Eight teams remain in the running for the NFL’s ultimate prize. Of the remaining teams, one (New England) is the defending Super Bowl champion, two (Pittsburgh and New Orleans) have won the coveted trophy once each in the last 10 years … and the other five have never won it.
But that’s ancient history. How do the teams stack up as we hit the divisional round of the NFL playoffs? Our expert panel has the answers.
This week, the panel includes editor Geoff Lowe, as well as staff writers Donnovan Bennett and Mike Johnston
1. New England Patriots
2017 record: 13-3
Wild-card round: Bye
Bill Belichick would never admit to this, but the Patriots will be thrilled with a matchup against the Titans rather than a Chiefs team with the recipe to beat New England at home.
The Patriots own a 6-1 record against Tennessee in the Brady-Belichick era (currently riding a six-game winning streak), and have won the last two at Gillette Stadium by a combined score of 92–16. (GL)
2. Minnesota Vikings
2017 record: 13-3
Wild-card round: Bye
The Vikings and Saints are in vastly different positions than they were when Minnesota won a matchup between the two in Week 1. The fact the Vikings have come this far with a backup running back and a third-string QB is the most unlikely storyline this year. Minnesota’s depth is why they might be the first team to play at home in the Super Bowl. (DB)
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3. Pittsburgh Steelers
2017 record: 13-3
Wild-card round: Bye
After going back to Miami to train with Chad Johnson, Antonio Brown is back practising and has declared himself 100 per cent healthy. Brown’s return is good news for Ben Roethlisberger, who has been vocal about wanting another shot at the Jaguars after turning the ball over five times against them in a Week 5 regular-season loss. Be careful what you wish for. (DB)
4. New Orleans Saints
2017 record: 11-5
Wild-card round: 31–26 victory over Carolina
Drew Brees set an NFL record this regular season for highest pass completion percentage and his efficiency was on display in the wild-card round. If a team limits the backfield duo of Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara like the Panthers did, Brees will carve you up. Also, people are finally starting to appreciate just how good Michael Thomas is. (MJ)
5. Atlanta Falcons
2017 record: 10-6
Wild-card round: 26–13 victory over L.A. Rams
It has been an up-and-down season for the Falcons, but everything seems to be coming together at an opportune time. The offence can be as potent as any in the NFL when it’s clicking, the special teams were terrific against the Rams, and Deion Jones, the best Flacons linebacker since Keith Brooking, is leading by example on an Atlanta defence that’s flying right now. (MJ)
6. Philadelphia Eagles
2017 record: 13-3
Wild-card round: Bye
The Wentz-less No. 1–seeded Eagles will enter Saturday’s home playoff game as underdogs after Atlanta’s impressive victory over the high-flying Rams.
And though the Falcons look like a team poised to make a run, there is reason to think the Eagles can pull off the upset. Philadelphia is surrendering just nine points a game at home over the last five contests, boast the league’s best run defence and an elite front-seven.
If the Eagles can stop the Falcons’ run game and get after Matt Ryan, 20 points from Nick Foles and company could be enough to win. (GL)
7. Jacksonville Jaguars
2017 record: 10-6
Wild-card round: 10–3 victory over Buffalo
The Jaguars moved on thanks to one of the ugliest playoff victories in recent memory, compiling just 230 yards against the Bills (only 75 of that through the air), stats that don’t bode well against the Steelers defence that ranks No. 5 in points allowed this season.
But Jacksonville does have an advantage: Doug Marrone’s team clobbered the Steelers 30-9 in Pittsburgh earlier this season in a game where Ben Roethlisberger threw a career-high five picks.
Will the Jags be able to replicate that Week 5 result or fall victim to the revenge game? (GL)
8. Tennessee Titans
2017 record: 9-7
Wild-card round: 22–21 victory over Kansas City
The Titans benefitted from some questionable officiating and a miracle Mariota-to-Mariota touchdown to fell the Chiefs and save Mike Mularkey’s job.
Will the magic continue against the Patriots? (MJ)
