2018 Playoff Push Now On

The NFL hits Week Eleven and now the playoff push begins.

The Tennessee Titans took a huge playoff step by routing the Patriots.   The game showcased how strong Mike Vrabel is as head coach and also showcased his team is better than generally given credit for - much was made of the team's low volume stats on offense, ignoring situational execution has been stout; the volume stats argument has also gone out the window with solid point production the last three games and Marcus Mariota's five games above 90 in passer rating - and above 118 the last two games.

The Titans were crushed at the line of scrimmage in the 2017 playoff game and thus made a point not to let that be repeated.   Vrabel also worked to take away Tom Brady's first read, which illustrated a periodic failing of Brady - his stubbornness in latching onto a binky receiver instead of opening to other pass-catchers; more than a few times Chris Hogan (held without a target for now three straight games) was open and Brady refused to throw to him, instead forcing to Julian Edelman and now his newest binky Josh Gordon. (1)  

Such issues are correctable for the Patriots and this match may portend a playoff showdown between the two.

Seahawks over Packers - The Dolphins proved less than expected at Green Bay, but the Packers remain a mediocre outfit still looking for its first road win.   We doubt they'll get it at Seattle, now in must-win mode after a bitter loss at LA.

Steelers over Jaguars -  The collapse of the Jaguars has been stunning, this even as Leonard Fournette has returned.   The Jaguars offense showed noticeable improvement with his return but they face an uphill effort against a surging Steelers team that put up 52 against a better Panthers outfit.

NY Giants over Buccaneers -  Ugh.   Two terrible teams.   Pick the home team.

Bengals over Ravens -  The Bengals fired their defensive coordinator and former Browns flameout Hue Jackson, successful as Bengals offensive coordinator in 2014-15, is returning to work with Marvin Lewis.   The Ravens meanwhile are reported to be done with John Harbaugh after this season.  The Ravens thus enter the second half of the season as a lameduck outfit that has long struggled against Andy Dalton, no doubt wanting to smash the Ravens after being humiliated by the Saints.

Cowboys over Falcons -  Both teams are enigmas - what are you going to get here?   Atlanta's embarrassment by the Browns and Dallas' stunner at Philly leaves one scratching his head.   The Cowboys may have some momentum here.   A coaching staff area to keep an eye on is the Falcons' offensive staff as two years of Steve Sarkisian has been strikingly inconsistent and hasn't seemed to improve,


Panthers over Lions -  The Lions have lost twice at home in four games and lost three straight overall, and get a Panthers squad no doubt angry at getting crushed by Pittsburgh.   There right now is no evidence of improvement as the season under first-year coach Matt Patricia progresses - this has been especially graphic in the 55 points scored in Detroit's last three games, just 18 per game vs the 30-plus scored against Green Bay and Miami.


Texans over Redskins - The Redskins are better than expected, but the Texans once again evoke the memory of the Oilers at their apex in six straight wins, 26 points per game in that stretch, and plus-four in turnover differential.  Deshaun Watson has quietly broken 100 in passer rating this season vs Alex Smith's still-respectable 90. 

Colts over Titans - Andrew Luck has yet to lose to the Titans and the Colts have won three straight, are plus-three in turnover differential, and have averaged 33 points scored per game for six straight, so overcoming that hurtle is next on Tennessee's list.   Colt-Titan games have usually been bitterly-fought affairs, and 2017's matches saw the Titans erase two-score deficits both times, so expect fireworks here.


Raiders over Cardinals -  Two cellar-dwellars.   The Raiders' only edge is Derek Carr is more trustworthy a quarterback with a 93 passer rating vs Josh Rosen's 67.

Chargers over Broncos - San Diego is almost a lock for a wildcard spot and they get a slumping Broncos squad reportedly ready to fire their head coach.


Saints over Eagles -    The Eagles are now in trouble after a surprising loss to the Cowboys as they travel to the red-hot Superdome.   Can anyone keep up with the Saints?   Right now we doubt it.


Bears over Vikings -   The Bears are one of the most-improved teams in the league and they host the Vikings, a showdown for the NFC North.   Kirk Cousins and Mitch Trubisky have combined for 36 touchdowns; the Bears have the edge in points, points allowed, and turnover differential, and have won three straight while the Vikings have won four of their last five.


Chiefs over Rams -  These are two of the three superpowered offenses of the league; the edge the Chiefs enjoy is Patrick Mahomes looks more explosive and has had to play from behind a little more than Jared Goff.  Expect the combined score to exceed 70 in this game.