by Tyler Thompson
With only a few weeks left in the 2021 NFL regular season, one would expect that the NFL playoffs and Super Bowl contenders would start to take shape. This year, however, this does not seem to be the case. Currently, the AFC is a toss-up. There is a 3-way tie for first place between the 9-5 Chiefs, Titans, and Patriots (Patriots win the tiebreaker for the 1 seed). The NFC is no different. There is a 3-way tie between the 10-3 Packers, Buccaneers, and Cardinals. Also in the AFC, 14 teams still have a reasonable chance to make the playoffs. On the NFC scene, in a situation that we have seen before, the Washington Football Team (WFT) is currently in the playoff picture with a losing record. The entire NFL is up for grabs. What will happen?
My prediction is that the Patriots will go on to win the 1 seed in the AFC. The Patriots are a hard team to bet against, and they are well-coached and very talented. The next six seeds in the AFC are a toss-up. I can see both the Chargers and the Chiefs making it and either team becoming the division winner. I think both will finish with a similar record, both winning out. Then, I believe it is clear that the Ravens will win the North. Even with questions around Jackson’s injury along with the other 100 injuries the Ravens have, they will still find a way. Also in the North, the Bengals should be able to sneak in as a wild card team. Burrow is an excellent player and can lead them to the playoffs. The Titans are also in a good position to win the South with the Colts following them in a wild card spot. The final spot will be the Bills. They have been inconsistent, but they will likely finish strong.
In the NFC, I am confident that the Packers will take the 1 seed. Aaron Rodgers is the MVP frontrunner, and the Packers have so much talent. Following the Packers, I think the division winners will be the Rams, Buccaneers, and Cowboys. Each of these teams has it figured out. I picked the Rams over the Cardinals because the Rams have solved their issues and are probably going to win out. Also, I can see the Cardinals dropping one or even two games, though they will still make it as a wild card. The next two wild cards are not as easy. The 49ers should be able to finish strong and make it in. The last seed is a complete toss-up at the moment. In fact, just last week, the one-win Lions still had a chance. Unfortunately, that dream is now dead (I know practically everyone was rooting for them). Now, there are five 6-7 teams that can make it. Who will it be? My guess: The Atlanta Falcons. The Atlanta Falcons have what it takes talent-wise to make the playoffs. They just need to put everything together, which I am confident they can do.
Once the playoffs start, I think the AFC will remain a complete toss-up. The teams I can see going all the way and winning are the Chiefs, Ravens, and Patriots. I know no one wants to hear it, but I think the Patriots will make it into the Super Bowl.
Now, in terms the NFC… it will no doubt be either the Packers or Rams that make it. Seeing how the Packers often forget how to play football in the NFC Championship, my pick is the Rams. They have all the talent they need. So, the Super Bowl matchup would be the Rams vs. the Patriots. This pick for the winner seems easy to me. After seeing the Rams run defense, I do not think the Patriots could rely on their run game. They would have to put the Super Bowl in the hands of Mac Jones and, in my opinion, he is not ready for that spotlight. He is only a rookie, after all. I could see Mac dominating in a Super Bowl one day, but this season? No way.
So, your 2022 Super Bowl Champions would be the Los Angeles Rams.
Comments