NFL Czar: It's NFL playoff time!
Well, first things first, I hope
everyone had a good and relaxing
break. Now that we are getting
back to reality, it's time for the
NFL playoffs. Unfortunately, by
the time you read this, it will likely
be after the first round of the playoffs
is complete, so I will not be
making picks for Wild Card weekend.
However, I would like to congratulate
the Kansas City Chiefs
for not only making the playoffs,
but winning the AFC West as well.
What a turnaround for that team.
So, instead of making straight up picks, I am going to take a look at the top three teams to watch in each conference. Hopefully, they will all still be in the playoffs by the time you read this. For each team I will take a look at their greatest strength and weakness, and highlight a potential MVP candidate.
AFC
1. New England Patriots:
Strength: Having a quarterback like Tom Brady pretty much makes this team invincible. He had a remarkable season, and will look to lead the Pats to the Super Bowl.
Weakness: The defence is still very young and relatively untested. It will be interesting to see how they will respond to the pressures of playoff football.
MVP Candidate: QB Tom Brady
2. Indianapolis Colts:
Strength: Just like the Pats, the Colts rely on their quarterback Peyton Manning to lead the charge. Despite the fact that the Colts will have to go on the road after round one, don't bet against Manning.
Weakness: The defence has always been a weak spot in Indy. It hasn't changed this year. Expect some shootouts in the Colts games.
MVP Candidate: QB Peyton Manning
3. Pittsburgh Steelers:
Strength: The Steelers defence is a force to be reckoned with, as usual. They will get after opposing quarterbacks and force turnovers.
Weakness: The offensive line play has gotten better as the year has moved along, but will face tough challenges from the defensive lines of New England and Indy.
MVP Candidate: LB James Harrison
NFC
1. Atlanta Falcons:
Strength: The biggest strength for the Falcons is knowing that QB Matt Ryan is ridiculously good at home. The NFC goes through Atlanta, and they will continue to be tough to beat in the Georgiadome.
Weakness: Good, strong defensive play can shut down the Falcons. If you shut down Michael Turner, you can shut down the Falcons offence.
MVP Candidate: WR Roddy White
2. New Orleans Saints:
Strength: Despite being the number five seed, the Saints are still the defending champs, and have an explosive offence. They can score at will.
Weakness: If you don't count the second Atlanta game, their defence was fairly beatable. Also, Drew Brees has turned the ball over more than usual.
MVP Candidate: QB Drew Brees
3. Chicago Bears:
Strength: The Bears defence has been suffocating for much of the year. They are one of a handful of teams to contain Michael Vick. If they hope to make a deep playoff run, it will be on the defence to carry them.
Weakness: QB Jay Cutler has been erratic all year. Though he is much improved from last season, he still folds under pressure. The Bears have to protect him if they want him to be successful.
MVP Candidate: Brian Urlacher
There you have it, folks. For next week, I will take a look at the top 10 stories from the past season. For more from the NFL Czar, check out his blog at jvzsblog.blogspot.com
So, instead of making straight up picks, I am going to take a look at the top three teams to watch in each conference. Hopefully, they will all still be in the playoffs by the time you read this. For each team I will take a look at their greatest strength and weakness, and highlight a potential MVP candidate.
AFC
1. New England Patriots:
Strength: Having a quarterback like Tom Brady pretty much makes this team invincible. He had a remarkable season, and will look to lead the Pats to the Super Bowl.
Weakness: The defence is still very young and relatively untested. It will be interesting to see how they will respond to the pressures of playoff football.
MVP Candidate: QB Tom Brady
2. Indianapolis Colts:
Strength: Just like the Pats, the Colts rely on their quarterback Peyton Manning to lead the charge. Despite the fact that the Colts will have to go on the road after round one, don't bet against Manning.
Weakness: The defence has always been a weak spot in Indy. It hasn't changed this year. Expect some shootouts in the Colts games.
MVP Candidate: QB Peyton Manning
3. Pittsburgh Steelers:
Strength: The Steelers defence is a force to be reckoned with, as usual. They will get after opposing quarterbacks and force turnovers.
Weakness: The offensive line play has gotten better as the year has moved along, but will face tough challenges from the defensive lines of New England and Indy.
MVP Candidate: LB James Harrison
NFC
1. Atlanta Falcons:
Strength: The biggest strength for the Falcons is knowing that QB Matt Ryan is ridiculously good at home. The NFC goes through Atlanta, and they will continue to be tough to beat in the Georgiadome.
Weakness: Good, strong defensive play can shut down the Falcons. If you shut down Michael Turner, you can shut down the Falcons offence.
MVP Candidate: WR Roddy White
2. New Orleans Saints:
Strength: Despite being the number five seed, the Saints are still the defending champs, and have an explosive offence. They can score at will.
Weakness: If you don't count the second Atlanta game, their defence was fairly beatable. Also, Drew Brees has turned the ball over more than usual.
MVP Candidate: QB Drew Brees
3. Chicago Bears:
Strength: The Bears defence has been suffocating for much of the year. They are one of a handful of teams to contain Michael Vick. If they hope to make a deep playoff run, it will be on the defence to carry them.
Weakness: QB Jay Cutler has been erratic all year. Though he is much improved from last season, he still folds under pressure. The Bears have to protect him if they want him to be successful.
MVP Candidate: Brian Urlacher
There you have it, folks. For next week, I will take a look at the top 10 stories from the past season. For more from the NFL Czar, check out his blog at jvzsblog.blogspot.com
