Anybody playing this week look like the... (1 Viewer)

[Jous]

Obviously everyone knows the story of the 2005 Steelers... 6th seed, wild card team who won 3 road playoff games and then won Super Bowl XL... so the question is could there be a similiar team in the playoffs this season? I know this is a commonly asked question but I ahdn't seen a topic on it on these forums yet.

Just looking at the 5th and 6th seeds in each conference, I'm not that impressed. The Cowboys and Giants don't have the look of a team that can go very far even in a weak conference. In the AFC, the Chiefs have a very good chance to beat Indy and a decent chance to beat San Diego after that (just because they're very familiar with the Chargers) but I would see them as getting blown away in the AFCCG if they get lucky enough to manage to get that far. The Jets have heart and solid coaching, but not enough talent to advance in my opinion.

But if you're looking at every team in the wild card playoffs, then I'd have to say New England has the best chance of winning it all. They haven't been talked about much this year and I have no idea why...

they're 12-4 and underrated once again, even though this could be their 3rd best team since 2001, after only the 2003 and 2004 teams.

 

[JaxBill]

I'm just sick of the comparisons.

 

[Godsbrother]

The Patriots were 12-4 but so were the Jaguars last season. Their defense is very suspect, especially without Harrison, and their receivers are non-descript. However they do have Brady and a good running game so you can't count them out.

But for some reason I just don't see them doing it though I admit I would be reluctant to bet against Belichick and Brady.

As for the original question I don't see the 5th or 6th in either conference advancing to the Super Bowl. The Jets just don't have the talent and the Chiefs have been horrible on the road. In the NFC neither the Cowboys or the Giants have been consistent enough this season to make you believe they could win three games in a row.

 

[Jous]

I'm just sick of the comparisons.

Understandable, but I'd probably get used to it... After 2005, every single year the topic of "Will any of this year's wild card teams be like the 05 Steelers?" will inevitably come up in the media. It's bound to happen..

 

[wrongheaded]

I'm just sick of the comparisons.

Understandable, but I'd probably get used to it... After 2005, every single year the topic of "Will any of this year's wild card teams be like the 05 Steelers?" will inevitably come up in the media. It's bound to happen..

this year's wild cards are too weak

 

[3C's]

Not a wild card, but closest comparison I can come up with is the Eagles. People thought they were done but then they went on a hot streak. Currently the hottest, and possibly, the most dangerous NFC team.

 

[Sea Bass]

Eagles

 

[PMENFAN]

The Patriots were 12-4 but so were the Jaguars last season. Their defense is very suspect, especially without Harrison, and their receivers are non-descript. However they do have Brady and a good running game so you can't count them out.But for some reason I just don't see them doing it though I admit I would be reluctant to bet against Belichick and Brady.As for the original question I don't see the 5th or 6th in either conference advancing to the Super Bowl. The Jets just don't have the talent and the Chiefs have been horrible on the road. In the NFC neither the Cowboys or the Giants have been consistent enough this season to make you believe they could win three games in a row.

Defense is suspect? they just set a franchise record for the fewest points allowed, andhave the second lowest point total in the league at 237, behind only the Ravens at 201. That's without Harrison most of the year, Wilson most of the Yeah, Wilfork the last 3 games, Seau a large portion, Tbuch and Gay, and many other contributors that I know I'm missing, because I'm just waking up. Their defense is the least of my concerns. I like their chances against anybody. Any comparisons to the Steelers, as in Wildcards? I don't see any. The Jets and Chiefs would have the best chance. The Chiefs drew a favorable matchup. Their running game can keep Manning sidelined. They can win this one. I just don't like Herm as a coach, and can't see him winning 3 to get there, never mind four in a row to win it all. He'll implode. Remember, they only got in because of both the Broncos and Bengals choking in week 17. The Jets just have a most unfavorable draw against the Pats. That loss in NE was not a good thing, and I give them very little chance of beating the Pats. The Pats will be better prepared, adre a better team, and should win the game easilly. Not that I don't see the Jets as the second best team in the division, just their matchup this week has a lot against them. Comparing anybody else inthe AFC to the Steelers would be wrong. They're 12-4 at worst, and playing the first game at home. In rhw NFC, the 'boys are the only one I think that has the ability to do it. The Giants are in shambles, and should lose this weekend. HEck, they should have lost last weekend,. They're an 8-8 team in a bad conference. 'Nuff said. Eagles are hot, and playing great ball. I think they could get it done against anybody in the NFC right now. I see a two horst race right now. between them and the Saints. Again, with the first game at home though, I think the comparison dies.

 

[Godsbrother]

Defense is suspect? they just set a franchise record for the fewest points allowed, andhave the second lowest point total in the league at 237, behind only the Ravens at 201. That's without Harrison most of the year, Wilson most of the Yeah, Wilfork the last 3 games, Seau a large portion, Tbuch and Gay, and many other contributors that I know I'm missing, because I'm just waking up. Their defense is the least of my concerns. I like their chances against anybody.

The Patriots secondary is VERY suspect. Bellichick has done an amazing job with what he has had to work with but the Pats played a pretty soft schedule. They've only played 3 of the 12 playoff teams and lost to two of them (they split with the Jets so they went 2-2). I don't think their defense is in the same class as San Diego and Baltimore.I wouldn't bet against Belichick and Brady in the playoffs but on paper I don't see them beating the Ravens, Chargers or even Colts.

 

[Borat]

The Patriots were 12-4 but so were the Jaguars last season. Their defense is very suspect, especially without Harrison, and their receivers are non-descript.

The Pats just set a franchise record for fewest points allowed in a season, and finished second only to the Ravens in that category this year.

 

[Godsbrother]

The Patriots were 12-4 but so were the Jaguars last season. Their defense is very suspect, especially without Harrison, and their receivers are non-descript.

The Pats just set a franchise record for fewest points allowed in a season, and finished second only to the Ravens in that category this year.

See my explanation above. Look at the Patriot's schedule and tell me how many good offenses they went up against. Other than Cincy (where they did a great job) and Indy (where they didn't), the offenses they went up against were pretty bad.I know you can only play the teams on your schedule but that has a lot to do with how many points you give up.

 

[PMENFAN]

The Patriots were 12-4 but so were the Jaguars last season. Their defense is very suspect, especially without Harrison, and their receivers are non-descript.

The Pats just set a franchise record for fewest points allowed in a season, and finished second only to the Ravens in that category this year.

See my explanation above. Look at the Patriot's schedule and tell me how many good offenses they went up against. Other than Cincy (where they did a great job) and Indy (where they didn't), the offenses they went up against were pretty bad.I know you can only play the teams on your schedule but that has a lot to do with how many points you give up.

Other than Indi and NO, which NE faced IND, what great offenses were the rest of the league facing? SD was out there, but that's really about it as far as what I would consider great. I'm pretty sure the same Packers the Patriots shut out 41-0 beat the Bears the last week of the season. Are the Bears a bad defense, because they gave up the points?

 

[Godsbrother]

Other than Indi and NO, which NE faced IND, what great offenses were the rest of the league facing? SD was out there, but that's really about it as far as what I would consider great. I'm pretty sure the same Packers the Patriots shut out 41-0 beat the Bears the last week of the season. Are the Bears a bad defense, because they gave up the points?

Well, you do have me there as there really aren't that many great offenses in the NFL this season. I just think that without Rodney Harrison that secondary is not very good and will be exploited in the playoffs. But Bellichick has seemingly done more with less so maybe I am dead wrong here.

 

[Domination]

The Chiefs,

They have a great matchup against Indy, and then have to go play SD. They have played them pretty close all year and I think they could beat them. I think that SD is highly overrated. After that it will matter who they matchup against, but at that point I think that they would be very confident and have a good chance at beating anyone that is left. Only thing that will stop the Chiefs is Edwards.

 

[NEUPJ]

I really don't get the "lets see what wildcard team can be the 05 steelers" talk.

The Steelers in 2004 were 15-1 and lost in the AFC Championship. They had a rough stretch of 3 games in 05 but otherwise were still pretty much exactly the same team as the 04 team. It's not like they came out of nowhere.

None of these teams can be compared to that.

 

[streamkeeper]

Comparing anybody else inthe AFC to the Steelers would be wrong. They're 12-4 at worst, and playing the first game at home.

So out of who is left my vote would go Cowboys.

 

[Despyzer]

I think that SD is highly overrated.

Based on what? Their top ten quarterback? Their running back who has to be considered among the best to play his position and is having a career year? Their offensive line that could have reasonably sent three guys to the pro bowl? Their top ten scoring defense? Their top ten rushing defense? Their +13 turnover margin? Their top five ranking in time of possession? The fact that they led the league in sacks?The Chiefs certainly have a chance to beat San Diego if they can get past Indy, but you need to be able to back up a statement like that.

 

[jurb26]

Philly just jumps out at me when I read this question. Only problem is they are a 4 seed. Personally, I think these are some of the weakest WC teams (as a whole) we have seen in a while. That doesn't mean none of them can or will win. Just on paper and from watching the season. There seems to be a large gap between the WC teams and those who won Divisions IMO.

 

[Domination]

I think that SD is highly overrated.

Based on what? Their top ten quarterback? Their running back who has to be considered among the best to play his position and is having a career year? Their offensive line that could have reasonably sent three guys to the pro bowl? Their top ten scoring defense? Their top ten rushing defense? Their +13 turnover margin? Their top five ranking in time of possession? The fact that they led the league in sacks?The Chiefs certainly have a chance to beat San Diego if they can get past Indy, but you need to be able to back up a statement like that.

Lt is no doubt the best player in the league, but the playoffs are much different thaan the regular season. The Chargers are very young, from Rivers on down. It is alot to ask of such a young team, even if they are at home.

 

[Despyzer]

I think that SD is highly overrated.

Based on what? Their top ten quarterback? Their running back who has to be considered among the best to play his position and is having a career year? Their offensive line that could have reasonably sent three guys to the pro bowl? Their top ten scoring defense? Their top ten rushing defense? Their +13 turnover margin? Their top five ranking in time of possession? The fact that they led the league in sacks?The Chiefs certainly have a chance to beat San Diego if they can get past Indy, but you need to be able to back up a statement like that.

Lt is no doubt the best player in the league, but the playoffs are much different thaan the regular season. The Chargers are very young, from Rivers on down. It is alot to ask of such a young team, even if they are at home.

Chargers' starters with 6 or more years of NFL experience:RB LaDainian Tomlinson (6)

FB Lorenzo Neal (14)

WR Keenan McCardell (16)

RG Mike Goff (9)

DT Jamal Williams (9)

ILB Randall Godfrey (11)

ILB Donnie Edwards (11)

FS Marlon McCree (6)

Throw in two or three more starters with 5 years of experience.

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

The Iggles and Chargers are the hottest teams entering the playoffs...

The coldest? Da Bears and the Cowboys....

 

[Air Coryell]

The Chiefs,They have a great matchup against Indy, and then have to go play SD. They have played them pretty close all year and I think they could beat them. I think that SD is highly overrated. After that it will matter who they matchup against, but at that point I think that they would be very confident and have a good chance at beating anyone that is left. Only thing that will stop the Chiefs is Edwards.

How can the team with the best record, longest current winning streak, 7 players going to the pro-bowl be over-rated? If they're over-rated who's the best team going into the playoffs?

 

[BGP]

The Patriots were 12-4 but so were the Jaguars last season. Their defense is very suspect, especially without Harrison, and their receivers are non-descript. However they do have Brady and a good running game so you can't count them out.But for some reason I just don't see them doing it though I admit I would be reluctant to bet against Belichick and Brady.As for the original question I don't see the 5th or 6th in either conference advancing to the Super Bowl. The Jets just don't have the talent and the Chiefs have been horrible on the road. In the NFC neither the Cowboys or the Giants have been consistent enough this season to make you believe they could win three games in a row.

Offensive and defensive rankings by scoringast years:06 Patriots (7th offense, 2nd defense)05 Patriots (21st offense, 24th defense) 04 Patriots (4th offense, 6th defense)03 Patriots (12th offense, 1st defense) 02 Patriots (10th offense, 17th defense)01 Patriots (6th offense, 6th defense)CLEARLY the 05 club was weaker than the rest. The 06 club is very comparable to their title teams.Let's look at efficiencies. Efficiency is yards divided by points (scored and allowed). AFCsdg 12.17 O, 15.92 Dbal 14.65 O, 21.02 Dind 14.42 O, 14.76 Dnwe 14.44 O, 19.87 Dnyj 16.11 O, 17.99 Dkan 16.27 O, 16.70 DThe 06 Patriots have a better defensive efficiency than anyone except the Ravens. Their offensive rating is third to the Chargers and Colts.05 nwe 16.65 O, 15.90 D04 nwe 5474 yards, 416 points = 13.16 O, 4654 yards, 253 points = 18.40 D03 nwe 15.11 O, 20.67 D02 nwe 13.85 O, 16.12 D01 nwe 13.80 O, 20.54 DThe Patriots defensive rating faltered in 02 and 05, the two years they didn't win the Super Bowl. But it has jumped back up to 19.87 this season, which is in line with their title teams.The bottom line is we've seen Belichick pull off some masterful coaching jobs in his career. He's completely outcoached his opponents in big games quite often. Sure, none of his teams were perfect. But what we can say is Belichick has produced championships given this much to work with.I guess you can say a lot of Belichick's playoff wins have been close. 6 of 10 with the Patriots have been by one score or less. All three Super Bowls wins were within one score. But he gets it done.

 

[Despyzer]

The Chiefs,They have a great matchup against Indy, and then have to go play SD. They have played them pretty close all year and I think they could beat them. I think that SD is highly overrated. After that it will matter who they matchup against, but at that point I think that they would be very confident and have a good chance at beating anyone that is left. Only thing that will stop the Chiefs is Edwards.

How can the team with the best record, longest current winning streak, 7 players going to the pro-bowl be over-rated? If they're over-rated who's the best team going into the playoffs?

I could maybe even buy them being overrated, but HIGHLY overrated? A team that has won 35 games in the last three years?

 

[Sea Bass]

I will nominate the 2007 Chicago Bears to play the role of the 2006 Steelers.

 

[PahtyTom]

at +750 the Patriots are a good value bet to win the Super Bowl when you consider that it is pretty much a 3 horse race to win it all between SD, Bal, and NE.