With only two games left in the regular season this year, the playoff picture is starting to take shape for a lot of teams. For some, they are locked into a few spots and won’t be moving much until the postseason starts. However, other teams have some work to do to clinch their spot or jump over another team that may be in their way. These three matchups are in that exact situation, and the winners of these matches could shake up each conference.
Kansas City Chiefs @ Cincinnati Bengals
The Kansas City Chiefs were able to absolutely stomp the Pittsburgh Steelers last week, continuing forward with their win streak. They are now sitting at 11-4 on the year behind a phenomenal roster. Patrick Mahomes is still one of the best quarterbacks in the league with a sturdy offensive line, Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill making his job that much easier. The major flaw for them was their defense, the reason that they just weren’t winning games at the start of the season. However, they are now a top five unit in the league statistically and look as good as ever. They will need every bit of that strength in this matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals here. The Bengals are 9-6 and somehow leading their division despite getting projections of missing the playoffs during the offseason. This group just rammed through the Baltimore Ravens for the second time this season, dropping 41 points on them behind a record-breaking day for Joe Burrow. He threw for over 500 total yards that game and looked unstoppable. These two teams are going to be a very fun matchup, one that has potential to be high scoring. It’s going to be really close, but Mahomes is definitely more consistent than Burrow at the moment, so I’ll take the Chiefs.
Los Angeles Rams @ Baltimore Ravens
The Los Angeles Rams didn’t look great against the Minnesota Vikings last week, but they got the job done. Matthew Stafford threw three interceptions in this game against a pass defense that has been horrible in recent weeks. Not to mention the fact that they literally just cut their top cornerback after a fight in practice. It was an ugly offensive day, but the defense cleaned everything up, forcing two turnovers and two sacks. As for the Baltimore Ravens, they got manhandled. Like we previously mentioned, the Bengals stomped them and swept them this season. Granted, Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley were both inactive. Josh Johnson started out well under centre for them, but ultimately couldn’t outlast the Bengals high powered machine of an offense. To make matters worse, Baltimore is still missing the best three players in their secondary with different injuries. Cooper Kupp and Odell Beckham Jr could be in line for a fantastic receiving day here. That will likely be the biggest factor in this game, I would take the Rams in this one even if Jackson returns to the line-up.
Arizona Cardinals @ Dallas Cowboys
The Arizona Cardinals are starting to collapse again. After a huge undefeated start, they are just 10-5 on the season and rapidly falling down the playoff picture. They clinched a postseason spot but are not leading the division anymore. Yes, they are facing some injuries, but whether it’s the play calling or the coaching, there is something not right about this team at the moment. Kyler Murray is playing really well, and they are still overall really talented, but it’s not resulting in wins. Unlike the Dallas Cowboys, they are churning off wins at a high clip. Dak Prescott and company were so good against the Washington Football Team last week, that they were able to rest starters the entire second half. It was like a preseason game for them, one that saw them score over 50 points, including 42 in one half with the starters there. Dallas is on a tear right now and coming off their best game of the season while the Cardinals are crumbling. I have high hopes for the Cardinals to get off this bad streak, but I can’t take them over a hot opponent like Dallas.
Playoff Picture Ahead of Week 17
Seven teams qualify from each division this season, with only the top seed gaining a bye into the second round of games. At the moment five teams in the NFC have guaranteed a playoff spot, compared to just one from the AFC.
