Will they Get In? AFC/NFC West Playoff Picture: The John Skelton Dilemma
By Editorial Staff
Will they get In?
The 2012 NFL season is winding down and the playoff picture is becoming clearer every week. Last week I discussed the AFC/NFC South picture. This week we will discuss the improving AFC/NFC West conference playoff picture. We will go into remaining schedules and predictions.
AFC West
Kansas City Chiefs: The NFL can certainly change quickly. The Chiefs were the AFC West 2010 Champs. In 2011, injuries have decimated this team and now their HC Todd Haley was recently fired. I think Haley is a good OC, but not a good HC. He lacks the ability to remain consistent in his day to day approach. Injuries were a huge detriment this season with season ending injuries to Matt Cassell, Jamal Charles, Tony Moeaki, and Eric Berry. That is a lot of talent on the IR. Currently at 5-8 they are not mathematically out of the playoffs but they are not going to make it in this year. They play the Packers and the Raiders at home before going to enver. At best the Chiefs will finish 6-10 and a good chance of improving next year.
Oakland Raiders: At 7-4 it appeared the Raiders would be in charge of the AFC West and go into the playoffs. Than the 14-34 loss to the Miami Dolphins happened…and than the 16-46 loss atGreen Bay. Now the Raiders are fighting for a playoff spot hosting Detroit this Sunday. The Raiders do not matchup well with Detroit without Run DMC. If he comes back, they have a chance. If the Raiders can win then they go to Kansas City and than play San Diego at home. Depending on what the Broncos do they can still finish 9-7 but Carson Palmer will need to stop throwing interceptions and the defense will need to stop the run. My prediction is an 8-8 finish again and no playoffs.
San Diego Chargers: At 4-7 it all appeared over for the Chargers but now back to back blowout wins have them at 6-7 and a small chance at the post season. The Chargers play the Ravens at home and if Phillip Rivers can continue his strong play there is a chance they can win. Problem is the defense is giving up a ton of rushing yards and not pressuring the quarterback much. These shortcomings will be taken advantage of by an experienced team like the Ravens. Afterwards the Chargers go to Detroit and Oakland. I think the Chargers finish 8-8 and Norv Turner gets fired.
Denver Broncos: Breaking news, Tim Tebow is popular. Okay, maybe you have heard that. While his quarterback play has been inconsistent, he has energized the Broncos team. After losing to Detroit, the Broncos have won 6 straight games. They have defeated the Raiders, Chiefs, Jets, Chargers, Vikings, and Bears. Now they play the Patriots at home. I do not see the Broncos winning that game but it is not out of the real of possibility. Then the Broncos go at Buffalo and play the Chiefs at home. I think a 10-6 record with a First Round home game is the outcome. I would not want to play the Broncos in Denver in the playoffs. Tip your hats to the Denver Coaching Staff for this kind of midseason adjustment.
NFC West
St. Louis Rams: I like Steve Spagnuolu. That being said he has to go in the off season. He currently has a record of 10-35 and that is not good enough in today’s football world. The Rams defense is a joke and their offense has regressed under the Wonder Kid’s watch. I think they need to start over and do a quick rebuilding job. There is young talent on the roster. The Rams will likely not win another game and pick 2nd or 3rd and be able to get either Matt Kalil or Justin Blackmon to help Bradford develop.
Arizona Cardinals: At 1-6 it appeared that the Cardinals were over and so was Ken Whisenhunt. Now at 6-7 the Cardinals have a small chance at the Wild Card with wins over the Rams x2, Eagles, Cowboys, and 49ers. Their remaining schedule is the Browns at home, at Cincinnati, and Seattle at home. I think the Cardinals can finish the season 8-8 and have some momentum to build upon for next season. So who is the quarterback, Kevin Kolb or John Skelton?
Seattle Seahawks: I feel bad for Pete Carroll. He has his team good enough to compete but without a quarterback he cannot move forward. This team has to trade up in this draft and get Barkley or Griffin…that or Trade for Peyton Manning. The Seahawks are 6-7 and like the Cardinals, they have a small chance at a Wild Card. Their remaining schedule is a tChicago, 49ers at home, and at Arizona. I see an 8-8 finish and the Seahawks spending the entire offseason trying to find a playoff caliber Quarterback…because their roster is strong otherwise.
San Francisco 49ers: At 9-1 the 49ers looked almost unbeatable. Losing at Baltimore and Arizona have made the 49ers look limited offensively. It all boils down to where the 49ers play at. At home the 49ers are almost unbeatable…on the road their offense really struggles. Alex Smith is still holding this team down. It is imperative they beat the Saints for the 2nd seed in the NFC. The 49ers play the Steelers at home and then go to Seattle and St. Louis. I think the 49ers lose another game or two. I can see an 11-5 record. That means a First Round home game but will have to travel to New Orleans. Good luck 49ers.