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The 14 NFL playoff teams are finally set. Some were not expected to make the playoffs at the midway point of the year and others needed to wrap up a spot in the final week — and get some help. At the end of the day, at least four teams every season have qualified for the playoffs after failing to make the postseason the year before for the 34th consecutive season — showcasing how much parity the NFL has year in and year out.
The Houston Texans went from worst to first in their division and the Cleveland Browns went from last place in the AFC North to the postseason. In 25 of the past 28 seasons, at least one team has made the playoffs the season after finishing in last or tied for last place.
In 20 of the past 21 seasons, at least two teams have won their divisions the season after missing the playoffs. This season, it was the Texans and Detroit Lions. As the playoffs unfold, here are some narratives for each of the teams playing for a Super Bowl.
Lamar Jackson can’t win in playoffs: Jackson has won a playoff game in his career, on the road against the Titans. Where this narrative comes about is how poorly Jackson played in the 2019 AFC divisional round, when the Ravens had home-field advantage and the No. 1 seed in the playoffs before bowing out in the first game.
The Ravens are in the same situation this time around, but Jackson is a significantly better passer and his pocket presence has dramatically improved. The Ravens can beat teams throwing the ball as well as they can run it. Jackson is turning the football over at a significantly reduced rate too.
This is a much different Ravens team than in 2019.
Josh Allen’s giveaways will keep the Bills short of the Super Bowl: For how good of a player Allen is, the giveaways always are an issue. Allen has 18 interceptions in 17 games, an average of 1.1 interceptions per game. Even though the Bills rallied from 6-6 to make the…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-playoff-narratives-for-all-14-postseason-teams-can-lamar-jackson-and-cowboys-end-some-honest-truths/
Author : Jeff Kerr
Publish date : 2024-01-08 03:46:59
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