With the NFL postseason quick approaching, a number of groups within the playoff hunt are getting scorching on the proper time. In the event that they sneak in as a backside seed, these groups are nice candidates to drag off a first-round upset.
Here is a have a look at three of essentially the most harmful groups within the postseason hunt.
Buffalo Payments (8-6) | Remaining schedule: at Chargers, vs. Patriots, at Dolphins
The Payments hit rock-bottom in Week 10, falling to the Denver Broncos, 24-22, and subsequently firing offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey. Buffalo, nevertheless, did not keep down for lengthy, profitable three of its subsequent 4 video games and firmly positioning itself within the playoff race.
Towards the Cowboys in Week 15, the Payments fearsome offense seemed a complete lot scarier because of a profession day from working again James Cook dinner. The 24-year-old rushed 25 occasions for 179 yards and a landing and reeled in two catches for 42 yards and a rating in Buffalo’s 31-10 win.
Josh Allen has usually been requested to hold his group, however on Sunday, his assist was hardly wanted. The star quarterback accomplished 7-of-15 passes for 94 yards, marking solely the fifth sport of his profession with fewer than 100 passing yards. If the Payments can maintain a strong dashing assault and ease the strain on Allen’s shoulders, Buffalo’s offense may very well be unstoppable come playoffs.
The Payments, nevertheless, haven’t got their sights set on simply sneaking into the postseason. The AFC East title is nicely inside attain with first-place Miami (10-4) going through a tricky schedule forward (vs. Cowboys, at Ravens, vs. Payments).
Los Angeles Rams | (7-7) | Remaining schedule: vs. Saints, at Giants, at 49ers
A number of accidents to star gamers prevented Los Angeles’ offense from reaching its full potential earlier within the season. Now that everybody is wholesome, nevertheless, the unit is among the finest within the NFL.
The Rams have received 4 of their final 5 video games, scoring 149 factors — the fourth most within the NFL over that span. Matthew Stafford is as soon as once more taking part in like a top-10 quarterback, rating seventh in QBR (62.8), eighth in passing yards per sport (255.4) and tenth in passing touchdowns (21). In the meantime, prime goal Cooper Kupp has proven indicators of regaining his elite type, coming off back-to-back video games of eight receptions and over 100 receiving yards.
With breakout working again Kyren Williams and large receiver Puka Nacua moreover within the combine, the offense can seemingly sustain with any higher-seeded group in a shootout.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers | (7-7) | Remaining schedule: vs. Jaguars, vs. Saints, at Panthers
This season has been a curler coaster, with Tampa Bay beginning 3-1 earlier than struggling mightily by a 1-6 stretch. The Buccaneers are again within the win column currently, profitable their previous three video games and leaping into first of the mediocre NFC South.
Tampa Bay proved what it is able to in a 34-20 masterclass win over the Inexperienced Bay Packers in Week 15. Baker Mayfield accomplished 22-of-28 passes for 381 yards, 4 touchdowns and no interceptions, turning into the primary opposing quarterback to submit an ideal passer ranking (158.3) at Lambeau Area. Operating again Rachaad White continued to construct on his sturdy season, accounting for 139 scrimmage yards and a landing.
As long as Mayfield continues to play at a excessive stage — he has 24 touchdowns in comparison with eight interceptions this season — the Buccaneers have the weapons (suppose Mike Evans, Chris Godwin) to make a playoff run.
