- Bills decline; Houston excels
- Rams rising in NFC
- Broncos and Texans playoff impact
Recall September
Who could have predicted that this match would significantly impact the playoff race? Could either team assert that they had a legitimate shot? Perhaps not, but they can now perch directly on the bubble, so they both can. A year ago, each group was eliminated from their division and desperately needed assistance. Why even consider last season? The Broncos were 1-5 in October and, had the Bears not spectacularly imploded after leading 28-7, would have been 0-6.
Nevertheless, despite the vain Dolphins decimated them 70-20, we remain. One factor that has distinguished them from the beginning has been Vance Joseph’s defence. The coordinator required some time to warm up, but during their five-game winning stretch, they have generated 15 turnovers, good for first in the league, while allowing just over 16 points per game. Houston’s journey has been marginally less dicey since the acquisition of quarterback CJ Stroud (rookie?).
Aggressive and error-averse, with Tank Dell, an unlikely breakout rookie receiver, at his disposal. The nail-biting victory of Houston over the vastly outclassed Cincinnati Bengals highlighted DeMeco Ryan’s outstanding début as head coach. Justly so, he is currently the second favourite in Las Vegas to win coach of the year. Nevertheless, Ryans will be wiser for missing an opportunity to regain ground on the Jaguars, who are atop the AFC West, in their 24-21 defeat on Sunday.
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He was enraged that his squad handed the Carolina Panthers their sole victory. Stroud demonstrated (and ought to be excused for) his potential for an off-day with 119 yards in the air; he must prevent this to keep the Texans in the hunt.
For the Broncos to Secure Victory
Joseph must maintain an atmosphere of innovation in the backfield. Ensure that safety Justin Simmons and shutdown corner Patrick Surtain appear all over the pitch to confound and pressure Stroud into errors. By deceiving Patrick Mahomes, Sean Payton will have reason to believe that his renowned unit can dominate. On the offensive side, Courtland Sutton has performed admirably in the red zone. At the same time, Wilson must maintain a conservative approach and continue to inch the ball downfield, allowing the quarterback to locate his paydirt, Houdini.
The Texans’ Strategy for Victory
The Texans must disregard Denver’s defence to secure victory. This is Stroud’s actual acid test, as they have no choice but to throw, throw, and throw again without a viable rushing game. Houston ranks second in the league in terms of passing yards. While that does not detract undeniably from Washington’s 13 interceptions, it becomes the league’s best when the Texans have attempted nearly 100 fewer passes. It is not feasible to abandon a season constructed upon this exceptional surge in production. Stroud has already demonstrated his ability to overcome formidable defences by defeating the Steelers, Jaguars, and Saints.
They complement the Broncos’ defence well, given that the Broncos prefer to run the ball on nearly half of their plays, which is precisely what the Texans do. Their opponent’s rush attempts result in a mere 3.6 yards per carry, which ranks them third. Wilson’s third-and-long passes in 2023 are less dangerous for opponents than they once were.
The Rise of the Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams are rising (5-6, ninth in the NFC).
On Sunday, the Rams annihilated the Cardinals, and Cardinals primary receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp accumulated 45 yards. The return of 143-yard juggernaut running back Kyren Williams provides an x-factor on the ground that Sean McVay needs to improve, as it is difficult for a 35-year-old quarterback to rely solely on Matt Stafford for everything on offence.
McVay has restored his prowess to assemble a team that resembles a diminished version of his former Super Bowl champions. He is now positioned directly back on the cusp between 3 and 6. If Stafford remains healthy, an enthusiastic McVay with a dynamic running attack spells peril for all.
Buffalo Bills in Decline
Buffalo Bills (6-6, presently No. 10 in the AFC): In decline.
The wildcard contest in the AFC is highly competitive, and as a result, numerous analysts predicted the Buffalo Bills would win the Super Bowl. Their stock is currently plummeting precipitously following a dreadful loss to the Eagles, in which Josh Allen arguably delivered the most impressive performance of the season. They would quickly secure a wildcard berth in the NFC if Kansas City defeated the Cowboys away (at home, they average 41 points per game). No, that is fine. Although they remain in contention, beats to the Jets, Patriots, and Broncos do not serve as foundational pieces for a championship.
Compete for the Top Selection
Quite intriguing. Although Chicago is 4-8, they are in first place in the race for the No. 1 overall selection after acquiring DJ Moore in a trade last season. This is a masterful move, given that Chicago owns Carolina’s pick. The Panthers have a 1-10 record and are struggling despite selecting No. 1 Bryce Young this year. A cursory examination of their schedule reveals that it is difficult, but they still have opportunities to defeat Chicago: the Saints (assuming Derek Carr maintains his status as Sir Dink of Dunk; Jameis Winston is sure to enter the fray); two meetings with a Tampa squad that has won only one of its last seven games; and if gunslinger Jordan Love misses his target, they also have a glimmer of hope.
At a dismal 2-10, the Arizona Cardinals might edge past them in the sprint to the bottom. The returning quarterback, Kyler Murray, needs help, and the defence is ranked second-worst in the league with 27 points conceded per game on average. The Steelers, 49ers, Bears, Eagles, and Seahawks are next. Unless Murray improves, this may come down to a narrow run. Notable is New England, which is still in the hunt with a record of 2-9, but at least the Jets are imagining the delicious relief of the season’s conclusion in week 17.
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