The NFL playoff quarterfinals, the so-called Divisional Round, take place on Saturday and Sunday. In the AFC, the Denver Broncos face the Buffalo Bills and the New England Patriots face the Houston Texans, in the NFC the Seattle Seahawks face the San Francisco 49ers and the Chicago Bears face the Los Angeles Rams. So eight teams are still in the race for the championship title. An overview of the most important factor that could make them a contender for the title – or not.
Denver Broncos (AFC number 1): home advantage at 1,609 meters?
As in 2016, when Denver was last Super Bowl champion, the Colorado team relies on a strong defense and does not rely on miracles from its quarterback and offense. If they manage to avoid serious mistakes, Denver will be one of the top favorites. The biggest X-factor: As a qualifying winner, Denver can play at home until the Super Bowl, outdoors and at 1,609 meters above sea level (one mile). No team in the league has a greater home advantage.
Buffalo Bills (6): Superman Josh Allen
Everything about the Buffalo Bills is average – except for Josh Allen. The 29-year-old quarterback and last season’s MVP is a Swiss Army knife. His throwing arm is one of the best, he runs like a running back and he regularly gets his team out of trouble. In four of the last five years they failed because of the overpowering Kansas City Chiefs. They missed the playoffs this time.
New England Patriots (2): Youngster Drake Maye
The New England Patriots are the surprise team of the year. For the first time since the departure of superstar Tom Brady six years ago, the team from near Boston is in the playoff quarterfinals. Led by quarterback Drake Maye, who is in his second season, the Patriots improved from four to fourteen wins. If Maye, who is sometimes even considered MVP, can deliver his consistent performance in his first playoffs, his team could go far.
Houston Texans (5th): an outstanding defense
The Houston Texans have the best defense in the league – and little else. In a year where many of the offensive wizards are struggling, that can be a recipe for a title. In the wildcard round, the Texans presumably ended Aaron Rodgers’ career with the worst playoff performance of his illustrious career. There will be even better opponents to come, but some will probably have to cut their teeth on Houston.
Seattle Seahawks (NFC number 1): Question mark Sam Darnold
Seattle has a top defense, with Jaxon Smith-Njigba (JSN) probably the most spectacular pass receiver at the moment. Together with Denver, it was the most successful team in the qualification and therefore enjoys home advantage until the Super Bowl. The big question mark is Sam Darnold. The quarterback was drafted number 3 in 2018, but was unable to make a lasting impact with four NFL teams. He impressed at Minnesota in the regular season last season, but failed brutally in the first round of the playoffs. He probably doesn’t have to shine at Seattle, but he does have to get his nerves under control and avoid big mistakes.
San Francisco 49ers (6th): When will the hospital take revenge?
The fact that San Francisco is still there is nothing short of a miracle. No team has had to deal with so much bad luck with injuries this season. George Kittle, the best tight end in the league, tore his Achilles tendon on Sunday in the first round of the playoffs, and the two most important defenders have been missing for a long time. Can this work out in the long run?
Chicago Bears (2nd): The escape artists
The Chicago Bears are another team on a long losing streak. For the first time since 2010, the Bears survived a playoff round. Including the wild card round against arch-rival Green Bay, Chicago has already won seven games this season in which it was behind with two minutes left. Just luck or nerves of steel and a formula for success? The next few weeks will show.
Los Angeles Rams (5th): When you (almost) beat yourself
Until a few weeks ago, the LA Rams were considered the number 1 favorite for the title. 37-year-old Matthew Stafford should be named MVP, the defense is good and coach Sean McVay is one of the best in his field. Stafford is the only remaining quarterback with a Super Bowl ring (2022). The only handicap: the so-called special teams. Kickers, punt returns – the Rams repeatedly missed such important points. No wonder the special teams coordinator had to resign before Christmas. It has been of little use so far.
