The Lions 30 years later, Dan Campbell can exult
There are victories that matter more than others, and for a franchise like Detroit to win the division is a relief for the fans, who have been waiting for this for 30 years! Although present since the beginning of the Super Bowl era, the Lions have only had one playoff victory in their history.
Dan Campbell has transformed this team which has only won 3 matches in 2021 into a war machine, and optimism is returning to the Lions community. Next step: a home playoff game in January, a luxury in Detroit.
The Rams are not good to take in the playoffs
Even if they like to scare each other at the end of the match, the Rams are perhaps the scarecrow of wild card in NFC. On a series of 5 victories in 6 matches (the defeat being against Ravens in overtime)Sean's men McVay are more confident than ever.
Matthew Stafford plays at an excellent level and has an above-average group of targets. The defense does not have a host of stars, but around Aaron Donald the group is more united than ever. The Eagles or the Lions certainly don't want to face this team in the first round of the playoffs.
Neither do the Buccaneers.
The situation is a little different for Tampa Bay, since it is a possible seeding place which is at stake for the probable winner of the NFC South. The match against the Jaguars was supposed to be a test, it looked like a demonstration, with a 30 to zero after 40 minutes of effective play.
Baker Mayfield is in a good period, Chris Godwin comes back to life, while the defense improves from week to week. In addition to executives who are still at the level, the emergence of young people like Yaya Diaby leaves an impression of a successful transition for Buccaneers who will be much more than just a claim for the number 5 seed (Eagles Or Cowboysexcept in an improbable scenario).
Mason Rudolph is the Steelers' best quarterback
During this Christmas time, Rudolph distributes gifts. If he was not brilliant and took advantage of the speed of George Pickens, he did the right thing: moving the attack forward without making mistakes. With a defense that is still punishing, the Steelers are once again in the race for the playoffs.
Cleveland is stainless
Every week, the Browns lose one or more holders on injury. And yet each week, Cleveland gets closer to playoffs with a Joe Flacco always so generous and determined.
This team is on a mission, and the contribution of veterans like Amari Cooper or Za'Darius Smith breathes fire into this group. THE Browns are going to go playoffsand we want to see them!
The Seahawks have heart
For the second week in a row, the Seahawks had their backs against the wall in the final minutes, and each time they found a way to win the game in the final moments. This is the advantage of having invested massively in the receiver position: the aerial game can easily become explosive.
Perfectly imperfect, this team has an identity and a strength symbolized by an always young Pete Carroll. The NFC is definitely full of great stories. Parkinson is the hero of the evening, and did not tremble in the decisive moment.
Atlanta, it's incomprehensible
After a humiliating loss to the Panthers, it would have almost made sense to see the Falcons collapse. However, Atlanta saved their hopes of the playoffs with an authoritarian victory against the Colts who were in good shape.
Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier did what has been expected since the start of the season: dominate the floor and set the pace. This team is unreadable and unpredictable, and the dynamic is difficult to follow. Arthur Smith may not survive this season, but his group will have fought until the end.
Dallas, doubt again
After 2 victories against Seattle and Philadelphia, Dalla seemed to have reached a milestone. Except that two weeks later, the doubts are only stronger. The attack is too dependent on Ceedee Lamb, and the defense is no longer able to cause turnovers.
As the playoffs approach, Dallas must hit hard next week against Detroit to maintain their chances of winning the division. Because a trip to Florida with the Buccaneers will not necessarily be a gift.
Patrick Mahomes is not doing well
The performance of the MVP and reigning Super Bowl MVP is perplexing. While the stat line doesn't look horrible, the visual impression is much worse. Two avoidable defensive touchdowns, and a third interception removed without explanation when it seemed clear that the defender had the ball.
The line's average performance doesn't explain everything, and Mahomes' attitude is starting to get annoying. When you spend your time shouting at referees, teammates and the rest of the world, it leaves little time for real self-questioning. Mahomes is no longer scary, and he participates in the explosion of his group.
Brock Purdy is not infallible
Absolutely irresistible since his arrival in the league, Brock Purdy experienced his first ordeal match. Author of four interceptions, he is the main reason for the defeat of his team which Christian McCaffrey (the real MVP) held at arm's length for a half.
However, no reason to worry after a match either. Purdy has already responded after the series of 3 defeats, he just needs to prove his ability to overcome adversity as the playoffs arrive quickly. A new challenge for the former Iowa State player.
Baltimore is favorite in the AFC
Yes the Bills are coming back strong, the Dolphins and the Browns are not going to be easy to play. But the boss is the Lamar Ravens. The demonstration in San Francisco has finally removed the last doubts.
Philadelphia likes to make life complicated
17 points ahead, and possession to start the second act. Everything was going well for Philadelphia, when Boston Scott and Olamide Zaccheaus gave us the gaffe of the week.
What a start to the 2nd half for the Giants!
📺: #NYGvsPHI on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/2Mgsj0ajbL pic.twitter.com/BBgqLquaIL— NFL (@NFL) December 25, 2023
