawrence (7.5 sacks) Julian Love, Dane Belton (2 interceptions)
Seattle Seahawks (9-8) 2nd in NFC West, 6th in NFC. Last NFL Championship: 2013
Like the Giants, the Seattle Seahawks were not expected to produce much in 2022. They’d just traded franchise quarterback Russell Wilson to Denver, and had two options at QB- Geno Smith and Drew Lock, neither of whom had shown much promise in their NFL careers. Smith won the QB battle in preseason, the Seahawks beat Russ and the Broncos in Week 1, and didn’t look back. Granted, Seattle looked much stronger at midseason, holding a 6-3 record before losing 5 of 6, and then winning key games over the Jets and Rams to secure their playoff berth. Unfortunatley for the 12th Man, Seattle will not be hosting a playoff game this year due to being the #7 seed in the NFC. Losing out on probably the best home-field advantage in the league hurts Seattle, but Smith, along with rookie running back Kenneth Walker III and recievers DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, will look to upset their division winners, San Francisco, this afternoon.
(Yardage): Passing- Geno Smith (4284). Recieving- DK Metcalf (1048). Rushing- Kenneth Walker III (1050)
Defense- Uchenna Nwosu, Darrell Taylor (9.5 sacks) Tariq Woolen (6 interceptions)
With the 14 teams broken down, let’s look at my predictions for the 2022 NFL postseason.
WILD CARD ROUND
NFC: (7) Seattle Seahawks at (2) San Francisco 49ers. Previous Matchups This Season: 49ers won, 27-7 and 49ers won, 21-13.
It’s been a nice story for the Seattle Seahawks, who will be recieving a great first-round pick thanks to the Denver Broncos having a terrible season. However, it will end here in Santa Clara, as the 49ers will roll the Seahawks for a third time this season and advance to the divisional round. Prediction: San Francisco 28, Seattle 7.
AFC: (5) Los Angeles Chargers at (4) Jacksonville Jaguars. Previous Matchups This Season: Jaguars won, 38-10.
The Jaguars won the first meeting between these two teams and did so handily, and that was on Los Angeles’ turf. This game will be played in Jacksonville, the first playoff game the Jags have hosted since the 2017 AFC Wild Card round. Austin Ekeler was severely neutralized in that game, so him and Chargers QB Justin Herbert will be the X-factors in tonight’s contest. Ultimately, I believe the Chargers have what it takes to beat Jacksonville, but don’t be surprised if it’s the kitties from Duvall County moving on. Prediction: Los Angeles 27, Jacksonville 24.
AFC: (7) Miami Dolphins at (2) Buffalo Bills. Previous Matchups This Season: Dolphins won, 21-19, and Bills won, 32-29.
Without the services of Tua Tagovailoa and Raheem Mostert, the Dolphins will be hard-pressed to do anything with what will undoubtedly be a sold-out, electrified crowd in Buffalo tomorrow afternoon. Bills fans already have a reputation as one of the rowdiest bases in the league, (throwing snowballs at Dolphins players the last time these two teams did battle) and will carry the Damar Hamlin-inspired energy into Sunday’s game. Rookie Dolphins QB Skylar Thompson has the tallest of tasks tomorrow and he hasn’t shown me anything to think he won’t wilt under the pressure. Prediction: Bills 30, Dolphins 3.
NFC: (6) New York Giants at (3) Minnesota Vikings. Previous Matchups This Season: Vikings won, 27-24.
U.S Bank Stadium will be roaring tomorrow afternoon, as the surprise Giants look to shock the football world for the third time in the last fifteen years. However, while Vikings fans will not have the emotion of Buffalo tomorrow, indoor stadiums are always the toughest places to play in the NFL, and there shouldn’t be an exeception. It’s been a great season full of positive surprises for the Giants, but they go home tomorrow. Prediction: Vikings 27, Giants 17.
AFC: (6) Baltimore Ravens at (3) Cincinnati Bengals. Previous Matchups This Season: Ravens won, 19-17, and Bengals won, 27-16.
When Baltimore last defeated the Bengals, they had the efforts of Lamar Jackson under center. That was not the case when these two teams met in Week 18, nor will it be the case tomorrow afternoon. It’s a pity, Jackson’s talent had the chance to make this game close, but without him, the Ravens’ wings will be clipped, and they’ll be dinner for the big cats. Prediction: Bengals 30, Ravens 13.
NFC: (5) Dallas Cowboys at (4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Previous Matchups This Season: Buccaneers won, 19-3.
These two teams met in Week 1, with the Buccaneers taking a solid victory in Dallas, albeit thanks to a Dak Prescott injury. Dak is back Monday Night, but even before his injury he didn’t put up great offensive numbers in the season’s first week. Add that with the playoff reputation of both Tom Brady and the Cowboys…it doesn’t look good for America’s Team. Many will be predicting a high-scoring contest but I think this turns into a defensive battle. Prediction: Buccaneers 21, Cowboys 17.
DIVISIONAL ROUND
AFC: (5) Los Angeles Chargers at (1) Kansas City Chiefs. Previous Matchups This Season: Chiefs won, 27-24, and Chiefs won, 30-27.
These two teams have met twice this season and both times it was the big brother in the division walking away with the win. Like Kansas City’s divisional round last year against Buffalo, this game should be high-powered, explosive, and fun. Personally, I think it goes into OT, with the Chiefs making their fifth straight AFC Championship. Prediction: Chiefs 36, Chargers 30.
NFC (4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers at (1) Philadelphia Eagles. Previous Matchups This Season: None.
This might be the final game in the career of Tom Brady. We thought it was last year, when the LA Rams beat him and the Bucs in the divisional round, but he didn’t stay retired for long. Now, it could simply be his final game as a Buccaneer, as Brady still has plenty left in the tank, but there will be a certain finality to this game. The Eagles don’t look as dominant as they did in October, and the Bucs will make it a game, but for a change, Brady will fail at the two-minute drill. Perhaps a failed two-point conversion will sink the Buccaneers’ ship. Prediction: Eagles 28, Buccaneers 27.
AFC (3) Cincinnati Bengals at (2) Buffalo Bills. Previous Matchups This Season: None*.
Two weeks ago, Bills and Bengals, fans and players alike, were united as the football world paused while Damar Hamlin recovered. The Bills will carry that same emotion that has spurred them to their Week 18 victory over the Patriots and likely their wild-card win over the Dolphins to a close, emotional victory. Bills win on a last second field goal. Prediction: Bills 36, Bengals 33.
NFC (3) Minnesota Vikings at (2) San Francisco 49ers. Previous Matchups This Season: None.
Whatever tricks the Vikings use to take down the Giants won’t work against the 49ers, a team as red-hot as its uniforms. The Niners will be entering this week having won 11 straight contests, and will provide the football word with at least one lopsided matchup on divisional weekend. Prediction: 49ers 35, Vikings 17.
CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES
AFC (2) Buffalo Bills at (1) Kansas City Chiefs. Previous Matchups This Season: Bills won, 34-20.
The Bills will not be reliant on their home crowd in this game, as it would be in Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium as a result of the Damar Hamlin situation. These two teams previous meetings in the 2020 and 2021 postseasons came in Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium, with fans so loud it literally once broke a decibel record. That will be a big loss for the Chiefs. Third time’s the charm for the Bills, as they’re back in the Super Bowl for the first time since the Marv Levy and Jim Kelly days of the early ’90s. Prediction: Bills 42, Chiefs 36.
NFC (2) San Francisco 49ers at (1) Philadelphia Eagles. Previous Matchups This Season: None.
A 12-game win streak is nothing to scoff at in the NFL. It means the team has been unbeaten for three to four months, and is a force to be reckoned with. That is what the 49ers would be carrying into the NFC Championship Game, where they’ll take on the 1 seeded Eagles, who, despite starting 13-1 on the year, had to wait until the season’s final week to clinch a coveted first-round bye. Jalen Hurts will do his best, but San Francisco has been the most dominant team in the NFC for weeks and will carry that to their second Super Bowl trip in four year as the wonderboy, Brock Purdy, does just enough for the W. Prediction: 49ers 27, Eagles 20.
SUPER BOWL 57
BUFFALO BILLS VS. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS. PREVIOUS MATCHUPS THIS SEASON: NONE.
A matchup for the ages. The emotionally charged Bills vs. the on-fire 49ers. Two of the best offenses in all of football. These two squads will be racking up points like they’re playing Madden on Rookie mode. Back and forth these teams will go before ultimately Josh Allen will lead the Bills to a final drive victory as Buffalo joins the ranks of Super Bowl champions. I fear for tables everywhere at the parade. Prediction: Bills 33, 49ers 30.
No matter who wins the Super Bowl, these playoffs should be an exciting one. Check back in two weeks for a recap of the action so far.
NFL Standings (through Week 15)
| AFC East | W | L | T |
| Buffalo Bills | 13 | 3 | 0 |
| Miami Dolphins | 9 | 8 | 0 |
| New England Patriots | 8 | 9 | 0 |
| New York Jets | 7 | 10 | 0 |
| AFC North | W | L | T |
| Cincinnati Bengals | 12 | 4 | 0 |
| Baltimore Ravens | 10 | 7 | 0 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 9 | 8 | 0 |
| Cleveland Browns | 7 | 10 | 0 |
| AFC South | W | L | T |
| Jacksonville Jaguars | 9 | 8 | 0 |
| Tennessee Titans | 7 | 10 | 0 |
| Indianapolis Colts | 4 | 12 | 1 |
| Houston Texans | 3 | 13 | 1 |
| AFC West | W | L | T |
| Kansas City Chiefs | 14 | 3 | 0 |
| Los Angeles Chargers | 10 | 7 | 0 |
| Las Vegas Raiders | 6 | 11 | 0 |
| Denver Broncos | 5 | 12 | 0 |
| NFC East | W | L | T |
| Philadelphia Eagles | 14 | 3 | 0 |
| Dallas Cowboys | 12 | 5 | 0 |
| New York Giants | 9 | 7 | 1 |
| Washington Commanders | 8 | 8 | 1 |
| NFC North | W | L | T |
| Minnesota Vikings | 13 | 4 | 0 |
| Detroit Lions | 9 | 8 | 0 |
| Green Bay Packers | 8 | 9 | 0 |
| Chicago Bears | 3 | 14 | 0 |
| NFC South | W | L | T |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 8 | 9 | 0 |
| Carolina Panthers | 7 | 10 | 0 |
| New Orleans Saints | 7 | 10 | 0 |
| Atlanta Falcons | 7 | 10 | 0 |
| NFC West | W | L | T |
| San Francisco 49ers | 13 | 4 | 0 |
| Seattle Seahawks | 9 | 8 | 0 |
| Los Angeles Rams | 5 | 12 | 0 |
| Arizona Cardinals | 4 | 13 | 0 |
NFL League Leaders (Regular Season)
Passing Yards: Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs- 5,250
Passing touchdowns: Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs- 41
Rushing Yards: Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders- 1,653
Rushing touchdowns: Jamaal Williams, Detroit Lions-17
Recieving Yards: Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings- 1,809
Recieving touchdowns: Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders- 14
Field goals: Justin Tucker, Baltimore Ravens, 37
Longest field goal: Harrison Butker, Kansas City Chiefs, 62 yards, Week 6
Interceptions: Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles; Tariq Woolen, Seattle Seahawks; Justin Simmons, Denver Broncos; Minkah Fitzpatrick, Pittsburgh Steelers- 6
Sacks: Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers- 18.5
NHL Standings (through 1/13)
Eastern Conference
| Atlantic Division | G | W | L | OTL | Points |
| Boston Bruins | 41 | 32 | 5 | 4 | 68 |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | 43 | 26 | 10 | 7 | 59 |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | 40 | 26 | 13 | 1 | 53 |
| Detroit Red Wings | 40 | 18 | 15 | 7 | 43 |
| Buffalo Sabres | 40 | 20 | 18 | 2 | 42 |
| Florida Panthers | 43 | 19 | 20 | 4 | 42 |
| Ottawa Senators | 41 | 19 | 19 | 3 | 41 |
| Montreal Canadiens | 42 | 17 | 22 | 3 | 37 |
| Metropolitan Division | G | W | L | OTL | Points |
| Carolina Hurricanes | 42 | 26 | 9 | 7 | 59 |
| New Jersey Devils | 42 | 27 | 12 | 3 | 57 |
| New York Rangers | 43 | 24 | 12 | 7 | 55 |
| Washington Capitals | 44 | 23 | 15 | 6 | 52 |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | 41 | 21 | 14 | 6 | 48 |
| New York Islanders | 43 | 22 | 18 | 3 | 47 |
| Philadelphia Flyers | 42 | 17 | 18 | 7 | 41 |
| Columbus Blue Jackets | 41 | 12 | 27 | 2 | 26 |
Western Conference
| Central Division | G | W | L | OTL | Points |
| Dallas Stars | 43 | 25 | 11 | 7 | 57 |
| Winnipeg Jets | 43 | 28 | 14 | 1 | 57 |
| Minnesota Wild | 41 | 23 | 14 | 4 | 50 |
| St. Louis Blues | 43 | 21 | 19 | 3 | 45 |
| Nashville Predators | 41 | 19 | 16 | 6 | 44 |
| Colorado Avalanche | 40 | 20 | 17 | 3 | 43 |
| Arizona Coyotes | 41 | 13 | 23 | 5 | 31 |
| Chicago Blackhawks | 40 | 11 | 25 | 4 | 26 |
| Pacific Division | G | W | L | OTL | Points |
| Vegas Golden Knights | 43 | 28 | 13 | 2 | 58 |
| Los Angeles Kings | 45 | 25 | 14 | 6 | 56 |
| Seattle Kraken | 41 | 25 | 12 | 4 | 54 |
| Calgary Flames | 43 | 20 | 14 | 9 | 49 |
| Edmonton Oilers | 44 | 23 | 18 | 3 | 49 |
| Vancouver Canucks | 41 | 17 | 21 | 3 | 37 |
| San Jose Sharks | 44 | 13 | 23 | 8 | 34 |
| Anaheim Ducks | 43 | 12 | 27 | 4 | 28 |
NHL Stats Leaders (through 12/31)
Goals: Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers- 37
Assists: Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers- 45
Points: Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers- 82
Penalty Minutes: Arber Xhekaj, Montreal Canadiens- 72
Goaltending Wins: Linus Ullmark, Boston Bruins- 22
Goals Against Average: Linus Ullmark, Boston Bruins, 1.88
Save Percentage: Linus Ullmark, Boston Bruins, .938
NBA Standings (through 1/14)
| Eastern Conference | W | L | GB |
| Boston Celtics | 31 | 12 | |
| Brooklyn Nets | 27 | 14 | 3 |
| Milwaukee Bucks | 27 | 14 | 3 |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | 27 | 16 | 4 |
| Philadelphia 76ers | 25 | 16 | 5 |
| New York Knicks | 24 | 19 | 7 |
| Indiana Pacers | 23 | 20 | 8 |
| Miami Heat | 22 | 20 | 8.5 |
| Atlanta Hawks | 20 | 22 | 10.5 |
| Toronto Raptors | 19 | 23 | 11.5 |
| Chicago Bulls | 19 | 24 | 12 |
| Washington Wizards | 18 | 25 | 13 |
| Orlando Magic | 16 | 27 | 15 |
| Detroit Pistons | 12 | 34 | 20.5 |
| Charlotte Hornets | 11 | 32 | 20 |
| Western Conference | W | L | GB |
| Denver Nuggets | 29 | 13 | |
| Memphis Grizzlies | 28 | 13 | 0.5 |
| New Orleans Pelicans | 26 | 17 | 3.5 |
| Sacramento Kings | 23 | 18 | 5.5 |
| Dallas Mavericks | 24 | 19 | 5.5 |
| Golden State Warriors | 21 | 21 | 8 |
| Los Angeles Clippers | 22 | 22 | 8 |
| Utah Jazz | 22 | 23 | 8.5 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | 21 | 22 | 8.5 |
| Phoenix Suns | 21 | 23 | 9 |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | 20 | 23 | 9.5 |
| Portland Trail Blazers | 19 | 22 | 9.5 |
| Los Angeles Lakers | 19 | 23 | 10 |
| San Antonio Spurs | 13 | 30 | 16.5 |
| Houston Rockets | 10 | 32 | 19 |
NBA Stats Leaders (through 1/14)
Points Per Game: Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks- 34.3
Assists Per Game: Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers- 10.2
Rebounds Per Game: Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings- 12.5
Steals Per Game: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors- 2.3
Blocks Per Game: Nicolas Claxton, Brooklyn Nets-2.6
3-pointers made: Buddy Hield, Indiana Pacers- 170
3-point percentage: Damion Lee, Phoenix Suns- 48.5%