This is the most important time of the season. It’s time for the NFL playoffs. As the last quarter of the regular season is upon us, certain teams are positioning its playoff seating. Only 12 teams are eligible to make the playoffs with 8 division winners and 4 wild card opportunities.
For this issue, Industry Rules breaks down the final four that will make it to the championship game.
1. New Orleans Saints.
Perineal pro bowler Drew Brees is playing at an MVP caliber level since coming back from injury. His awareness and knowledge of the game is a potent advantage EVERY Sunday. Along with head coach Sean Payton, the Saints boast one of the most explosive offenses in the league. The running back tandem of Alvin Kamari and Latavious Murry is one of leagues best. Michael Thomas has the most targets and catches on the team. Every week, defenses game plan to stop him and he still puts up impressive numbers. To balance the receiving corps, the Saints added Jared Cook who’s quietly having a solid season. He’s mismatch for linebacker and safeties. He give Sean Payton an added dimension to his offense he hasn’t had since Jimmy Graham.
Player to Watch
Although, the Saints are scoring machine, the key player to the Saints is cornerback Marshon Lattimore. His ability to shutdown the number one wide receiver will allow the Saints to role coverage to eliminate one side of the field. If he plays at a high level, the Saints will be in Atlanta for the Super Bowl.
The Ravens are explosive. They have everything needed to make a strong playoff run. Arguably the best dual-threat quarterback since Michael Vick, Lamar Jackson is playing at an MVP level as well. The entire offense runs through him, literally. His effectiveness makes defensives show eight-man fronts. This allow single coverage with the Ravens speedy receiver corps and versatile tight-ends. Jackson has surpassed all expectations while dominating the league in second year. is playing at a pro bowl level. His ability to see the field and use the play-action for large chunks of yardage will have the team make a deep playoff run.
Player to Watch
Like the Saints, the player to watch is Earl Thomas. One of the best safeties in the NFL, Thomas has size and range to allow the Ravens to play eight-man fronts to stop the run or sending blitzes out of the team’s 3-4 front. He was a key addiction in free agency. His roster spot catapulted the Ravens into a top defense.
One of the great storylines in the NFL is third year quarterback Patrick Mahones II (MVP). His cannon of an arm and the mind of Andy Ried not only has the Chiefs favorites to win its division, the historical organization has a legitimate chance of going to the Super Bowl. He had a sleuth weapons in Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill, Sammy Watkins and Chris Conley. They control the tempo of the game and Tyreek Hill’s speed is unmatched. His deep threat ability will open up the Chiefs’ potent running game.
Player to Watch
Tyreek Hill. Hill is one of the fastest football player in the league. He’s nightmare for opposing defenses. He’s been often injury this year. If he’s able to stay healthy through the playoff, he will be the key piece to why the Chiefs are in Super Bowl.
Tom Brady. Period!
