Crim's Corner: Divisional Round Preview

by Crimsion | 6 years ago | 1 Comments

Now that the wildcard round is said and done, the SFL Playoffs get into even murkier territory with the league's top teams battling it out for a shot at Superbowl XLII. Winning a Superbowl in the SFL not only earns you a massive amount of respect, but puts your name on the map for years to come. 

Like every year, there's a solid mix of favourites and underdogs battling it out, but a good chance some not-so-familiar faces get a shot at history such as Mike and his Chargers or what was Codie and his Chiefs. 

Now, let's take a look at those who's Superbowl dreams are very much alive.

(11-5) Chicago Bears vs Philadelphia Eagles (13-3)

This game was played during the writing of this article.

This right here was easily the most anticipated Divisional Round game for most users around the SFL. Both Clint and Byrd held their own when it came to the regular season, as well as playing host to two of the leagues' most dominate defensive units.

Points were surely going to be hard to come by, and it's no surprise that the majority of the points scored by both squads in this one were generated by the defense in one way or another. Eagles QB Carson Wentz got himself into trouble late in the game, throwing two of his three interceptions in the fourth quarter. On the other side of things, Bears QB Mitchell Trubisky returned the favour by throwing two of his own over the course of the game.

Both offenses looked to cash in on the big plays through the air, looking for their favourite targets downfield early and often. Alshon Jeffery and Taylor Gabriel were both the beneficiaries of this approach as both eclipsed 90 yards through the air.

In the end, it was the Chicago Bears who sealed the deal and punched their ticket to the NFC Championship game with a final of 28-16.

(10-6) Los Angeles Chargers vs Buffalo Bills (11-5)

When two teams like this collide, the tempo will be set very early on in the game. While the Chargers have one of, if not the best, secondaries in the league, the Bills aren't too far behind.

Both teams take pride in their defensive units, and bring something different to the table when it comes to the offensive side of things. Los Angeles has a workhorse in the backfield by the name of Melvin Gordon, who was the SFL's 4th place rusher this season. He'll be called upon early and often to open up the field for QB Dam Son.

The Buffalo Bills also tend to rely on their run game hevily, but are able to spread the work around and keep the legs fresh with Thomas Rawls, Latavius Murray, Peyton Barber and J.D. McKissic in the mix. 

Expect there to be a very low total in this one, but whichever defensive unit forces the first mistake could be the one moving onto the AFC Championship game.

Preditction: Chargers 17, Bills 14

(8-7-1) New York Jets vs Houston Texans (15-1)

Steps and his New York Jets are a classic rag-to-somewhat richers story here in the 2021 post-season. This team was in shambles last season, without an owner, but once Steps made his return this past off-season he was determined to turn everything around, and he has.

Unfortunately for Steps, he's run into essentially the "Juggernaut" of the SFL in Chan and his Houston Texans. A team that finds success year in and year out in not only the AFC, but the league as a whole. Chan has three titles under his belt, and looked to notch number four last season before he was defeated by Q. 

There isn't much to say here in regards to how these teams stack up against one another. The Jets are a middle of the pack team overall, while the Texans rank in as one of the best in most categories. 

I won't write anyone out of a game in the post-season, tensions rise and teams play their best football during this time of the year, but Steps will have to pull out all the stops as "David" in order to dethrone "Goliath".

Prediction: Jets 13, Texans 38

(12-4) Atlanta Falcons vs Los Angeles Rams (11-5)

The last time the Los Angeles Rams saw the post-season in 2019, they had a shot at the Superbowl, but those chances were derailed by these very Atlanta Falcons. These two owners have a very hefty history against one another, battling for years in the NFC South.

Now, the Rams have a shot to redeem themselves and defeat this high powered Falcons squad, but it won't be easy. This is a team that keeps coaches on their toes, looks for the big play, and completes it more often than not. Atlanta ranks 9th in passing yards and 13th in total yardage.

The Rams defense is middle of the pack numbers wise, but they have some players stepping up so far this post-season, such as the likes of Nickell Robey-Coleman, who recorded three interceptions last week. They also get back the services of their rookie MLB Craig Fletcher and CB Lamarcus Joyner. They're going to need all hands on deck to be able to handle this Falcons' attack.

Atlanta has also been graced by the Madden gods, getting WR Clavin Ridley back for his pivotal game. The Alabama product lead all Falcons' receivers in yardage (1,242) and caught 8 touchdowns on the season.

Whoever takes this one will host Clint and the Chicago Bears for a shot at a Superbowl appearance.

Prediction: N/A