Season 3 - AFC Playoff Preview

georgiafan

Hall of Famer
AFC TEAM PREVIEWS

#1 Raiders (14-2)

After the previous two years heartbreakingly missing the playoffs its a shock that this will be the raiders first chance in the playoffs. They came out on a mission and was the best team in the AFC from the start. They had some injuries during the year most notable to star WR Amari Cooper. Derrick Carr had his breakout year and was a legit MVP candidate with 3,981 yards 32 TD and 18 interceptions. Rookie HB Lamar Hayes bursted on the scene with over 1,500 yards and 10 TD. The trio of Cooper, Patrick and Hatcher are as good as it gets. Aldon Smith and Khalil Mack leads the way on defense with Smith having a NFL leading 18 sacks. If there is weakness on the team is pass defense where they was 25th.

#2 Titans
Had the biggest turn around in px1 this year going from 3-13 to 12-4. At first glance you would say that's because the rushing offense but if you dig deeper you will see its because a positive TD:Int ratio by Mariota and a improved defense. The switch to a 4-3 was God sent as 3 players on the DL had over 7 sacks. They finished 8th in defense points per game a big step up from last year. The pass defense was best in the NFL and so was the total yards. On offense its no secret what the titans are good at as they feature the best OL in the NFL and was the clear cut #1 ranked rushing offense. HB Darrell Jordan has 1,732 yards and 19 TD and his backup had 732 yards and 8 TD. The weakness on this team is WR and #1 Kendall Wright missed 2 months this year.

#3 Bills
The bills once again won the AFC east but this time it is gonna be tougher for them come playoff time as former league MVP Tyrod Taylor is out for 6 more weeks. Mike Glennon was somehow a FA and has played solid ball his first 2 weeks starting. Lesean McCoy once again had a sub 1,000 yards and double digit TD year. But overall the rush offense was 26th in the NFL. Sammy Watkins had a monster year with 79 catches for 1,303 yards and 10 TD. There defense is one of the best in the NFL at creating turnovers and picking off passes. Marcell Darius and Jerry Hughes lead the way followed by a pair of good LB in Demario Davis and Nigel Bradham

#4 Steelers
We like to shoot straight here in CJ's sudden retirement killed this teams playoff chances and they have zero shoot at winning a game. If you look at stats on defense they are impressive but that was with a user team. There DB are awful with only 1 player that's rated in the 80's. They only have 6 DL on the roster two of those have don't belong on NFL rosters and one more is 32 years old. They do have 2 good LB in shazier and Dupree but no LB that really scares you. They do have some nice players on offense and this could be big Ben's last year. He will be handing off the Levean Bell whose big contract raised some eyebrows in the offseason but he is still one of the games best. Slot WR Sammie Coates will miss the playoffs bumping up 67 overall Joey Dean to the slot WR. The only other healthy WR on the team is rated a 61.

#5 Chargers
Every year you see a wildcard team that nobody wants to face in the playoffs and this year on the AFC side its the chargers. Nobody would blink a eye if they was to go on to win the superbowl that's because you have a talented team mixed with a smart veteran coach. There just isn't many holes to this team and the worst stat they have is 11th in rushing offense. Aaron Hunter saw a big improvent year 2 of starting with 3,670 yards, 31 TD and 16 interceptions. Melvin Gordan is stll a force on the ground with 1,221 yards and 10 TD. On defense they are solid across the board in yards and points but if they have a weakness it might be lack of pass rush where nobody had over 6 sacks.

#6 Browns
This was a roller coaster year for the Browns and we would expect nothing less from this team. They started off 1-4 and it looked like all hope was lost on the playoffs. They even traded beloved star QB Johnny Manziel and Joe Hayden. Then they made a trade for Brett Hundley who would go on to finish with about 2,700 yards 27 TD, 16 Int (dl is wrong on browns team) and less then a full year starting. They ended up making the playoffs because a 5 game win streak starting from week 11. The bad news is Hundley was hurt in week 17 and will miss the playoffs. You would think they would have to rely on the running game more which was 4th in the NFL lead by CJ Anderson who had 1,157 yards and 10 TD. They have a balanced attack with pass cathers with Josh Gordan leading the way. The defense was hit or miss this year but they excel at stopping the run and was 2nd in the that area. The pass rush will have to step up as nobody got more then 3 sacks this year.

Spayer419 BigTexas18 Xxclaywilliamxx pack1797 Glen Cieske NightHawkTH32 Studley021 Jukemwr21 rkjones217 Paytonno1son
 
Last edited:

georgiafan

Hall of Famer

Chargers

OFF.
PPG - 5th - 26.3
TOT YDS - 5th - 327.9
PASS YDS - 6th - 221.5
RUSH YDS - 11th - 106.4
Must do this to win = Make Glennon convert on 3rd and long
Can't do this and win = Turns the ball over

DEF.
PPG -
7th - 18.5
TOT YDS - 7th - 266.3
PASS YDS - 7th -186.2
RUSH YDS - 8th - 80.1
Must do this to win = Get some stops early and a lead to make Glennon playing from behind
Can't do this and win = Give up big plays


X Factor - Arian Hunter
Key matchup - RE Sam Riveria vs Chris Hairston


--------------------------------------------------------------------

Bills
OFF.
PPG -
6th - 26.3
TOT YDS - 24th - 283.6
PASS YDS - 12th - 206
RUSH YDS - 26th - 77.6
Must do this to win = Glennon must outplay Hunter at QB
Can't do this and win = Must change the offense to fit Glennon as he isn't Tyrod Taylor

DEF
PPG 16th
- 21.7
TOT YDS 8th - 267.5
PASS YDS 12th - 191.2
RUSH YDS - 6th - 76.3
Must do this to win = Take away something from the chargers balance attack
Can't do this and win = doesn't create turnovers


X factor - Mike Glennon
Key Matchup - Brandon Flowers vs Sammy Watkins
Spread = Chargers -7

-----------------------------

Spayer says


Juke'em says


Big Texas says


Tigers says

Pack says (celebrity guess picker)


Georgiafan says
I don't see the Bills be able to keep it up and win in the playoffs despite him looking good his first 2 starts. The Bills will have to create some turnovers and get some big plays. But both of these guys are battle tested so it should be a close one.
 
Last edited:

georgiafan

Hall of Famer
Browns

OFF.
PPG - 4th - 27.0
TOT YDS - 8th - 322.1
PASS YDS - 15th - 202
RUSH YDS - 4th -120.1
Must do this to win = Run the ball and put Brody Sam and manageable 3rd downs
Can't do this and win = turn the ball over giving Steelers a short field

DEF.
PPG -
12th - 20.0
TOT YDS - 12th - 283.4
PASS YDS - 19th - 211.1
RUSH YDS - 2nd - 72.3
Must do this to win = Force quick 3 and outs so the offense can exploit lack of depth on D
Can't do this and win = Give up big plays


X Factor - QB Brody Sam
Key matchup - K'waun Williams vs Antonio Brown


--------------------------------------------------------------------

Steelers
OFF.
PPG -
13th - 22.8
TOT YDS - 21st - 287.1
PASS YDS - 17th - 200.7
RUSH YDS - 23rd - 86.5
Must do this to win = Come out and straight CPU cheese mode
Can't do this and win = Play mistake free football

DEF.
PPG -
2nd - 16.9
TOT YDS - 4th - 259.9
PASS YDS - 9th - 186.5
RUSH YDS - 4th - 73.4
Must do this to win = Get a pick 6
Can't do this and win = Let Browns control the game with the run game like they did last week.

X factor - WR Antonio Brown
Key Matchup - RE Stephen Tuitt (73 ovr) or vs RG Conner Reed & RT Cam Erving
Spread = Browns -20.5

-----------------------------

Spayer says
Yawn... The Browns won't lose to the CPU in the playoffs again, especially against a bad Steelers roster. Browns in a route

Juke'em says
Browns over CPU steelers easily 28-7

Big Texas says
Browns in a bloodbath. Steelers have no depth. Once they wear down they are done. 35-14

Tigers says
Browns- 35 Steelers- 10

Browns will roll in this game! Steelers will be worn down mid 3rd quarter early 4th and roll over paving the way for the Super Browns to advance to next week.

Georgiafan says
Maybe Chris sprains his thumb changing the newborns diaper or something like that because thats the only chance they have to lose this game. The old owner CJ was clearly a smart guy bc he had this time in the playoffs 2 years in a row. But with the CPU in charge as my daddy use to say " boy no matter how hard she tries a mule aint gonna win the Kentucky derby". The steelers just don't have the talent and depth on defense which you can read about in the first post. The steelers only have 3 healty CB's, 4 WR's, 2 backup OL, and no depth on the DL. The slot WR is a 60 something overall you get the point the Chargers by 3 TD's

Pack says (celebrity guess picker)
The streets will flow with the blood of the non believers. The Browns will beat the cpu Steelers in a walk. Browns 42 Steelers 7
 
Last edited:

georgiafan

Hall of Famer
AFC - 5 Under the Radar Names to Watch

QB Brody Sam - Browns
I remember being on vacation laying in bed watching the draft as I got a text from chris saying how he was going to take a fast QB that he didn't scout in the 4th round of the draft. My answer was in no way shape or form should you ever take someone you didn't scout in the draft. Well a few seconds later i get a text back with a bunch of swear words. Fast foward to now and that QB is now going to start for the Browns as Johny has been traded, Hundley is hurt and Glennon is now starting for the Bills. Brody is a 6'1 215 pound lefty who can fly with 88 speeed, 91 acceletion, 82 elusiveness ,88 agility and 92 BCV. His arm strength is not bad as 88 but he badly struggles with accuracy and his overall is lower then 70. He played very good filling in week 17 going 10 for 13 with 0 interceptions.

OLB Zavier Gooden - Titans
For about 2 years i said I had to find a way to get this guy on the field and finally started him some games down the stretch last year at MLB. With the switch to a 4-3 he landed his first full time starting job and has played great. If you factor in this season and the switch to OLB his overall rating is up 20 points. He is one of the most atheltic LB in the game with 89 speed, 87 agility, 91 acceleration and 88 jump. He is no doubt a playmaker and had 88 tackles, 16 TFL, 5.5 sacks, 5 interceptions, 2 FR and 1 TD on the year

WR Ben Hall - Chargers
Ben Hall is a undersized 5'9 WR who is in his 2nd year after being drafted in the 2nd round. He saw his stats close to double in everything this year and finished with 63 catches for 983 yards and 8 TD. As you would expect he is a true burner with 97 speed, 95 agility and 93 acceleration. He does have 87 catch and 85 route running so he isn't just fast. Playing alongside #1 Kennan Allen and with a balance attack he will get alot of good matchups.

DT DJ Moates - Bills
DJ Moates was a 2nd round pick out of Georgia and got the benefit of playing alongside elite DT Marcell Darius and DE Jerry Hughes. His 37 tackles, 9 TFL, 4 FF and 5.5 sacks are pretty impressive for a rookie DT. He may be a hair undersized at 6'1 293 but in the bills attacking 4-3 he is a perfect fit.

OLB Shontrelle Gordon - Raiders
Was the 20th pick in the draft this year and his daddy leagues rating is already up to a 89 overall despite his small frame of 6'0 229 pounds. His 83 speed and acceleration isn't mind blowing but he makes up for it with 90 acceleration, 89 tackle and 93 pursuit. He isn't needed to rush the passer with Smith and Mack but he did record 88 tackles, 15 TFL, 1 sack and 1 interception on the year. It would not surprise me at all if Gordon makes a game changing play this playoff to win the game with the QB pancking with the pressure of playoff football and the pass rush from Aldon Smith.
 

georgiafan

Hall of Famer
Browns

OFF.
PPG -
5th - 27.1
TOT YDS - 8th - 321.8
PASS YDS - 20th - 195.4
RUSH YDS - 3rd - 126.4
Must do this to win = Run the ball and control the clock
Can't do this and win = lose the turnover battle

DEF.
PPG -
13th - 20.3
TOT YDS - 13th - 283.9
PASS YDS - 20th - 211.1
RUSH YDS - 2nd - 72.8
Must do this to win = Sack the QB
Can't do this and win = Let the raiders be balanced on offesnse


X Factor - HB CJ Anderson
Key matchup - QB Kellen Clemons/ Brody Sam vs Raiders DB


------------------------------

Raiders

OFF.
PPG -
4th -27.3
TOT YDS - 3rd - 346.7
PASS YDS - 4th - 234.4
RUSH YDS - 9th - 112.3
Must do this to win = Run the ball on the 3rd ranked run defense
Can't do this and win = turn the ball over

DEF.
PPG -
10th - 19.2
TOT YDS - 14th - 293.5
PASS YDS - 27th - 220.4
RUSH YDS - 3rd - 73.1
Must do this to win = Force 3rd and long
Can't do this and win = Must play better then the 27th ranked pass defense


X Factor - QB David Carr
Key matchup - CB TJ Carrie vs WR Evonte Patrick/ Amari Cooper
Spread Raiders -14

------------------------

Tigers stats
Raiders- 17 Browns- 10

Raiders high powered offense won't be stopped. Browns will put up a fight but will fall short.

Juke'em says
I'll take Browns in an upset. Not sure how it'll happen, but with the way these playoffs are going out wouldn't surprise me if it was the Browns in a tight one. 21-20.

Spayer says
LA made fairly easy work of Cleveland in the regular season, and that was with Hundley at QB. The Raiders secondary has started to gel and their offense is hitting on all cylinders. With no offense to Tex, this is the matchup we wanted at this stage of the playoffs. 31-14 Raiders

Bigtex says
Raiders win LOL. 35-14. Browns barely survived the steelers. They are missing their starting QB. I don't them Clemens/Sam have enough in them to pull off a huge upset.

Georgiafan says
There really is just no way to pick the browns in this one after raiders won big earlier in the year and with the browns with backup QB now. If browns are going to win they must run the ball and control the clock and shorten the game. This will keep the raiders offense on the sideline and hope Carr makes some mistakes. Aldon Smith had 18 sacks and the browns leader had 3 so that stat is just to hard to ignore. I like Raiders by 17
 
Last edited:

georgiafan

Hall of Famer
Titans
OFF.
PPG - 9th - 24.1
TOT YDS - 11th - 307.9
PASS YDS - 32nd - 143.8
RUSH YDS - 1st - 164.1
Must do this to win = Control the game playing there style
Can't do this and win = Chock under the big game pressure

DEF.
PPG -
8th - 18.8
TOT YDS - 1st - 248.4
PASS YDS - 1st - 159.0
RUSH YDS - 13th - 89.4
Must do this to win = Create turnovers
Can't do this and win = Give up big plays


X Factor - Marcus Mariota
Key matchup - RT Sentrell Henderson (77 ovr) & RG Richie Incoginto (73 ovr) vs Jurell Casey (99 ovr) & Brian Orakpo (96 ovr)


--------------------------------------------------------------------

Bills
OFF.
PPG -
7th - 25.9
TOT YDS - 23rd - 284.7
PASS YDS - 13th - 203.1
RUSH YDS - 24th - 81.6
Must do this to win = Get big plays
Can't do this and win = Turn the ball over 2 times or more

DEF
PPG 16th
- 20.6
TOT YDS 6th - 264.3
PASS YDS 9th - 188.7
RUSH YDS - 5th - 75.6
Must do this to win = win 1st down
Can't do this and win = force 3rd and long not 3rd and medium

X factor - QB Mike Glennon
Key Matchup - Mike Glennon vs Titans 1st ranked pass defense
Spread = Titans -4.5

-----------------------------

Spayer says
Titans Bills: I'm not going to pick a back up QB on the road, especially in a game where Tennessee can control the line of scrimmage and from there control the game. The Bills like to get up the field fast, and with the Titan's controlling the clock I think Glennon forces the issue a few times. Titans 20-10

Juke'em says
I've picked against the Bills twice and twice they've proved me wrong. I hope they do it again, but I can't pick against that Titans Online. Titans 17-10.

Big Texas says
Titans bills. This matchup intrigues me. Titans have the best OL in the game. If they give Jordan enough space to make some moves, and protect Mariotta I think Titans win. Glennon impressed me vs the Chargers. Bills are superior defensively. Can Glennon pull another one out?

Give me Titans 21 Bills 20

Tigers says
Bills- 24 Titans- 21

Bills win in a close one here. Air attack vs Ground attack! Although the Titans have been much improved this year, I don't see them coming out on top in this game. Turnovers will decide this one.

Georgiafan says
Most people seem to think the titans will win because the Bills have a backup QB in and the 8 of the 9 OL/DL are mid 90's are better for the titans. But not so fast my friend the bills are a vet member who have been here before and I think they win it by 10 points off turnovers created by the defense.
 

georgiafan

Hall of Famer
Bears

OFF.

PPG -
3rd - 27.4
TOT YDS - 4th - 338.4
PASS YDS - 6th - 225.6
RUSH YDS - 7th - 112.9
Must do this to win = Protect vs pass rush from the raiders
Can't do this and win = Turn the ball over more then one time

DEF.
PPG -
2nd - 17.2
TOT YDS - 9th - 272.1
PASS YDS - 13th - 191.2
RUSH YDS - 9th - 80.9
Must do this to win = Take away atleast one thing thing from the raiders
Can't do this and win = Give up points in the 1st quarter


X Factor - Bears DB
Key matchup - WR Amari Cooper & Evonte Patrick vs CB Josh Robinson & Phillip Stead


------------------------------

Raiders

OFF.
PPG -
4th -27.3
TOT YDS - 3rd - 346.7
PASS YDS - 4th - 234.4
RUSH YDS - 9th - 112.3
Must do this to win = Play like they have been all year
Can't do this and win = Turn the ball over

DEF.
PPG -
10th - 19.2
TOT YDS - 14th - 293.5
PASS YDS - 27th - 220.4
RUSH YDS - 3rd - 73.1
Must do this to win = DB must hold up vs two 1,000 yard WR's
Can't do this and win = Not Force 3 and out's in the 1st half


X Factor - DE'S Aldon Smith and Khali Mack
Key matchup - RT Ebon Britton vs RE Khali Mack
Spread Raiders -8.5

------------------------

Tigers stats
Bears- 21 Raiders- 28

Although the Bears are undefeated and have escaped many close calls this year, they will not escape the Raiders. Raiders have been on a mission in this playoffs and will outlast the Bears to claim the Super Bowl victory!

Juke'em says
I think the Bears upstage the 72' Phins. I think they do it in OT. Defensive struggle 17-10

Georgiafan says
If its possible for a team to quietly be 18-0 and going for perfection then its the bears. But the raiders seem to have been on a mission this year from the start and surprisingly made it to the supebowl pretty easy. The raiders have the better roster and I think that's gonna be the difference in this game. I like the raiders by 14.
 
Top