What's everyones thoughts on the playoffs?

[litespeedhuskerfan]

I think K.C. has a better chance than most are giving them. RB position not withstanding, they might be the healthiest team in the AFC with a defense as good as anybody and a great coach. K.C. is my pick to represent the AFC, but if they don't get there then I am all in on Manning. Would love to see that dude ride off into the sunset with one more ring.

As far as the NFC, total crapshoot but I still think the Legion of Boom has at least one more run in them and I still don't take Carolina seriously. I think it will be K.C. vs. Seattle for all the marbles.

I don't get all the love for the Steelers, what am I missing? Pats just can't keep doing it with a bunch of nobodies can they? Not sure what to make of 'Zona.

 

[Tulsa Tom]

I know the saying is defense wins championships but in the NFL I think you have to look at the qbs. Some of the greatest have struggled down the stretch but I would bet that one of the following qbs will win it all: Brady, Roethlesberger, Wilson, or Rogers. (Sorry Peyton still has zero zip on the ball. He's done.) If I was forced to bet today, I don't know if I could bet against Brady.

 

[litespeedhuskerfan]

Yeah I ain't laying any money on Peyton, just rooting for him if K.C. can't get it done. I think he has just enough zip left, what I worry about is his pass protection. I know he can hand the ball off with the best of them, but he needs time more than any other QB in the playoffs, and I am not sure they can give it to him.

 

[leodisflowers]

Texans are going to take care of business on Saturday!!

 

[newAD]

Seattle made a statement yesterday.

Pat's OL better get healthy before a potential match up with Denver or Brady could leave the field in a body bag.

Packers look like crap right now.

 

[litespeedhuskerfan]

Seattle made a statement yesterday.

Pat's OL better get healthy before a potential match up with Denver or Brady could leave the field in a body bag.

Packers look like crap right now.

Has any team gone from hero to zero more than the Pack right now? Nobody is afraid of those guys right now.

 

[seattle-sker]

I think K.C. has a better chance than most are giving them. RB position not withstanding, they might be the healthiest team in the AFC with a defense as good as anybody and a great coach. K.C. is my pick to represent the AFC, but if they don't get there then I am all in on Manning. Would love to see that dude ride off into the sunset with one more ring.

As far as the NFC, total crapshoot but I still think the Legion of Boom has at least one more run in them and I still don't take Carolina seriously. I think it will be K.C. vs. Seattle for all the marbles.

I don't get all the love for the Steelers, what am I missing? Pats just can't keep doing it with a bunch of nobodies can they? Not sure what to make of 'Zona.

I like New England to come out of the AFC. You can never bet against Brady and the Pats.

The NFC is more interesting this year. Carolina is built for a championship. Solid QB, above average running game and stout, opportunistic defense. Who else does that sound like? Seahawks! They've been there 2 years in a row and I like our odds to do it again. The Cardinals and Hawks split the regular season but Seattle absolutely dominated them this week. Wilson is the hottest QB in the league over the past month and the D is playing great. Running back is my biggest concern but Pete always seems to be able to plug in anyone and have enough success to win.

I like a Seattle v New England Super Bowl with Seattle (slight homer pick ) avenging last years loss.

 

[newAD]

Has any team gone from hero to zero more than the Pack right now? Nobody is afraid of those guys right now.

Maybe IOWA!

 

[chicolby]

I thought the playoffs were OK. I think Stanford was one of the best four teams but ultimately they lost 2 games so I think the right four were in.

I like Clemson's chances to beat Bama.

 

[spinner4]

The AFC is going to be crazy. Texans & Bengals really have no shot. Pats are very unlikely unless Edelman comes back and sparks that offense. Also it will be cold no matter where they play, so a lot riding on a back, Steven Jackson who hasn't really played all year, and yes it's O-line is really in bad shape.

KC was my choice going into yesterday to win the AFC but the one team that I think would beat them is the Steelers, and the way the bracket ended up, I honestly think the AFC championship is KC vs Steelers. KC's secondary is pretty bad. Big Ben & Brown would light them up. The Black & Yellow could have an easy road to KC.

Denver - as long as it stays cold in Colorado, the Broncos are going to be difficult to beat. Great D and a solid running game. Anderson is a cold weather back. However, the issue is QB and how long will Manning dink and dunk before teams make him pay.

NFC- Card, Panthers, or Seahawks all have a great chance to play for the Super Bowl. SEA has no RB & the best thing SEA has going for it on offense is Doug Baldwin but Eventually some one will have to figure out how to shut him down in the slot.

Cards question mark is can they do it without the honey badger. Good news is their on the other side of the Seahawks & Panthers, so it'd be the NFC championship before they'd face either of those teams.

IMO its the Panthers year. They deserve it. Played great all year. Hate him or love him, but Cam is becoming a very good QB.

Redskins are a dark horse. I don't think many people notice the kind of ball WAS has played this last month especially Cousins and Reed. Is it a surprise that 3 best TE's in football this season ( Gronk, Olsen, & Reed) all made the playoffs?

Packers and Vikings- Does it even matter? Neither of them are good enough to make it. Also, something happened this season to Rodgers. You can blame the talent around him but he sucked this season. GB should have won last night but Rodgers missed a bunch of easy reads. That loss was on Rodgers & Bridgewater isn't there yet.

KC vs Panthers... The least sexy Super bowl of all time.

 

[spinner4]

Texans are going to take care of business on Saturday!!

Hopkins could have a monster game and KC's best thing going for them is their run D which is OK because HOU doesn't have a running game anyways. But I still don't see it.

 

[litespeedhuskerfan]

I don't despise to many people, but I despise Cam Newton and hope he loses on a interception he throws late, a really stupid one at that.

 

[HuskerO]

It helps KC that the AFC is down this year. If they were in the NFC it'd be much tougher to get past the 1st round.

 

[spinner4]

I don't despise to many people, but I despise Cam Newton and hope he loses on a interception he throws late, a really stupid one at that.

Why do you hate Cam? Why does so many people hate him? Because his father was a D-bag who stole? That wasn't Cam, he was just a kid that got used. Do you hate all of the charity work this guy does? Do you hate how he always finds a kid to give the ball to after a score and how he has the whole team doing this now.

I am starting to wonder if the hate for Cam is because of his race. Sure so many can tolerate Russell Wilson cause he is not "street" and is pretty well spoken where Cam is the opposite. I am not saying litespeedhuskerfan thinks this way but I wonder why so many hate Cam. He works his ass off and has improved as a QB every year. Also keep in mind, that offense has very little to work with. Teddy Ginn wouldn't be on many NFL rosters, but he's a starter in CAR.

 

[seattle-sker]

SEA has no RB & the best thing SEA has going for it on offense is Doug Baldwin but Eventually some one will have to figure out how to shut him down in the slot.

You are wrong about Baldwin being the best thing Seattle has on offense. The success they've been having on O is due to improved line play and much improved play by Wilson. Baldwin has been the benefactor of that improved play, coupled with more targets due to the injury to Graham. Lockett and Kearse are more than capable if a defense tries to key on Baldwin. Look at yesterday... The Hawks throttled the #2 seed and Baldwin had 40 yards receiving and no TDs. No one in the NFC wants to play Seattle in the playoffs.

I do agree that having Kansas City and Charlotte being the 2 cities represented in the Super Bowl would be incredibly unattractive. CBS definitely doesn't want that to happen!

 

[spinner4]

You are wrong about Baldwin being the best thing Seattle has on offense. The success they've been having on O is due to improved line play and much improved play by Wilson. Baldwin has been the benefactor of that improved play, coupled with more targets due to the injury to Graham. Lockett and Kearse are more than capable if a defense tries to key on Baldwin. Look at yesterday... The Hawks throttled the #2 seed and Baldwin had 40 yards receiving and no TDs. No one in the NFC wants to play Seattle in the playoffs.

I do agree that having Kansas City and Charlotte being the 2 cities represented in the Super Bowl would be incredibly unattractive. CBS definitely doesn't want that to happen!

Fair enough, I should say the complete WR core.

Whose going to be the RB for SEA this week when its 18 degrees in MN? At least its not suppose to snow Sunday. That passing game will be a little more tricky with the weather the way it will be. You should still beat the Vikes

 

[litespeedhuskerfan]

Well I hate our president even more than Cam so yeah, I guess that makes me a racist because we all know if you dislike a black person it automatically means you're a racist. I never get tired of people playing the racist card every chance they get and I just love how it's so many people's first reaction when somebody dislikes a black person and it never gets old hearing it.

I dislike Cam because I freaking hate his antics every time he makes a play of any sort. I find him to be a arrogant showboat that disrespects whoever he is playing when he acts like a douchebag. Not only do I hope he loses his playoff game, I hope it's his fault and I hope the other team uses his antics against him when it happens. I think he's a royal douchebag because of how he acts on the field.

 

[seattle-sker]

E

Fair enough, I should say the complete WR core.

Whose going to be the RB for SEA this week when its 18 degrees in MN? At least its not suppose to snow Sunday. That passing game will be a little more tricky with the weather the way it will be. You should still beat the Vikes

If it's close, think you'll see Michael and Lynch split carries pretty equal - If Marshawn is back at full strength. If he's not at full strength I think Pete saves him for the following week either way. The D will shut down the Vikes like we did week 13 in Minneapolis so it may not matter who's carrying the ball.

 

[newAD]

E

If it's close, think you'll see Michael and Lynch split carries pretty equal - If Marshawn is back at full strength. If he's not at full strength I think Pete saves him for the following week either way. The D will shut down the Vikes like we did week 13 in Minneapolis so it may not matter who's carrying the ball.

When they mentioned on TV before the game that there were rumblings that at least some Viking's players wouldn't mind losing to the Pack, so they'd go on the road to Washington instead of hosting Seattle, that tells you all you need to know about the Viking's chances.

 

[seattle-sker]

Well I hate our president even more than Cam so yeah, I guess that makes me a racist because we all know if you dislike a black person it automatically means you're a racist. I never get tired of people playing the racist card every chance they get and I just love how it's so many people's first reaction when somebody dislikes a black person and it never gets old hearing it.

I dislike Cam because I freaking hate his antics every time he makes a play of any sort. I find him to be a arrogant showboat that disrespects whoever he is playing when he acts like a douchebag. Not only do I hope he loses his playoff game, I hope it's his fault and I hope the other team uses his antics against him when it happens. I think he's a royal douchebag because of how he acts on the field.

I believe that spinner specifically said he was not saying that you were a racist. I feel like he was just wondering aloud if that is the reason why some people dislike Cam, and I think that it is a fair question.

I don't understand why people get so defensive when someone tries to discuss race and how it plays into a person's perceptions of another person. Are you of the opinion that there are not people that dislike Cam because he's a black guy playing QB? People who run around accusing everyone of "playing the race card" whenever race is brought up are no better than the people that run around calling everyone a racist. Intelligent people should be capable of discussing the issue - ignorant people should stay out of the discussion altogether.

 

[huskerfan1414]

I wonder why no one plays the race card when (many) people say they don't like Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Eli Manning (can't stand him), Brett Favre, Johnny Manziel, etc. etc. Isn't it possible people might not like them because they're...white?
YOU are the racist for associating his skin color with the fact that people don't like him. YOU are the one that had the thought.... Hmm...people don't like him, and he is black. Must be because he's black.
I don't know how it's that crazy to see that people don't like Cam Newton. He's an arrogant dbag. (personally I'm indifferent). Quit the race crap.
Anyway, back to topic at hand.....I'm hoping the Chiefs can do it, but even though the Pats are on a losing streak it just seems like the type of situation they will thrive in for some unexplainable reason.
NFC the Panthers deserve it, I thought the Cards had it until this week, but I'm worried it will again be the Seahawks.

 

[seattle-sker]

I wonder why no one plays the race card when (many) people say they don't like Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Eli Manning (can't stand him), Brett Favre, Johnny Manziel, etc. etc. Isn't it possible people might not like them because they're...white?
YOU are the racist for associating his skin color with the fact that people don't like him. YOU are the one that had the thought.... Hmm...people don't like him, and he is black. Must be because he's black.
I don't know how it's that crazy to see that people don't like Cam Newton. He's an arrogant dbag. (personally I'm indifferent). Quit the race crap.
Anyway, back to topic at hand.....I'm hoping the Chiefs can do it, but even though the Pats are on a losing streak it just seems like the type of situation they will thrive in for some unexplainable reason.
NFC the Panthers deserve it, I thought the Cards had it until this week, but I'm worried it will again be the Seahawks.

I didn't bring up the race issue, I simply added to the conversation that people who always think that discussing race is "playing the race card" are just as frustrating as people who think everyone is a racist. People who need absolutes for every issue are frustrating and overly simplistic.

I absolutely could see if people didn't like someone because they were white. Just as much as I am capable of seeing that someone may not like someone because they're black. I never said the reason people don't like him is because he's black. I said that its possible that it is an issue for some. "YOU" must need to live in a world of absolutes.

And you're right, back to the topic at hand - it probably will be the Seahawks again from the NFC

 

[Cornicator]

The AFC is going to be crazy. Texans & Bengals really have no shot. Pats are very unlikely unless Edelman comes back and sparks that offense. Also it will be cold no matter where they play, so a lot riding on a back, Steven Jackson who hasn't really played all year, and yes it's O-line is really in bad shape.

KC was my choice going into yesterday to win the AFC but the one team that I think would beat them is the Steelers, and the way the bracket ended up, I honestly think the AFC championship is KC vs Steelers. KC's secondary is pretty bad. Big Ben & Brown would light them up. The Black & Yellow could have an easy road to KC.

Denver - as long as it stays cold in Colorado, the Broncos are going to be difficult to beat. Great D and a solid running game. Anderson is a cold weather back. However, the issue is QB and how long will Manning dink and dunk before teams make him pay.
.

The Chiefs are 9th in the NFL in pass defense. They are 2nd in the NFL in total interceptions. They are 3rd in the NFL in Scoring defense. They arguably have the top Safety in the league right now with Berry, and Marcus Peters leads all rookies with 9 interceptions.

 

[huskerfan1414]

I didn't bring up the race issue, I simply added to the conversation that people who always think that discussing race is "playing the race card" are just as frustrating as people who think everyone is a racist. People who need absolutes for every issue are frustrating and overly simplistic.

I absolutely could see if people didn't like someone because they were white. Just as much as I am capable of seeing that someone may not like someone because they're black. I never said the reason people don't like him is because he's black. I said that its possible that it is an issue for some. "YOU" must need to live in a world of absolutes.

And you're right, back to the topic at hand - it probably will be the Seahawks again from the NFC

Was addressing spinner

 

[leodisflowers]

Hopkins could have a monster game and KC's best thing going for them is their run D which is OK because HOU doesn't have a running game anyways. But I still don't see it.

I don't either, just a Texans fan because of family. I hope they get a win, and I'm gonna go tailgate and be loud.

 

[litespeedhuskerfan]

I don't either, just a Texans fan because of family. I hope they get a win, and I'm gonna go tailgate and be loud.

Give 'em hell, but I hope you leave utterly disappointed

 

[leodisflowers]

Give 'em hell, but I hope you leave utterly disappointed

That's Texans football. Disappointment!

 

[otismotis08]

AFC is a complete toss-up. Any of these teams could conceivably make it through if the ball bounces right.

NFC is so much stronger. Seattle, Arizona, and Carolina look strongest.

 

[spinner4]

The Chiefs are 9th in the NFL in pass defense. They are 2nd in the NFL in total interceptions. They are 3rd in the NFL in Scoring defense. They arguably have the top Safety in the league right now with Berry, and Marcus Peters leads all rookies with 9 interceptions.

The Chiefs also give up a ton of big plays to top WRs. Their Corners (Fleming and Smith specifically) are liabilities. If by chance you played fantasy football, you know to play the WR's that are facing the chiefs. The reason they finished so high in pass D is because of their schedule at the end of the season.

So lets break this down even more, since week 11, the only big time WR KC has faced was Sammy Watkins, who had 158 yds and 2 TDs against KC. Other then that KC has played a badly injured SD WR core 2 times, 2 terrible WR cores in the Browns & the Ravens, and a hit or miss passing in Oakland. Just look at the KC trend

Now you get Hopkins & a very underrated Nasty Nate Washington, Win that and its off to DT & Sanders. And look at the other side of the AFC, Edelman & Gronk; Brown & Bryant; Green, Jones & Sanu.

All I am saying is KC has really struggled against healthy star power @ WR. In the playoffs, all that is left are the stars and for the most part, their QBs are healthy.

Berry is great but that's it. Peters gets a lot of take always true but gives up a lot of yds too. You trust Peters in single coverage against Hopkins?

 

[spinner4]

I believe that spinner specifically said he was not saying that you were a racist. I feel like he was just wondering aloud if that is the reason why some people dislike Cam, and I think that it is a fair question.

I don't understand why people get so defensive when someone tries to discuss race and how it plays into a person's perceptions of another person. Are you of the opinion that there are not people that dislike Cam because he's a black guy playing QB? People who run around accusing everyone of "playing the race card" whenever race is brought up are no better than the people that run around calling everyone a racist. Intelligent people should be capable of discussing the issue - ignorant people should stay out of the discussion altogether.

Thanks Seattle-sker. I am in no way calling litespeedhusker a racist. Obviously, you can dislike a person who happens to be black, it doesn't make you a racist. Neither does disliking Obama as president. I don't like him as president either . As Seattle-sker suggested, I was just wondering allowed on why so many dislike Cam & why I think some of those people really don't like him.

Yes he's flashy but so was Terrell Farley and I loved the hell out of that guy. I think its ok to have some swag. It's a game, its suppose to be fun. I miss our huskers having Swag and talking smack a little.

 

[SnohomishRed]

E

If it's close, think you'll see Michael and Lynch split carries pretty equal - If Marshawn is back at full strength. If he's not at full strength I think Pete saves him for the following week either way. The D will shut down the Vikes like we did week 13 in Minneapolis so it may not matter who's carrying the ball.

I read today that Lynch is in pretty good shape and they will get the first look at him on Wens - I have to believe he has been gearing everything for now and he will be playing and playing a lot - whether or ot he is as effective we will not know until the games. Of the ine keeps opening lanes like they have he should do pretty good

 

[Charlie Marlow]

I like the Chefs and appreciate what they have done, but let's not pretend that they were anything more than a decent team in a weak division with a ridiculously easy schedule down the stretch. Maybe they can get past Houston, but that's as far as they will get.

 

[jimbosc]

I don't see the AFC winning the Super Bowl - the Top 2 seeds sort of stumbled and bumbled to the end of the season. Chiefs are the hottest team - but won't win 3 road games to get there. Bengals getting Red Rider BB gun back could make them the favorite if he actually plays decently in a playoff game (something he has never done).
I think the SB winner will be Seattle, Carolina or Arizona. All 3 play D and can score points on offense. My eyeballs say it will be Arizona that wins the NFC - and then smokes the AFC team. BUT, the majority of recent SB games end up being pretty competitive.

 

[litespeedhuskerfan]

Gun to my head and my life depends on the correct answer, Seattle wins it all. BUT, since there is no gun I am going with my heart, KC. and then the Broncos/Manning.

 

[Ohio_husker]

I hope the Broncos can make a run but Manning will have to turn the clock back somehow. I still don't know if he gives them the best chance to win. Every team in the AFC (maybe outside the Texans?) can put pretty good reasons why they will win the conference championship. NFC has to be Seahawks, Panthers, Cardinals in that order IMHO but it is close among those 3.

I think the Bengals would have the best chance to win a super bowl of the AFC teams IF Dalton does not screw up. Their offensive weapons are really really good. NFC would be a significant favorite in any case.

 

[spinner4]

I hope the Broncos can make a run but Manning will have to turn the clock back somehow. I still don't know if he gives them the best chance to win. Every team in the AFC (maybe outside the Texans?) can put pretty good reasons why they will win the conference championship. NFC has to be Seahawks, Panthers, Cardinals in that order IMHO but it is close among those 3.

I think the Bengals would have the best chance to win a super bowl of the AFC teams IF Dalton does not screw up. Their offensive weapons are really really good. NFC would be a significant favorite in any case.

It's crazy, in week 8 or 9, people were saying that the AFC was loaded and that the NFC was pretty bad. And I agree with you, if Dalton is healthy, Cincy has the best over all team in the AFC. I just don't understand Marvin Lewis' love affair with Jeremy Hill. Gio is the better back. Any ways, AJ McCarron cant lead the Bengals and he makes AJ Green a 1 trick pony.