This time last year, there was all sorts of confusion and craziness as to who would make the NFL playoffs. This year, 10 of the 12 spots are filled and it’s a lot easier to know if you are a fan of the elated or the eliminated. That being said, several suspenses for seeding still stand unsolved. No need to call Robert Stack to answer these “unsolved mysteries”, you will know right where to go for answers thanks to the Week 17 installment of the Student of the Game’s Match-Up Mania
Chargers v. Chiefs
I give the Chargers all the credit in the world for doing what they’ve in 2014. Their quarterback, Philip Rivers, has played hurt, their defense has struggled to stay healthy as a unit, and they’ve featured 5 different starting centers throughout the season. Despite the adversity, the Chargers are still somehow realistically postseason eligible.
Though as surprised as I am at San Diego’s success, I’m more floored that a team who has no passing touchdowns to a wide receiver still has a shot at the tournament. The Chiefs have lived and died through defense and Jamaal Charles throughout 2014 and it strikes me that it is the best way to attack the Chargers. Use Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dontari Poe to attack the dysfunctional middle of the Bolts’ O-line and send Pro Bowl pass rushers Tamba Hali and Justin Houston to force Rivers into turnovers. Then Charles can run the football and the clock while Alex Smith, the King of Checkdown manages the game. Sure, if Kansas City wins, they still can’t get in without help, but it’s not farfetched they’ll handle their part of the equation. Even still, it’s tough to bet against Head Coach Mike McCoy and Rivers putting up the points necessary to punch their ticket to January football.
Honorable Mention
Browns v. Ravens
By losing to JJ Watt and the Houston Texans, the Ravens have left themselves in a position where they are cheering for Chiefs to topple the Chargers. The good news for them is that the Browns are in a state of disarray on offense and should be an easy out for a defense with Pro Bowler CJ Mosley at the linebacker spot supported by Terrell Suggs and a nasty front seven.. The bad news is that the Browns are starting Brian Hoyer at quarterback instead of currently hapless rookie Johnny Manziel who is out due to injury. As long as Joe Flacco avoids another three interception showing, it is likely they’ll win keep their hopes alive. Yes, Cleveland has Josh Gordan and Jordan Cameron back, but I don’t believe Hoyer will take advantage of this opportunity to audition for other teams In what may be his final game as a Brown.
Jags v. Texans
JJ Watt is set to terrorize Jacksonville’s rookie passer, Blake Bortles, just like he did in their first face off this year. Popular opinion, mine included, would have you believe that this is the Pro Bowl defensive lineman’s last chance to make a real push for MVP honors. Assuming Watt and re-tread offensive threat, quarterback Case Keenum, fulfil the prophecy, with a little help from Browns perpetuating the Ravens’ collapse and if the Chiefs shock the Chargers, Houston will return to the playoffs for the 3rd time in the JJ Watt era. If that happens and the Texans #99 is not MVP, than I will lose faith in the football gods.
Panthers v. Falcons
Because NFL rules state that someone must win every division, the winner of this game will be the NFC South Champion and a playoff participate pathetically plodding their way into hosting a tournament contest with a losing record. I give the Carolina Panthers credit for bouncing back from an awful lot. Injuries to their field general and team leader Cam Newton as well as running back Jonathan Stewart throughout the season was a challenge to handle. With both of them back, the Panthers are a balanced offense again. However, the Carolina defense still leaves tons to be desired as they have never returned to 2013 form. Pairing that with Julio Jones returning to action for the Falcons, I see Matt Ryan passing Atlanta’s way into the postseason.
Rams v. Seahawks
Seattle controls their own destiny. By sweeping the Cardinals, they hold the advantage in the standings for the NFC West. If one looks at the Rams record, the Seahawks are all but crowned. But it was St. Louis who won the previous pairing.
The 12th man surely hopes that the defending Super Bowl Champs are ready for whatever special teams smoke and mirrors the Rams might bring to the contest in Seattle.. It’s not going to be a blowout, but I see Russell Wilson “point guarding” his way to the playoffs.
Cards v Niners
The Cardinals are injured all over their roster yet, they still have a playoff berth clinched. The hapless 49ers have apparently quit on the 2014 season. I’m on record leading into Week 15 that San Francisco won’t win another game. Even if Ryan Lindley as Arizona’s 4th quarterback on the year is the starter. If the Rams successfully sweep Seattle, the Cardinals will conquer the NFC West.
