Likes and Dislikes for Every NFL Playoff Team: 2021 Edition

Packers: Like Offensive trio, Dislike rush defense

The Packers have earned themselves the first seed in the NFC, lighting it up with their trio of offensive studs. With MVP candidate Aaron Rodgers, top WR Devante Adams, and solid running back Aaron Jones their offense averaged 31.8 points this year. The only dislike is their rush defense. They have given up an average 132.4 rush yards per game. Still, the Packers are going to make it far this year and possibly bring back the Lombardi to Green Bay. 

Saints: Like defense, dislike Drew Brees’ health

It’s been a very good year for New Orleans as the Saints finished the year at 12-4. Their defense is has allowed the fourth fewest yards per game and is tied for the third most takeaways in the league. The only concern is Drew Brees. His play has declined since he broke 11 of his ribs, making him even more susceptible to Mother Nature . He went from completing 74% of his passes to 61% and his passer rating decreased from 110.0 to 94.7. If Brees can get back to form, the Saints will likely make a deep playoff run. 

Seahawks: Like Explosive Offense, Dislike Pass Defense

The Seahawks are entering the playoffs at 12-4 and atop their division. The main root of their success has come from their high powered offense. The dynamic duo of DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett have worked very well together along with Russ at QB1. The Seahawks have one flaw, we believe it is their pass coverage. They have given up an average of 285.0 passing yards per game. Their defense has us worried, but we believe they could make a deep run.

Washington: Like Front 4, Dislike lack of talent at QB

“I want Tom!”, those were Washington rookie Chase Young’s words after they defeated Philadelphia to clinch the division. The Washington pass rush matches up well against Tampa. The defense has totaled 47 sacks during the season and will be bringing the heat against Tom. Our concern is that Alex Smith won’t be enough to propel Washington. He has only thrown for 197.8 ypg this year. It will be interesting to see how Washington does on Wild Card weekend. If Alex Smith is not available, we believe that Heinicke is not a bad replacement, but still not good enough to beat the Bucs.

Buccaneers: Like WR Core, Dislike Defense Against Playoff Caliber Team

TB12 heading to Tampa was the storyline of the off-season. Tom and the Bucss went 11-5 this season while the Patriots went 7-9. Tom surrounded himself with names such as Evans, Godwin, Gronkowski, and Brown. That has led them to be a top passing team in the league. Our main dislike was Tampa’s defense against playoff teams. Tampa’s defense averaged 26 points given up vs. teams in the playoffs. Other than that the Buccaneers look good for the postseason haul.

Rams: Top Tier Defense, Dislike QB Situation

The Rams face off in a matchup against Seattle at Seattle, not that home field advantage means as much with Covid-19 restrictions. Their defense has been excellent this year with Aaron Donald on the line and Jalen Ramsey out at corner. Our main concern is the trouble at the quarterback position. After having surgery on his thumb, the Rams don’t know if Goff will be able to play come playoff time.

Bears: Likes Nothing to lose attitude, Dislike Lack of Offense

It was hard to pick something I liked about the Bears. They snuck their way into the playoffs at 8-8 after starting at a solid 5-1. Then they couldn’t stop losing. They dropped to 5-7 then miraculously found themselves in the playoffs at 8-8. I think the Bears will use this to their advantage. They know that they got bailed out and have an underdog mentality going into the post season. They have struggled on the offensive side however. They only average 16 points when playing a playoff caliber team. The Bears are going into their game against New Orleans as 10 point underdogs and are looking for an upset.

Chiefs: Like Extraordinary Offense, Dislike N/A.

The Chiefs have played near perfection this season. There isn’t much to say. It is impossible to put something I dislike about them going into the playoffs. With such a high-powered offense, all the defense needs to do is not give up a whole lot of points. So far they have kept offenses low enough for Patrick Mahomes to be himself. If the Chiefs play like the way they did in the regular season, I don’t see anybody stopping them. 

Bills: Like Allen and Diggs Connection, Dislike Ability to Convincingly win games.

It was also hard to pick a thing I disliked for the Bills. They’ve been balling out recently . Buffalo is riding a six-game winning streak into the playoffs. We like the connection between Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs going into the postseason. Our only concern was their inability to convincingly win a game. Besides the last three games of the season, Buffalo has only outscored their opponents by 44, an average victory margin of about 3.4 points. Aside from that fact, Buffalo is destined to make noise in the playoffs.

Steelers: Like Top Defense in League, Dislike Recent Struggle

The Steelers are coming into the playoffs at 12-4. The charge being led by their defense, the Steelers are looking to make some noise this postseason. The defense, led by TJ watt, has been at the top of the league this year. Our only concern is their play recently. They’ve dropped the last four out of five to finish the season, but are looking to bounce back come playoff time against a COVID-riddled Browns.

Titans: Like Rush Attack, Dislike Pass Rush

The 11-5 Titans clinched the AFC south with a walk-off field goal against the Colts in week 17. During that game Derrick Henry eclipsed the 2k rush yard mark. Henry average 126.7 per game on the ground and was a massive part in the Tennessee offense. One of our concerns for Tennessee is their pass rush. They only have 19 sacks on the year and we fear that they are going to let quarterbacks get comfortable in the pocket. After making it to the AFC championship last year the Titans are trying to make it further this go around.

Ravens: Like Recent Play, Dislike Passing Attack

The Ravens are looking to make it further this go-around. With a disappointing exit last year, they are going to make sure it doesn’t happen again. The Ravens picked it up at the right time, winning the last five games in a row. There is one major flaw to their team: the passing game. The Ravens only averaged 171.2 passing yards per game, which puts them at the bottom of the league. Lamar has looked decent throughout the year but will need to be more efficient in the air this postseason.

Browns: Like Dual Running Back Threat, Dislike recent COVID-19 cases

The Browns have finally made it. After 18 long years Cleveland has made it to the postseason. Their rushing duo in Kareem Hunt and Nick Chubb is lethal, producing the third most rushing yards in the NFL. However, trouble might be Brewing for the Browns. Recently Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, seven players, and six other coaches have come in contact with COVID-19. The Browns try to look past these struggles and take down the recently struggling Pittsburgh Steelers. 

Colts: Like Defense, Dislike lack of superstar. 

Every solid team has their superstar(s). For me a superstar is someone that can change the complexion of a game in a couple of plays. I don’t think the Colts have that type of player. Their top receiver is T.Y. Hilton and he only had 762 w 5 TD’s. On the other hand their defense looks sharp, giving up the second least rushing yards to opponents. They are looking to upset Buffalo coming in as 6.5 point underdogs. 

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