lillloyd
Third String But Playing on Special Teams
- Joined
- Apr 12, 2010
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It's been a long while since I can remember a more shallow or vulnerable-looking AFC field. This seems like a two-horse race between NE and Balt, and even those teams have chinks in their armor. I think it sets up nicely for NE, who may feast on lesser opponents at home before getting a favorable matchup (i.e., another dominant "O" / little "D" team) against either NO or GB in the Super Bowl, where the first one to 50 will win
But that said, overall the NFC just feels like a much stronger field, and I wonder if the balance of power isn't shifting that way. The NFC boasts a couple of heavyweights (GB, NO), dangerous up-and-comers (Detroit, Atlanta), and an elite D (SF). And even the runt of the litter (NYG) can tout a SB resume and a good QB.
The AFC field, by comparison, seems limited and vulnerable:
Final strength of schedule data from AFC Strength of Schedule
But that said, overall the NFC just feels like a much stronger field, and I wonder if the balance of power isn't shifting that way. The NFC boasts a couple of heavyweights (GB, NO), dangerous up-and-comers (Detroit, Atlanta), and an elite D (SF). And even the runt of the litter (NYG) can tout a SB resume and a good QB.
The AFC field, by comparison, seems limited and vulnerable:
- Patriots. Negatives: 25th rated SoS, 0-2 vs playoff teams, 0-2 vs teams with winning records. Have looked frighteningly bad on D at times. Positives: explosive O, Brady/BB, superior coaching staff with 2 weeks to prepare, home field in a year where AFC contenders are awful on the road. Only AFC team that can trade punches with the Packers or Saints.
- Ravens. Negatives: no proven, elite QB (Flacco's not had his best year). Inconsistent team that put forth shockingly poor performances on the road this year. Positives: battle-tested, balanced team. Good D. Have beaten many quality opponents (Pitt/Cincy twice, Houston at full strength, SF). Have won many road playoff games in years past, this year's regular season notwithstanding.
- Steelers. Negatives: banged up team that may be running on fumes. Struggles to score at times. Dismal road performances against playoff teams (Balt, SF, Houston). Positives: balanced team with proven playoff QB. Good D. Battle-tested--extensive playoff/SB experience, finished with 9th toughest SoS (although only 3-4 against playoff teams, 4-4 against teams with winning records).
- Houston. Negatives: injuries to their most important players. Their starting QB is named "TJ Yates". One of the weakest SoS in the league (31st). Positives: brutal, nasty OL and run game, plus a top-flight (if unheralded) D. Yates has actually been decent, so maybe the Texans are the most AFC likely spoiler with their tough D/RBs.
- Cincy. Negatives: young team + rookie QB + all road playoff games is a not a formula for playoff success. Positives: record may have been artificially deflated by tough division schedule (4 losses to Pitt/Balt). Top 10 D. Dalton kid is good.
- Denver. Negatives: one-dimensional O that has looked putrid the past few weeks, so it's hard to imagine them scoring enough to get wins in the playoffs. Repeated, blowout losses to playoff teams take the shine off its #1 SoS ranking. Positives: good, unique run game. Pass rushers. Tough stadium to play in. And God Almighty is a Broncos fan (well, until recently anyway )
Final strength of schedule data from AFC Strength of Schedule