Friends of Primero y Diez, this weekend we will experience week 13 of the 2021 Season and what we all ask ourselves: Will we be able to find out which teams will be in the Playoffs NFL 2022? So we return with this weekly section, I hope you enjoy reading and commenting as much as we did when preparing it.
The truth is that it is not easy to answer the initial question. First of all, we will have for the first time 7 qualified teams and this opens the possibility that more franchises have chances. Second, this year we will have 18 weeks of games and bye-weeks until 14, which makes some calculations difficult. And thirdly, we are in a season where anyone can lose to anyone, no matter how favorite they are. But in First and Ten we are not going to get discouraged and in this note we show you how the panorama of the next NFL playoffs begins to take shape.
This week we will give a general introduction and from next week (ending week 14) we will deliver two articles, one for each conference.
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NFL Playoffs Panorama in the congested AFC
The characteristic of this conference is that it has several regular teams, with the possibility of finishing with positive records. To follow the current trend, the minimum mark necessary to reach the NFL Playoffs will be 9-8. For the moment, 14 out of 16 teams can mathematically reach this record, while only the Texans (2-9) and Jaguars (2-9) are close to putting a step outside. Now, of that number, 9 franchises have a positive record and 3 of them have null numbers. This causes the American Conference to have a long dispute with squads that will be above average. But even more interesting is what happens in each division.
The AFC East and the AFC South they have two dominant teams and two laggards each. In the first, after 6 consecutive victories, the Patriots (8-4) rank first and are escorted by the Bills (7-4), who have one game less. Further back, they are followed by Dolphins (5-7), with fewer chances of reaching the playoffs, and the Jets (3-8), one or two games from being out.
The South, with Texans and Jaguars one step away from definitely running out of chances, the Titans (8-4) maintain the leadership despite the last two consecutive defeats. A little further back, but in the hunt for a spot in the postseason, are the irregular Colts (6-6) but with great talent and offensive potential.
Speaking now of the AFC North and AFC West, are the clear examples of difficult competencies in this conference. On the one hand, this has to do with no team has a negative record at the moment. Secondly, interdivisional duels occur between them. In the North, Ravens (8-3) prove to be the best, followed by Bengals (7-3). Further back we find Browns (6-6) and Steelers (5-5-1). The West, the Chiefs (7-4) returned to the lead after 4 victories in a row, however, they are escorted by the other teams with 6-5 records. The Chargers (6-5), who are second in the division, occupy the 7th seed in the AFC.
Judging by the numbers obtained so far and the schedules of each franchise, the best odds are on the side of the Patriots, Bills and Titans. The other seeds are a great unknown and much will depend on the results of the next two weeks.
NFL Playoffs panorama in the depressed NFC
Without a doubt, this conference to several of the best teams this season, however, it also has a lots of franchises that are from the middle down. With 7 postseason spots and meager results, probably seventh place is occupied by a squad with a negative record. Does it do the NFL any good to have a playoff spot for teams that finish the regular season like this? The important is that If this trend continues, any NFC franchise that ends positively will be in the playoffs.
The diference of the last year, the NFC East seems to have become a bit more competitive, but let’s not fool ourselves: Cowboys (8-4) lead the division, however, they had lost 2 games in a row until yesterday that they beat the Saints and Washington (5-6) got pretty close after winning the last 3 games. At the moment, the team from the capital occupies the 7th seed of the NFC. Below are the Eagles (5-7) and Giants (4-7) with a mathematical chance of reaching the final playoff spots.
In the NFC North, the Packers (9-3) are one step away from the divisional title, although it will be next week, since in this they will have their rest. Vikings (5-6) and Bears (4-7) don’t lose hope of the playoffs, while the Lions (0-10-1) are the first unofficially eliminated. The reality is, if you haven’t won until now, you will hardly win all the remaining games.
The NFC South it is another clear example of polarized leadership. The Buccaneers (8-3) are very close to reaching qualification in the next games. If it were for the irregularity of the remaining teams, they would surely win the division. Nevertheless, Falcons (5-6), Saints (5-7) and Panthers (5-7) are close to Washington in the bigger picture fight.
Finally, the NFC West It is the most competitive of the conference and is being led by the best team so far, the Cardinals (9-2). I dare say they are already in the playoffs, although mathematically they may be this weekend. Further back appear the Rams (7-4), who have lost their last 3 games, and conversely, the 49ers (6-5), who have oppositely won them. In the background, Seahawks (3-8) with low chances of making the postseason.
Thus, with Cardinals, Packers and Bucs almost in, it only remains to determine the remaining seats. Cowboys and Rams are not far behind, but they must get back on the road to victory to reach the playoffs. Likewise, the 49ers and Washington, with a long way to go, have been consolidated in the last games and show qualities to qualify in a flat conference.
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Taking into account the situation of each team, what will be the next division champions? What other teams will make the NFC postseason? Do you have any favorites? Leave us your comments under this article and on our social networks.
