The NFL playoff race is heating up, and with two weeks left within the common season, there are nonetheless many groups preventing for place within the playoffs. In fact the groups like Kansas Metropolis and San Francisco have clinched already, however the battles for the ultimate spots are going to be enjoyable to see, with most groups enjoying division rivals within the subsequent couple of weeks.
Logically, there are groups we expect will make the playoffs simply based mostly on math and the way a lot they should really clinch a playoff berth. Nevertheless, at SB Nation we like enjoyable, and utilizing FiveThirtyEight’s playoff predictor, we’re going to rank the groups which are nonetheless preventing for a playoff berth by how a lot enjoyable they’d be within the playoffs, in every convention.
2022 AFC Playoff image
7. Tennessee Titans
Ryan Tannehill could be out for the remainder of the season. The Titans’ offensive line is drastically injured and may’t get push. The protection is lacking key gamers. The Titans’ title window is closing quick and this yr could be the tip of it. Please don’t put this staff within the playoffs.
6. New England Patriots
Look, I really like their protection. However geez that offense is ROUGH. Nothing ever seems prefer it is smart, and Mac Jones has spent extra time yelling at others than anything this season. Making the playoffs would possibly really be detrimental to the long run well being of the Patriots franchise, as a result of then they’ll persuade themselves that Matt Patricia is definitely good as an OC. Assist us assist you, New England. We wish you to be higher.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers
Their protection is cool, and should you let guys like Cam Heyward, TJ Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick into the playoffs they’ll trigger issues for any opposing offense. Nevertheless, a Matt Canada offense is an affront to God, and their offense goes by means of lulls the place they appear like a neighborhood varsity soccer staff. Yuck.
4. Las Vegas Raiders
Sure, I do know the Raiders simply misplaced to the Steelers on Saturday night time. I additionally know that they’re a Josh McDaniels coached operation with no thought who they’re or what they wish to be defensively. Nevertheless, when you will have Davante Adams, Josh Jacobs, Darren Waller and Hunter Renfrow all wholesome on offense, it makes it a enjoyable watch. Plus, Maxx Crosby is having the very best season of his profession. McDaniels takes this staff down lots, although.
3. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins could possibly be anyplace between 3 or 1, actually. This rating could be very contingent on the well being of QB Tua Tagovailoa. The Dolphins’ sign caller suffered one other concussion on Sunday and is in concussion protocol. It’s unclear whether or not he’ll play in both of the final two video games, but when Tua isn’t wholesome, this Dolphins staff is just not enjoyable to look at. The protection doesn’t carry out relative to the expertise on the roster, and the offense’s rhythm takes a dip when Tua doesn’t play.
If he does, then Miami has the offense to make issues enjoyable within the AFC.
2. New York Jets
The Jets beginning QB being wholesome places them over the Dolphins for now. Mike White is again within the saddle, and whereas he’s restricted, he’s an grownup who is aware of methods to run an offense and may function beneath strain. White has proven a great rapport with WRs Garrett Wilson and Elijah Moore, and so they could possibly be enjoyable within the playoffs.
Nevertheless, that is in regards to the protection. The Jets protection is among the many hardest within the NFL, with the aggression they play with in any respect ranges mixed with the play of their younger guys. DT Quinnen Williams is a star, CB Sauce Gardner is among the many leagues’ greatest and so they can shut down any offense in the event that they get the chance.
1.Jacksonville Jaguars
Trevor. Lawrence.
Of the groups on this listing, the Jaguars have the very best QB of the bunch and are getting the very best play of his profession at the very best time of his profession. He’s tenth in EPA per play this season, and has solely thrown one interception over the Jaguars win streak. Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson has additionally given the Jaguars offense rhyme and motive, and with that execution has gotten the very best out of gamers like Evan Engram and Zay Jones.
The Jaguars can be enjoyable and harmful within the playoffs, and the league ought to need them in.
2022 NFC Playoff image
8. New Orleans Saints
Yeah…yeah no.
7. Washington Commanders
Taylor Heinecke performs QB like how I might play QB after I was 12, and I imply that as a praise. His fearlessness throwing the ball downfield is enjoyable to look at, and it’s clear that Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson are each higher with Heinecke throwing them the ball.
Too dangerous, you get Carson Wentz.
6. Inexperienced Bay Packers
Regardless of beating Miami on Christmas Day, I’m nonetheless not bought on the Packers as a playoff risk. The offense nonetheless looks as if it’s lurching forward slowly as an alternative of attacking (save for 2 wonderful Aaron Rodgers passes), and the protection is enjoyable at occasions however nonetheless struggles to defend the run. In fact, playoff Rodgers is terrifying, nevertheless it simply doesn’t really feel the identical this yr.
5. New York Giants
Saquon Barkley is the main receiver for the Giants, but they’re near clinching a playoff berth. Brian Daboll has the Giants offense working rather well regardless of not having a viable risk at vast receiver, and New York’s line of defense can actually make issues enjoyable. Nevertheless, their lack of receiving depth simply makes the offense not enjoyable in any respect on events, and is a simple goal for reverse groups.
I simply wanna see what bizarre stuff Daboll attracts up given the time and the stakes of a playoff sport.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Playoff Brady is all the time enjoyable to look at, and the protection can nonetheless trigger havoc for opposing offenses…that’s about it.
I wish to be greater on this Bucs staff I actually do. However the quantity of video games they’ve misplaced or come near shedding on account of poor administration and playcalling by teaching is holding me again. The Bucs ought to be higher, they need to be the primary staff up that I wish to see in a playoff surroundings.
They simply aren’t although.
3. Carolina Panthers
I’m being one hundred pc critical after I say I’d quite see the Panthers within the playoffs than the Bucs or Packers. The offense has discovered what works for them, and the protection can also be enjoying very effectively. It’s clear to see that Steve Wilks has gained this locker room and so they’re enjoying with nothing to lose.
Give me that vitality within the playoffs.
2. Seattle Seahawks
PLAYOFF GENO, BABY.
Whereas Geno Smith’s effectivity has dropped off since his sizzling begin to the season, there’s quite a lot of perception in Smith and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron to get the offense rotated. The well being of RB Kenneth Walker can even play a big function of their playoff run and the way enjoyable they’ll be, however I need Geno Smith within the playoffs.
1. Detroit Lions
The Folks’s Favourite NFL staff as soon as once more takes the highest spot, and primarily as a result of that offense is extraordinarily enjoyable and may create seems for themselves out of any personnel grouping or formation. OC Ben Johnson has gotten the very best out of Jared Goff and is getting him to play much more aggressively than he ever has in his profession. Amon-Ra St. Brown is a budding celebrity, and with that offensive line they will create something they need.
Now, about that protection…
