NFL Week 14 roundtable: Not counting division leaders, who makes most noise in playoffs?
The fourth quarter of the NFL season is just beginning. Plenty of time remains for a team to clinch a spot in the playoffs. And once you're in, no telling what can happen.
So just because you aren't leading a division today, doesn't mean you won't have post-season impact. After all, who picked the Tennessee Titans to win in New England and in Baltimore and reach the AFC championship game last season?
With that in mind, we asked Paste BN Sports' NFL reporters and columnists:
Among teams who aren’t leading a division, who do you think will make the most noise in the postseason (can be team in wild-card spot or currently outside field)?
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Their answers:
Jarrett Bell
The Tampa Bay Bucs. I'm just having a hard time counting out Tom Brady. In a pair of notable losses in November, the Bucs got thrashed by the Saints and frustrated by the Rams. Maybe they'll get a chance to make amends in January. No, it won't be easy. But Tampa Bay has so many of the ingredients that will be necessary to make a legit run -- TB12, big-play receivers, a stable of running backs, a talented defensive front seven -- if they can put it all together from a chemistry standpoint. Maybe the bye week and the momentum they should mount with a manageable slate of regular-season games down the stretch will put them on the track. Bruce Arians and his offensive coordinator, Byron Leftwich, need to tweak their offensive designs to take better advantage of Brady's best traits, which certainly aren't wrapped with throwing deep balls while being pummeled under pressure.
Meanwhile, Todd Bowles' defense will need to find some consistency. Hey, it's on tape. The Bucs D dismantled Aaron Rodgers and the Packers in October. They've got it in them. Regardless, it will be fun to watch -- and plenty of noise, attention and hype as TB12 attempts to capture his inner Patriot and take another stab at chasing Super Bowl glory.
Nate Davis
I’m going with a very dark horse and choosing the Baltimore Ravens, who currently reside in ninth place in the AFC. (They’ve also never won a playoff game with Lamar Jackson as their starting quarterback, but this is all immaterial!) With the Browns, Jags, Giants and Bengals rounding out the schedule, I think pretty good chance John Harbaugh’s team (currently 7-5) reaches at least 10 wins – which should be good enough for postseason entry. Get that far – and avoid a wild-card meeting with Kansas City – and Baltimore matches up well with anybody in the AFC given its perennially solid defense and the league’s top-ranked running game, which just tore through the Dallas Cowboys for nearly 300 yards.
Admittedly, Jackson has been inconsistent a year after winning MVP honors. But if he gets back into a groove, the Ravens – with veteran experience and an all-weather make-up –are more than capable of a Super Bowl push.
Jori Epstein
Would I risk being labeled an NFC East homer if I picked Washington Football Team? Alex Smith, Ron Rivera and their Football Team sure would be a good story. But I’ll go with the Cleveland Browns. The franchise’s first winning season in 13 years is enough to excite the fan base without delving into the nitty-gritty.
But what first-year coach Kevin Stefanski’s program does is impressive even upon further reflection. They’ve punished teams by run and by pass. Myles Garrett is a game-wrecking defender. They’ve gutted through ugly weather games. And they haven’t let the loss of Odell Beckham Jr. slow them. Sure, their four-game win streak has featured some softer opponents, which is why last week’s trip to Tennessee was an important litmus test. With a 41-35 win, they passed it. Cleveland is peaking at the right time.
Mike Jones
There are a lot of teams to choose from. The Seahawks and Rams seemingly flip-flop for NFC West lead every other week, so it could be one of them. The Buccaneers trail the Saints in the NFC South, but despite their two-game losing streak hiccup, remain a formidable team. You've got the Dolphins, Raiders, Browns, Colts and even the Ravens all in the hunt despite not leading their divisions.
I really want to say Tampa, but I’m going to go with Baltimore. Yeah, they wouldn’t even make the playoffs if the season ended today despite their 9-3 record. But the schedule shakes out favorably for them to get some momentum (building on this week's win over Dallas). I feel like they still have some things to sort out with their offense, and need a few guys to get healthy on defense. But they have the experience factor and feel like if they get into the postseason, where physical football is virtually a must, they're going to give teams trouble. They have experienced early exits the last two postseasons, but I feel like the adversity of those failed campaigns and of this season will help cultivate a toughness and determination that could carry this team and make them a tough out.
Lorenzo Reyes
This is kind of crazy to type out, but I’m going to go with the Cleveland Browns. They’re built in a way that should give their team a recipe to have success in January: a dominant, clock-churning rushing attack; competence in converting red zone trips into touchdowns; an offensive line that gives quarterback Baker Mayfield ample time to throw; an aggressive defense that’s tied for third in the league in takeaways (20); and one that does reasonably well in stopping the rush and excels in forcing teams to settle for field goals in goal-to-go situations.
The key for Cleveland will be the play of quarterback Baker Mayfield. If he can continue to limit his turnovers – Mayfield is on pace to set a career best in interceptions – and doesn’t miss open targets, the Browns’ offense can compete. Just look at the offensive explosion the team posted on the road against the Titans in the first half. Still, there are concerns about playing complete games and not letting teams back into contests that look to be decided, but coach Kevin Stefanski has a talented roster reaching levels this franchise hasn’t seen in a long time.