As a result of these phrases aren’t being spoken on an ESPN “discuss” present, we’re not contractually obliged to name-drop Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson within the first paragraph and suggest they shall be often known as unhealthy quarterbacks and worse people in the event that they don’t lastly win a Tremendous Bowl on Feb. 9 in New Orleans.
Sure, historical past is written by the winners—and that’s why Patrick Mahomes will get to be thought to be this period’s Stephen King whereas Allen and Jackson are handled like they’ve been caught shoving Crayolas up their nostrils throughout the playoffs.
However reputations, resumes, and profession arcs can change over the subsequent 4 weeks—for quarterbacks, coaches and franchises alike. It’s our mission to declare which NFL group is below essentially the most stress as Wild Card Weekend kicks off this postseason.
Is it the Washington Commanders or the Denver Broncos? Heck, no. These squads are enjoying with free cash as a result of the Broncos haven’t been within the playoffs since 2015 and the Commanders haven’t gained a playoff sport since Jan. 7, 2006. Furthermore, every postseason snap that rookie quarterbacks Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix get is a bonus. In the event that they’re fortunate (or not), they’ll progress sufficient over the subsequent 5 years that they will substitute Allen and Jackson within the ridiculous talk-show discussions.
Do the Inexperienced Bay Packers or Houston Texans face essentially the most stress? Nah. Whereas the Packers’ Jordan Love and CJ Stroud have handled heightened expectations all yr, they each enter the playoffs with out a key wideout as a consequence of damage. Each are anticipated to lose this weekend, so any wins can be a thrill and clinch a profitable season.
Is it LA (the Chargers) or LA (the Rams)? No likelihood. Even when Los Angeles was an NFL hotbed, the unprecedented wildfires ruining giant swathes of Southern California are monopolizing everybody’s consideration. If both group wins this weekend—and the Chargers are favored to win at Houston—it’ll register simply barely greater than in the event that they lose.
Tampa Bay? That fan base ought to be among the many happiest within the NFL. They win the division yearly. They scored a bleeptonof factors this season and had been enjoyable to observe. No cause to be agitated by something that occurs this weekend or subsequent.
Kansas Metropolis? Please. Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Andy Reid and Co. have already solid their legacies in Canton stone. In need of forfeiting within the Divisional Spherical or doing a stay All-State business when they need to be conducting a two-minute drill, does any fan have a proper to complain if the Chiefs don’t win a 3rd straight Tremendous Bowl?
The Minnesota Vikings are most likely essentially the most out-of-nowhere 14-win group in NFL historical past. They’re a feel-good story, however the Detroit Lions deflated any severe postseason expectations with Sunday night time’s whipping within the Motor Metropolis. On the plus facet, that makes the Vikings a plucky upstart story once more.
The Pittsburgh Steelers? Now we’re getting hotter. Mike Tomlin has led this proud franchise to 12 playoff appearances in 18 years—together with a Tremendous Bowl title—however the Steelers haven’t gained a postseason sport in eight seasons.
Are the Ravens and Payments below a little bit further stress? In fact. They’re groups which were enjoying at a excessive degree since 2019—due largely to their MVP-level quarterbacks—however neither has reached the Tremendous Bowl. So, yeah, the stress is constructing, but it surely’s not like both group is the betting favourite to win all of it. Enjoyable truth: The Ravens and the Payments each completed with a plus-157 level differential.
By advantage of calling Philadelphia dwelling, the Eagles are at all times below extra stress than the conventional franchise. And, contemplating the house group hasn’t performed in a Tremendous Bowl in 23 months and hasn’t gained one in seven seasons, Eagles followers are most likely owed one other title in 4 weeks. However, no, they’re not the NFL group below essentially the most stress.
This may appear a little bit counterintuitive, however the franchise that has by no means gained a Tremendous Bowl—the Detroit Lions—is the one with essentially the most to lose by not profitable Tremendous Bowl LIX.
Sure, the Lions are straightforward to take pleasure in. They rating touchdowns by the bushel; they let their offensive linemen catch and throw passes and Dan Campbell looks like essentially the most NFL-likeable head coach in a pair generations.
However right here’s the deal: The Lions ought to have performed in final yr’s Tremendous Bowl, however a couple of less-than-stellar selections by Campbell—impressed by his distinctive model of Danalytics—helped the Lions blow their 24-7 halftime lead in opposition to San Francisco.
If the most effective group within the NFC by some means finds one other method to not get to this Tremendous Bowl, too, it’s going to alter how the Lions and Campbell are seen. And he’ll get to change into top-of-show grist for the sports activities morning reveals till he finds a strategy to cause them to the highest.
