Week 15 in the NFL certainly focused on the playoff races. Six teams entered the weekend tied for the No. 6 playoff spot in the AFC while five teams were tied for the No. 7 spot in the NFC. Let’s not forget the three teams tied for first in the NFC South.
The Sunday afternoon slate of games certainly created some narratives as the league heads into Christmas week. Those logjams in the conference playoff races got a little clearer as well.
With playoff races as hot as ever, there were plenty of overreactions to go around. Which are actually overreactions and which are reality?
Arthur Smith should be fired as Falcons head coach
Overreaction or reality: Reality
Losing to the Panthers is unacceptable, period. The Falcons had the benefit of playing the Panthers in the NFC South this week in what should have been one of the easiest wins of the year against a struggling team. Instead, Atlanta lost to Carolina despite the defense not giving up a touchdown.
The misusage of Kyle Pitts (four targets) and Drake London (three targets) is baffling. Let’s not forget Bijan Robinson getting only seven carries. These are all first-round draft picks Smith doesn’t utilize in his offense.
The Falcons are 20-28 under Smith, never winning more than seven games in a season in the poor NFC South. Time to move on.
Saints are going to win the NFC South
Overreaction or reality: Overreaction
The Saints are the best of the three teams in the NFC South hunt, yet haven’t shown it over the course of the season. New Orleans beat up on a bad New York Giants team, giving the Saints two convincing wins against bad teams (outscored the Giants and Panthers 52-12).
Due to the Saints’ inconsistencies throughout the year, it’s hard to determine whether this team will win the division yet. New Orleans plays the Los Angeles Rams next week before facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 17 in a game that likely…
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Author : Jeff Kerr
Publish date : 2023-12-17 23:42:54
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