Anticipation for the NFL playoffs is building, and franchises are doing everything to earn seeding. Coaching staffs are preparing for a grueling end of the season – ensuring players are ready for anything coming their way. Standings in the divisions are close, creating more competition throughout the league. Six games are left on the schedule, which teams can make a surprising playoff appearance?
If the playoffs started this weekend, fans would still be in for an exciting treat. Jalen Hurts and Josh Allen’s hard work result in first-round bye weeks for their respective franchises. The Dolphins, Titans, Ravens, Bengals, and Jets clinched playoff berths in the AFC – exciting AFC East supporters. In the NFC, the Vikings, 49ers, Buccaneers, Cowboys, Giants, and Commanders fill in the playoff tree.
A fight for the Vince Lombardi Trophy would intrigue viewers. Fortunately, these franchises still have time to change the big picture.
NFL Sleeper #5: New England Patriots (6-5)
Earning a spot in the conference bracket will force Mac Jones to play his best football. Bill Belichick’s squad is one game out of playoff consideration. Losses to the Dolphins and Ravens are the only blemishes in their conference record (5-2). The results of an intense lineup of incoming games will make or break the season.
Five out of six games are against conference opponents – increasing the importance of sealing consecutive victories. New England must take on the Dolphins, Bengals, and Bills twice to have a chance to fight for the hardware. Wins against the Jets, Colts, and Browns will give the Patriots enough confidence to weather the storm. If Mac Jones can manage the offense and the defense performs well, we could see New England sneak in.
NFL Sleeper #4: Atlanta Falcons (5-7)
Standings in the NFC South are tight and any team could pull away with the title. Tom Brady and the Buccaneers (5-6) are first in the division, but their rival is not far behind. Arthur Smith and the Falcons are determined to send Brady home for the post-season. They are two games back in the division (1-3) with two left on the schedule. Securing a win against the Saints and Buccaneers is pivotal. Navigating through matchups in between their division showdowns will require focus, but the Falcons can persevere. The Steelers, Ravens, and Cardinals will be motivated to defeat the birds but they won’t go down without a fight.
NFL Sleeper #3: Seattle Seahawks (6-5)
Two consecutive Seattle losses helped the 49ers to take the division from Pete Carol’s squad. Efforts from Tom Brady and Derek Carr closed the door on the Seahawks’ most recent late comeback efforts, dropping them one seed shy of a playoff berth. Reclaiming the division will be a task, but it is achievable.
A Thursday Night Football matchup between San Francisco and Seattle could be for rights to the division. Until then, Seattle must take each game one at a time. The Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets are the threats on the schedule. If Geno Smith and Kenneth Walker III produce in the clutch, Seattle could snatch a divisional title.
NFL Sleeper #2: Las Vegas Raiders (4-7)
It looked dark for Josh McDaniels’ staff in his first year as Head Coach. Many expected Las Vegas to become the front-runners. Instead, they became a doormat. Three consecutive losses early in the season caused concerns for the Raiders community. Acquiring Davante Adams in the off-season fed the fanbase hope, but Las Vegas’ performances filled analysts with doubt.
Wins against the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks shifted the narrative on a distorted season. Derek Carr and Davante Adams rekindled their college chemistry – connecting for 215 yards and two touchdowns. Josh Jacobs also makes the Raiders a threat during this last stretch of games. Las Vegas takes on the Chargers, Patriots, Steelers, 49ers, and Chiefs and will need all hands on deck.
NFL Sleeper #1: Cleveland Browns (4-7)
Deshaun Watson’s suspension disrupted Cleveland’s plans for the 2022 season. A trade with the Texans made the Browns a team to fear in the AFC. When league officials suspended No.4, many believed Cleveland’s playoff odds were non-existent. Leadership from Jacoby Brissett has kept Kevin Stefanski’s squad relevant. His poise in the clutch transcends to his teammates, enhancing the team’s chemistry. Brissett ranks 13th in passing yards (2,608) and has been efficient.
Watson’s suspension is over, and the Browns need help gaining ground in the Conference. Divisional games against the Steelers, Bengals, and Ravens are vital games on the schedule. Defeating the Commanders and Saints will also help the Browns’ overall record.
Cleveland is capable of making a nice run toward a playoff berth. Their fate will be in their quarterback’s hands, but will Watson be enough to save the season?
Close standings lead to an intense playoff picture. Franchises who fight their way into playoff contention receive a boost in momentum -making them dangerous in the post-season. The race for the Vince Lombardi trophy will be interesting, and I am interested to see who advances.