Sportsnaut
The Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs have now concluded, with four teams left standing ahead of the AFC and NFC Championship Games next weekend. With 28 teams eliminated, we can start to look ahead to their offseasons while still examining the four teams left competing for the Lombardi Trophy.
Let’s dive into our latest NFL Power Rankings after the Divisional Round. We’re ranking the four teams on Conference Championship Weekend, while looking at one offseason move eliminated clubs should make.
The Seattle Seahawks are the best team entering Conference Championship Weekend. Defensively, this unit rivals the Texans, and they have the added benefits of home-field advantage, an explosive rushing attack and a good offensive line. Sam Darnold does not need to be Superman; he just needs to protect the football and make the most of his chances in the red zone. Seattle is our pick to hoist the Lombardi Trophy right now.
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It certainly feels like the winner of the NFC Championship Game will go on to become the Super Bowl champion. Similar to the Patriots, what stands out about this Divisional Round victory for the Los Angeles Rams is that it came on a day when the MVP-caliber quarterback didn’t quite play like it. Others stepped up, buying time until the All-Pro passer could deliver a big-time throw in a critical moment. We now get a rubber match between the Rams and Seahawks, with the winner representing the NFC in the Super Bowl. It should be an all-time classic.
Related: Winners, Losers from Los Angeles Rams vs Chicago Bears
Drake Maye hasn’t played like an MVP-caliber quarterback in the NFL Playoffs. Yet, the New England Patriots are headed to the AFC Championship Game with a +25 point differential in two playoff games and they’ve outclassed both the Chargers and Texans. Mike Vrabel has to feel particularly great about how good New England’s defense has looked in these last two weeks with top starters returning to the front seven. With Denver starting a backup quarterback, the Patriots should be heavy favorites in the AFC title game.
Related: Winners, Losers from Houston Texans vs New England Patriots
The Bo Nix injury is a devastating blow for the Denver Broncos’ Super Bowl chances. Running the football is still a bit of an issue for this offense. While the defense generated five takeaways in the Divisional Round, it has not been as effective for the most part as it was in the first half of the regular season. All of that is to say that Denver’s ground game, receiving corps and defense are not good enough to overcome Jarrett Stidham being the starting quarterback in the AFC Championship Game.
Related: Winners, Losers from Buffalo Bills vs Denver Broncos
With the Giants and Falcons’ head-coaching vacancies filled and Tennessee seemingly prioritizing...
