NFC Divisional Preview – Running Into Time

For most of the season the NFC had one team ahead of everybody else in the race, but it’s been a very tight race. The conference has won two out of the last four Super Bowls, but their last win was in 2022.

The divisional round has some great matchups that should be filled with late game drama. Let’s see who comes out on top.

 

Washington Commanders vs. Detroit Lions

Saturday January 18th, 8:00 PM ET

Eventual Super Bowl champions against upstart Cinderella team? Maybe not so cinematic, but the Lions and Commanders will be chock full of drama. Can the Lions fulfill what seems to be a season long inevitability or will the Commanders play the role of new bullies on the block?

Washington is a team that simply won’t go away, but will Jayden Daniels and company add to their six game winning streak?  They’re averaging 29.0 points per game during that stretch.

Their defense has given up 30 or more points only once during the streak and they have forced seven turnovers during that span.

Detroit has the number one scoring offense and putting up 30 points in a game seems very easy for them. They’ve scored 30 or more points ten times this season, including two 50 point performances.

The defense has been somewhat depleted in the secondary, which could pose a problem against the Commanders.

X-Factor:

Washington Commanders: Terry McLaurin-Wide Receiver

The aforementioned Lions’ secondary is banged up and a wide receiver of McLaurin’s caliber should feast on single coverage. At some point Detroit is going to have to double team him, which will leave some other openings in the defense. Whether he’s doing the catching or playing decoy, McLaurin’s presence alone poses a major threat.

Detroit Lions: Jahmyr Gibbs- Running Back

Gibbs’ overall production can set the tone for the entire Lions offense. They will lean on him to gain yards on the ground and be a short yardage option in the passing game. There’s no realistic way to fully shut down a player like Gibbs.

Prediction: I’ll take the Lions over the Commanders, 30-24.

 

Los Angeles Rams vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Sunday January 19th, 6:30 PM ET

The Rams have already defeated a team with a better record than their own in these playoffs. The Eagles have been battle tested for the last three seasons and they’re ready to make a trip back to the Super Bowl.

The Rams had their wild card matchup won by the end of the third quarter. Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams are once again ready to burst out on offense and keep the defense guessing.

Their defense recorded nine sacks and two turnovers. Rookie Jared Verse scored a fumble recovery touchdown to lead a front seven that’s playing tough these past few weeks. They could be clicking at the right time.

Philadelphia’s rough and rugged style helped them squeak past a very capable Green Bay team last week. Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, AJ. Brown and DeVonta Smith will need to have a better performance this week if they wish to advance the Conference Championship.

The Eagles’ defense was great forcing four turnovers and three fumbles (one lost). The Eagles have forced nine turnovers in the last three weeks and all  those games have resulted in Philadelphia victories.

X-Factor:

Los Angeles Rams: Matthew Stafford- Quarterback

The veteran Stafford has made nine postseason starts and he is currently 5-4 with 17 touchdown passes and six interceptions. He and Kupp are the veterans flanked by a bunch of 20 something year olds. Stafford needs to be the steady hand that directs the ship and the rest of the Rams need to follow his lead.

Philadelphia Eagles: Zach Baun- Outside Linebacker

With the Rams’ offense clicking on all cylinders, the Eagles defense needs to be sound and disciplined. Baun has the ability to cover the entire field and he’s usually in and around on most plays. His consistency will help defuse drives and get the Eagles off the field on third down.

Prediction: I’ll take the Eagles for the victory 24-20 over the Rams