The regular season is wrapping up, and the playoffs are
around the corner. Here are my predictions about what four teams will be
playing in the Conference Championship games this year.
Seattle Seahawks:
The Seahawks have returned to championship form after
struggling a bit at the beginning of the season. Although they do not blow
anyone out, they win through defense and ball control. Their 272.4 ypg allowed
is first in the NFL, and their 17 ppg allowed is second. There is no other team
in the league who is more complete on defense. They have a physical front
seven, and a long secondary. The offense is not stellar, but it is good enough
for the way the team is built. Their 361.6 ypg and 24.2 ppg are both eleventh
in the league. As long as Russell Wilson can keep handing the ball off to
Marshawn Lynch and Robert Turbin, they get the job done.
Their league leading 168.8 rushing ypg is over 20 more than the second-place Jets (147.1). This is the same formula they had last year, a season that ended with a Super Bowl victory. They do not seem as invincible as they were last year, but I still believe they will win the NFC. Green Bay and Dallas are their biggest threats, and Seattle would beat both of them head-to-head.
Their league leading 168.8 rushing ypg is over 20 more than the second-place Jets (147.1). This is the same formula they had last year, a season that ended with a Super Bowl victory. They do not seem as invincible as they were last year, but I still believe they will win the NFC. Green Bay and Dallas are their biggest threats, and Seattle would beat both of them head-to-head.
Dallas Cowboys:
The Dallas Cowboys have looked better than they have in
years, and much of it is due to the running game. They average 146.6 rushing
ypg, third in the league. They average 377.7 ypg (9th) and 27.2 ppg
(7th). They put great emphasis on improving the offensive line over
the last few years, and it is paying dividends now. QB Tony Romo is having one
of his best years, much of which is due to this newfound balance. His 69.3
completion percentage is the second best of his career, and only the third time
he cracked 66 percent.
They had talent all along, and it is now coming together. WR Dez Bryant and TE Jason Witten have been the focal point of this team for a while. Their jobs are easier now that the running game has come along. Their defense has been mediocre as usual. They have allowed 359.9 ypg (22nd) and 23.4 ppg (19th). Regardless, the offense might be good enough to overcome this. They are the best matchup for Seattle, because their offense can compete with the Seahawk defense.
They had talent all along, and it is now coming together. WR Dez Bryant and TE Jason Witten have been the focal point of this team for a while. Their jobs are easier now that the running game has come along. Their defense has been mediocre as usual. They have allowed 359.9 ypg (22nd) and 23.4 ppg (19th). Regardless, the offense might be good enough to overcome this. They are the best matchup for Seattle, because their offense can compete with the Seahawk defense.
Indianapolis Colts:
Andrew Luck was one of the most anticipated quarterback
prospects ever when he was drafted in 2012, and he has lived up to all
expectations. He leads the league in passing yards (4492) and touchdowns (38).
His intelligence and physical versatility makes him able to always make proper
adjustments, and to make correct reads. The Colts’ 421.4 total ypg is third in
the NFL. Although the running game is not great, Luck is smart enough to call
runs at the right time.
They have a lethal WR tandem, featuring the up comer T.Y. Hilton and the veteran Reggie Wayne. Their defense has been decent, but that should still be enough in the AFC. Their 22.6 points allowed per game is sixteenth in the NFL, and their 351 yards allowed per game is fifteenth. Their defensive 3rd down percentage is tied for first in the league (33%). They will be forced to win high scoring games, which usually concerns me. This team, however, seems unafraid of any challengers. There are not any super teams in the league, and this one has the team of destiny feel more than anyone else.
They have a lethal WR tandem, featuring the up comer T.Y. Hilton and the veteran Reggie Wayne. Their defense has been decent, but that should still be enough in the AFC. Their 22.6 points allowed per game is sixteenth in the NFL, and their 351 yards allowed per game is fifteenth. Their defensive 3rd down percentage is tied for first in the league (33%). They will be forced to win high scoring games, which usually concerns me. This team, however, seems unafraid of any challengers. There are not any super teams in the league, and this one has the team of destiny feel more than anyone else.
Denver Broncos:
Peyton Manning is one of the best quarterbacks to ever play
the game, but his postseason struggles are too evident to ignore now. The
embarrassing performance in last year’s Super Bowl against Seattle was gut
wrenching, but it also forced the team to tweak its identity. Unsurprisingly,
Manning’s stats are stellar again. His 4143 yards and 37 touchdowns are both
second in the league, second to Andrew Luck.
The team is averaging 400.7 total ypg (4th) and 29.1 ppg (1st). The defense is much improved, and much more physical. Last year, the Broncos were 22nd in ppg allowed, and 19th in yards allowed. This year they have allowed 309.4 ypg (4th), 21.6 ppg (16th). They will be back in the AFC title game, because I think New England will fall short again.
Photos from bleacherreport.com
The team is averaging 400.7 total ypg (4th) and 29.1 ppg (1st). The defense is much improved, and much more physical. Last year, the Broncos were 22nd in ppg allowed, and 19th in yards allowed. This year they have allowed 309.4 ypg (4th), 21.6 ppg (16th). They will be back in the AFC title game, because I think New England will fall short again.
Photos from bleacherreport.com
No comments:
Post a Comment