Predicting the Playoffs

Playoffs? Playoffs?!

Wooh. What a regular season it has been. From upset, after upset, it is almost certain this regular season will be looked back as the season in which parity triumphed over the long-standing predictability that the NFL has seen.

This season may have seen arguably the greatest upset in NFL history, as the lowly Jacksonville Jaguars beat the much superior Buffalo Bills in a perplexed Orchard Park, while being 16 point underdogs.

This season also saw numerous records being broken, such as Baltimore Ravens' kicker Justin Tucker nailing a 66-yard field goal attempt to clinch the game from the Dan Campbell led-Lions, which, as of 16.01.22, is the longest successful field goal attempt in the 102 year history of the NFL, Tampa Bay Buccaneers' QB Tom Brady throwing for 471 completions, most in one season, and many more records being broken this regular season.

However, following loads of Week 18 drama, the playoffs have finally come around. So, without further ado, let's jump right into my predictions for the 2022 NFL Playoffs.

(right after I include this meme)

Wildcard

Las Vegas Raiders (5) @ Cincinnati Bengals (4)

If I was told that the Raiders and Bengals would meet in the postseason before the season had begun, I most probably would have laughed in your face.

However, the Bengals look like a legit team. The gamble to take Ja'Marr Chase over Penei Sewell had paid off, Joe Burrow is a top-5 QB in the league right now, the defense is a top-10 unit and Zac Taylor looks like a genius coach. Not only did they win the AFC North, they did it convincingly. This teams really does look like it can turn the direction of this franchise around. Something special in Cincinnati is brewing.

However, the same cannot be said for the Raiders. This team has been through hell and then some. What began as a hot start for the Raiders, with Derek Carr playing at an MVP level, quickly descended into chaos with longtime head coach Jon Gruden resigning amid findings of racist, homophobic and misogynistic e-mails being sent by him. A few weeks later, 2020 first round pick and star WR Henry Ruggs III was arrested and subsequently released by the franchise as he was involved in a fatal car crash, killing a woman and her dog, as a result of DUI. Their second 2020 first round pick, Damon Arnette was cut, following video surfacing of the CB making death threats and brandishing firearms. Finally, in Week 17, after an upset win over the Indianapolis Colts, CB Nate Hobbs was arrested for DUI.

Wikipedia also includes the Raiders' season as a season "plagued by internal conflict."

The team, however, rallied under interim coach Rich Bisaccia, scraping out win after win, to find themselves in the playoffs against all odds.

My prediction: The Raiders stumbled into the playoffs, and are clearly in terrible shape, unlike the upstart Bengals, who have the clear upper hand. Bengals W.

New England Patriots (6) @ Buffalo Bills (3)

Although the Bills did secure the 3 seed in the AFC, it hard not to view this season as a disappointment for the team. As mentioned earlier, they suffered a historic loss to the Jaguars. What's more, QB Josh Allen and WR Stefon Diggs both have not satisfied the hype surrounding the duo heading into this season, and have clearly regressed from the highs of last season. However, the Bills caught fire at the right time, riding a 4 game win streak, one of those wins being against the Patriots.

Speaking of the Pats, it definitely seems as if the "Evil Empire" has risen from the ashes. Yes, they have slowed down significantly over the past few weeks, however you cannot deny the bright future that is in store for these Patriots. Mac Jones looks like a franchise QB, the defense is its usual dominant self, Hunter Henry has resurrected his career in New England. Now all that is left, in my opinion, is a good WR.

My prediction: As mentioned, the Bills are one of the hottest teams right now, and the Pats' hype train seems to be slowing down, which is why I am picking a Bills victory. However, do not be surprised if the Pats win by Jones throwing the ball once. Bills W.

Philadelphia Eagles (7) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2)

It has to be said that much like the Bills, the defending champion Bucs have not looked their dominant self this season. This can be partly owed to injuries, however. After a disappointing season last year, TE Rob Gronkowski seems to getting back to his Patriot self now. As if that was not nostalgic enough, Tom Brady is having a monster year this time around, breaking the record for most completions in NFL history, while he was at it (the man is 44, he truly is inevitable.) I would not look too much into the Bucs' small Superbowl hangover, however, as one should remember that the Bucs also caught fire in the playoffs last season.

The Eagles, who faded into irrelevancy last season, have found new life under new HC Nick Sirianni, who looks to be the real deal. Sirianni has found a way to utilize QB Jalen Hurts' running abilities, as well as their RB depth to good use, being one of the best rushing teams this season.

My prediction: Two words: Tom. Brady. Bucs W.

San Francisco 49ers (6) @ Dallas Cowboys (3)

The Cowboys are a complicated team. They got off to a hot start, starting 6-1. There was nothing to feel nervous about for this team. The offense returned to its impeccable form, the D was hands down the best unit, Trevon Diggs in particular was the MVP of the league up till this point. However, the wheels soon started falling off. The offense slowed down, RB Ezekiel Elliot was a non-factor in games, QB Dak Prescott's productivity declines and Diggs' aggressive style of play started caching up with him. However, The Boys clinched the NFC East, and are still not a force to be toyed with. They may have peaked, but their decline is much better than the level of a lot of teams.

The jury is still out on the 49ers. QB Jimmy Garoppolo is an obvious weak link, but is still the QB that took them to the Superbowl in 2020. However, WR/RB Deebo Samuel is playing out of his mind right now and got himself an All-Pro selection as a WR. The Niners have looked better down the stretch, despite a slow start and it really is fascinating trying to imagine this team under the hands of future QB Trey Lance, who has shown promise in his few starts. I really have nothing to say about the Niners' season, if I am being honest.

My prediction: The Cowboys outclass the Niners in almost every category. However, I can definitely see HC Mike McCarthy shooting himself in the foot by outcoaching himself. However, my gut tells me that the pure quality of the Cowboys should help them advance to the divisional round. Cowboys W.

Pittsburgh Steelers (7) @ Kansas City Chiefs (2)

I cannot help but laugh at how there was a point on the regular season, where many (including me) predicted that the Chiefs would miss the playoffs entirely. QB Patrick Mahomes had been figured out (I did not agree with his, however), and was now a liability rather than the asset he once was. However, following a Week 7 loss to the Titans, the Chiefs remembered how to Chief, and were the hottest team in the NFL, winning their next 8 games, until the aforementioned Bengals upset the Chiefs in a thriller in Week 17, which ultimately cost the Chiefs the 1 seed in the AFC. However, Chiefs fans do not need to worry, as the Chiefs are still the hottest team in the NFL, and are in the mix for a Superbowl. Oh yeah, their defense which was historically bad at the season now are playing out of their minds.

The Steelers, however, may be the worst team to make it into the playoffs, yes worse than the Raiders. Following the Jaguars upsetting the mighty Indianapolis Colts, and Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers avoiding a tie (only by a hair), the Steelers found themselves in the playoffs. If you are a fan of the Steelers, I would not have the highest of hopes, as even QB Ben Roethlisberger said that they do not have a chance against the Chiefs, while talking about how the QB relishes the underdog status. While on the topic of Big Ben, I wish could say he is going out with a bang, but I am afraid not. Roethlisberger has put up the worst season of his legendary career, with many suspecting the Steelers will find a replacement in the 2022 draft.

My prediction: The Chiefs are the hottest team in the NFL right now, period. I just cannot see the Steelers pulling this one out of the bag, with a washed up QB, who is most probably going to retire after this season. Chiefs W.

Arizona Cardinals (5) @ Los Angeles Rams (4)

The Rams were my pick to represent the NFC in the Superbowl in the preseason. They had got rid of QB Jared Goff, who held the team back, trading for star QB Matthew Stafford. There was nothing to hate about this team - they had the league's best defense, the offense was already cooking with fire under Goff, who knew what heights this team could achieve with Stafford at the helm? Fast forward to now, and it is safe to say the Rams have underwhelmed. The defense has taken a step back, while Stafford, who to his credit has played like an MVP at times, has pushed the Rams into a ditch multiple times, with his risky play. However, the Rams still won the NFC West, football's toughest division. The Rams do have the star talent, headlined by MVP candidate Cooper Kupp (he is a WR, for crying out loud!) It is just a matter of it clicking for the Rams in the the postseason.

The Cardinals did get off to a hot start, being the last team to remain unbeaten in the NFL until Week 8, when the Green Bay Packers defeated the Cards on a late interception. Since then, it has been topsy-turvy, to say the least. One week the Cardinals would lose to the lowly Detroit Lions, however would beat the Cowboys the very next week. At one point, the Cards had dropped 3 straight, leading to many believing the collapse would cost them a playoff berth. QB Kyler Murray, on his day is an MVP candidate, however, will not have star WR DeAndre Hopkins for the game, as he is still recovering from a torn MCL.

My prediction: The Cardinals have limped into the playoffs, cooling down after their hot start. However, the Rams have not justified their position as the NFL's elite, and are very much prone to an upset. Nonetheless, I will be picking the Rams to triumph, simply because of their star power, and the Cards' inexperience on the big stage. Rams W

Divisional Round

Los Angeles Rams (4) @ Green Bay Packers (1)

Following the Rams' defeat of the Cardinals, they now gear up to face the Green Bay Packers in the snowy tundra. This is without doubt the biggest game of Stafford's career.

In the preseason, it definitely was not looking up for the Packers. Both WR Davante Adams and QB Aaron Rodgers had demanded trades from the organization, and at one point it looked like the Packers would have to field practice squad QB Blake Bortles as their starter for the season. However, the front office convinced both Adams and Rodgers to represent the Packers as a last dance. Apart from the New Orleans Saints drubbing the Cheeseheads in Week 1, the Packers have been on a league of their own this season, with Rodgers most likely being awarded his second straight MVP. The defense, which let the Packers down in crucial moments last season, has been a top-10 unit this season.

My prediction: The Packers are the only team I feel confident predicting as Superbowl winners. There seems to be no flaws in this team, unlike the Rams, who, as I have mentioned, have not justified their position as one of the NFL's elite teams. Furthermore, the bye week gives Rodgers further time to heal his injured toe Packers W.

Dallas Cowboys (3) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2)

After the Cowboys bested their fierce rivals, they now face a stern test in the Bucs. This was the first game of the 2021 NFL season, with the Bucs scoring the game-winning FG as the clock expired.

My prediction: This time around, I expect a game of similar thrill. The Bucs are ravaged by injuries, however Cowboys are cooling down at alarming rate, which I feel would make it an uphill battle for the Cowboys, as they are facing Brady. Bucs W.

Cincinnati Bengals (4) @ Tennessee Titans (1)

The Titans may just be the worst 1 seed the NFL has seen in a while. However, there is no denying the talent they have. RB Derrick Henry was playing like a madman until he injured himself, but will now be back in time for the playoffs. QB Ryan Tannehill plays his when he is around the Alabama product, and the defense has shown strides of improvement over the past few weeks.

My prediction: Although the Bengals would have won their first playoff game since 1991, the longest drought across the NFL, MLB, NHL and NBA, I feel their inexperience would catch up with them against the Titans, who have had plenty of playoff experience over the past few years. Titans W.

Buffalo Bills (3) @ Kansas City Chiefs (2)

The last time these two teams played each other, in Week 5, the Bills took the spoils. However, much has changed since then. The Bills' started being exposed, while the Chiefs found their best form of the Mahomes era.

My prediction: This game is a rematch of the AFC Championship from last season. Like last season, I expect the Chiefs to come out victorious, as they are the much hotter team, and have showed that they can beat top teams comfortably, unlike the Bills, who have not had the same dominance when playing the elite teams. Chiefs W.

Conference Championship

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2) @ Green Bay Packers (1)

A matchup of last year's NFC Championship, played in the exact same stadium, Lambeau Field, Rodgers will be hoping to avenge last year's loss to his long-standing rival, Brady.

In last year's edition, the Packers' D let their historically good offense down big time. However, their defense has taken huge strides forward since then, with the unit being top-10 in the league. Injuries have also crumpled the Bucs, with players such as WR Chris Godwin and RB Ronald Jones being just some of the names on the Bucs' depth chart who are injured.

My prediction: Like the last edition of this game, the Packers ride into the match being the superior team. However, unlike last year, this is a more compete roster, which benefits from the injury crisis the Bucs are going through. Packers W.

Kansas City Chiefs (2) @ Tennessee Titans (1)

The Titans now host the Chiefs in an attempt to reach their first Superbowl since the 1999 season.

Patrick Mahomes is cooking, sure, but it will be interesting to see if Henry can carry the Titans to a dub.

Expect this game to be a shootout, as the Chiefs' defense has been beating up on struggling teams like the Raiders, while the Titans' defense leaves plenty to be desired.

My prediction: A rematch of the AFC Championship from the 2019 season, I expect the Chiefs to defeat the Titans again at Nissan Stadium. I feel the Chiefs D edges out the Titans', while the Chiefs' offense is exponentially better than the Titans' offense, who have been carried by monster performances by Henry when he was healthy.

Superbowl

Kansas City Chiefs vs Green Bay Packers

The Chiefs and Packers met in Week 9 of this season, with the Chiefs taking the spoils in a low-scoring battle. However, it should be noted that Rodgers was not under center for the Packers, following being in close contact with a COVID-19 patient, yet the Chiefs could only pip the Packers, after some Mahomes magic.

This is also Mahomes and Co's third consecutive Superbowl, a feat only bested by the Bills of the 90's, who made four straight trips to the big games, losing all of them.

With the rematch in Los Angeles, expect a fully healthy Packers squad to pose a real threat to the rejuvenated Chiefs.

My prediction: Much like with the first ever Superbowl in 1967, I will place my money on the Green Bay Packers to defeat the Chiefs. This is because while both teams have an equally potent offense, the Packers have a comfortably better defense than the Chiefs. With this, Rodgers gets his second ring, while the Packers would be joint-second for most Superbowl wins, along with the Cowboys and 49ers.

As a Packer fan, I do not want to get my hopes up too high. However, if this is indeed the final outcome, one cannot help but wonder about the repercussions. Do Rodgers and Adams remain in the Snowy Tundra? There have already been rumors regarding the matter, and it definitely is good news if you are a Packers fan. Also, how does this impact the future of QB Jordan Love? Does he get traded? Do they wait for another year, as they did with Rodgers under the Brett Favre era? One can only speculate.

Until then, all we, as fans, can do is kick back, and enjoy the playoffs.

Sources: Sporting News, Sports Illustrated, Detroit Free Press, Wikipedia, Getty Images.