Pro Football History.com Blog

What Can We Expect to See in the Upcoming NFL Conference Championship Games?

January 25th, 2024

The NFL playoffs have been whittled down from 12 to just four teams. In the AFC, the top-seed Baltimore Ravens will face off against the reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs. Over in the NFC, the San Francisco 49ers will battle it out with an underdog Detroit Lions side set on ending decades of hurt. But what can we expect to see in the two heavyweight encounters?

The Reigning Champions Flex Their Championship-winning Pedigree

Throughout the 2023 season, the Kansas City Chiefs looked to be the favorites for a fourth consecutive Super Bowl appearance in five years. They dropped a shocking 20-19 defeat to the Detroit Lions on the opening day of the campaign, however, they put that firmly in the rearview mirror by winning their next six to power themselves to the top of the AFC West standings.

Unfortunately, throughout the second half of the campaign, the champs were uncharacteristically inconsistent. They won just half of their final ten games and as such, online football betting sites dropped them as a frontrunner.

Instead, sportsbooks preferred the Baltimore Ravens, who secured top-seed status in the AFC with an impressive 13-3 record. But even though Patrick Mahomes and Co. were unfancied, they didn't let that bother them. They knocked off the Miami Dolphins' highly-powered offense in the wildcard round before defeating a Buffalo Bills side that was much fancied to progress at their expense. Now they will face off against the Ravens and for the first time in six years, the conference championship game won't be held at Arrowhead Stadium.

Rather, it will be held at M&T Bank Stadium. But while the Chiefs have become battle-hardened with their two recent victories, the hosts have cruised into the AFC Championship game. They secured a bye to the Divisional Round and there they comfortably dispatched the Houston Texans. Now, they will need to be at their very best, as Mahomes is firing on all cylinders and the Chiefs look to be on the prowl once more.

Can the 49ers Live Up To Their Billing?

In the absence of the Chiefs at the top of the betting odds list, the San Francisco 49ers have been the outright favorite for the Lombardi throughout the entirety of the second half of the season. They secured victories against the two strongest teams in their conference throughout the regular season, namely the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys, and they did so in a dominant fashion. However, they have only known pain throughout the latter stages of the playoffs.

They've lost four of their last six NFC Championship games, most recently last season when they were knocked off by the aforementioned Eagles. Of the two games they won, they ultimately lost the Super Bowl, firstly to the Ravens in 2013 and the Chiefs in 2020. Their opponents however are the polar opposite.

Prior to this season, the Detroit Lions hadn't won a postseason game since 1992. They'd lost their last eight playoff games in the very first round and they had only reached the playoffs three times since the turn of the millennium. However, they have already knocked off both the 2020 champions, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the 2021 champions, the Los Angeles Rams. Do they have one last victory in them to punch their ticket to the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history?

Gridiron Showdown: A Glimpse into the 2024 NFL Playoffs

January 10th, 2023

As the echoes of the regular season fade away, the NFL shifts into a higher gear, entering the electrifying phase of the 2024 playoffs. This postseason is not just another chapter in the annals of football; it's a vibrant tapestry woven from individual stories, strategic masterstrokes, and the dreams of teams and fans alike, all converging on the path to Super Bowl LVIII. It's a time when legends can be made and heroes can emerge.

With the wild-card round set to commence on Jan. 13, let's embark on a journey through the matchups that will define the road to NFL glory. The excitement is palpable, the stakes are high, and the atmosphere is charged with anticipation, as teams prepare to battle it out for the ultimate prize in American football.

AFC: A Clash of Titans

The AFC showcases a dynamic battleground where consistent frontrunners and surprise contenders converge. At the forefront, the Baltimore Ravens have clinched the coveted No. 1 seed with a 13-4 record, earning a first-round bye and home-field advantage. Yet, the playoff picture remains thrillingly unpredictable, featuring pivotal matchups like the Buffalo Bills vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, the Kansas City Chiefs against the Miami Dolphins, and the Houston Texans taking on the Cleveland Browns.

Unlike the NFC, where the top-seed 49ers are seen as significant favorites, the AFC’s top team, the Ravens, could face a challenging road. The last team to beat their starters this season was the Cleveland Browns, who they could face in the second round. The AFC Championship Game could see the Ravens go up against a Buffalo team that has just run off five wins in a row, or a Chiefs franchise that has represented the conference in the Super Bowl three of the last four years.

NFC: A Test of Will and Skill

In the NFC, the San Francisco 49ers have ascended to the top and secured the No. 1 seed. They will rest at home during the Wild Card round while six other teams engage in a series of high-octane matchups, all with compelling storylines. First, the Cowboys, led by Mike McCarthy, will go up against his former team, the Green Bay Packers, in the opening round at AT&T Stadium. Following that, the Los Angeles Rams’ Matthew Stafford will travel to play his old team, the Detroit Lions. Then on Monday night, the defending NFC champion Eagles, who have seen their season fall apart over the last six weeks, will limp into the playoffs by traveling to Tampa Bay, who just clinched their third consecutive NFC South title. All these teams will battle it out for the opportunity to try and travel to San Francisco to take down the conference favorite.

The Road Ahead: Divisional and Championship Rounds

Following the wild-card excitement, the playoffs advance to the Divisional Round on Jan. 20 and Jan. 21. The intensity escalates even more as teams vie for a coveted spot in Super Bowl LVIII when the Conference Championships commence on Jan. 28. This stage of the playoffs is more than just a series of football games; it represents the culmination of a season's worth of hard work, strategy, and determination. Each team that has made it this far has not only demonstrated exceptional skill on the field but also remarkable resilience and a profound team spirit.

Online Betting: A New Dimension to the Playoffs

With the playoffs approaching, online betting platforms are buzzing with activity. Fans and bettors are closely analyzing teams and matchups, making NFL betting picks based on performance trends, injuries, and historical data. The excitement around online betting adds an extra layer of engagement for fans, making each game not just a sporting event but also a chance to test their predictive skills and luck.

Conclusion

All roads lead to Super Bowl LVIII, set to unfold on Feb. 11 at the magnificent Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. This culmination of the NFL season is not just a game; it's a spectacle, a celebration of the sport, and a testament to the spirit of competition. As teams prepare, fans anticipate, and the world watches, one thing is certain – the 2024 NFL playoffs are an unmissable chapter in the saga of American football.

Showdowns and Upsets: Highlighting Unforgettable Moments in the AFC South Division Race

The AFC South race is going to come down to the wire, as the Jacksonville Jaguars, Indianapolis Colts, and Houston Texans all sit tied atop the division with identical 8-7 records with two weeks to go in the regular season.

Right now, the Jaguars hold the tiebreakers with a 2-0 record against the Colts, a 1-1 record against the Texans and a gleaming 4-1 record against the division. They also possess the easiest remaining schedule of any of the three teams, but the Jaguars still have plenty of flaws, making the division race wide open. Here’s a look at each of the three contenders, and the cases for and against their ability to take home the division crown.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Right now, the Jaguars are overwhelming favorites to win their second straight division title, listed as high as -150 at various sportsbooks. The Colts slot in behind them as a +325 longshot, while the Texans bring up the rear at +350. Be sure to use a sportsbook promo code like these Deposit Match Bonus Offers if you want to bet on the AFC South race or any other team or sport so that you know you’re locking in the best possible odds of winning big.

Jacksonville’s near-perfection in the division gives them a healthy boost over their competitors, as does their remaining schedule. They’ll host the pitiful 2-13 Carolina Panthers at home this Sunday, before hitting the road to take on the Tennessee Titans, who at 5-10 are the only team in the division without a prayer of making the playoffs.

Even with star quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s status in doubt against Carolina following an AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder suffered in last week’s loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville’s cake walk of a schedule should help them limp to the finish line… and it’s not like the other teams in the division race have healthy quarterbacks either.

Right now, the Jaguars are on a four game losing streak that started when Lawrence got banged up against the Cincinnati Bengals earlier this month. He also dealt with a concussion scare prior to the shoulder injury, meaning Lawrence hasn’t been at his best during the toughest stretch of the season. Whether he suits up or if the Jaguars have to turn to backup C.J.

Beathard down the stretch, the schedule and standings are in their favor. If the next man up can do his job, the Jaguars should be a shoe-in for the AFC South title. Both Houston and Indianapolis need to win out, and for the Jaguars to lose at least one game, for their easiest path to the division title. Here’s how that could happen.

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts, much like the Jaguars and Texans, have dealt with more than their fair share of quarterback injuries this season. Indianapolis selected quarterback Anthony Richardson with the No. 4 pick in the draft this offseason, and the young signal caller—widely viewed as a project due to issues with his throwing mechanics—shocked the world with a hot start to his career, accounting for 7 touchdowns to just two turnovers in four starts despite dealing with a pair of injuries. The second, an AC sprain, ended his rookie campaign just five weeks in, and the Colts have rolled with backup Gardner Minshew ever since.

He’s been perfectly good as a backup: he isn’t standing on his head to help the Colts win games, with 14 touchdowns to nine interceptions in parts of 15 games this season, but he hasn’t been bad enough to sink their playoff hopes.

The Colts close their season with home games against the Raiders and Texans. Playing in Indianapolis will help, as does their ability to control their fate to some extent if they win over Houston, but neither of those games is a gimme.

Houston Texans

Stop me if you’ve heard this storyline in this article already. The Texans have a young quarterback playing well this season with rookie C.J. Stroud, but he’s missed the past two weeks due to injury and the team’s chances have taken a nosedive in the interim.

Stroud could return as early as this weekend with a home game against the Titans. Backup quarterback Case Keenum managed an overtime win against Tennessee two weeks ago, then got benched against the Browns on Christmas Eve because of an ugly performance.

If Stroud can’t play, whether the Texans give Keenum another shot or roll with third-stringer Davis Mills remains to be seen. Tennessee is far from a premier opponent, although gunslinging rookie quarterback Will Levis has the potential to make big plays whenever he’s on the field.

Last but not least, the Texans close their season against Indianapolis, giving themselves a chance to make their case in the division race.

NFL 2023: Spotlight on Awards Races

December 16th, 2023

With less than two months left, the NFL is approaching the end of another exhilarating season, marked by intense competition and standout performances, which bring the spotlight onto various award races and the potential head coach candidates for 2024.

NFL Awards Race Analysis

Let’s take a look at the NFL awards race as it stands:

Most Valuable Player (MVP)

In the MVP race, the odds from various sports betting online platforms have Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens standing out with impressive odds of +400. Jackson's consistent ability to stress defenses has been a pivotal factor in his favor, as observed by both fans and sports betting enthusiasts.

Tied for second place are Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles and Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs, with their performances closely monitored by the sports betting online community. Their leadership and statistical achievements have significantly influenced betting odds and discussions in online sports betting forums.

Offensive Player of the Year

The Offensive Player of the Year category is fiercely contested, with Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins. Hill's profound impact on the Dolphins' offense, combined with his historic performance this season, underscores his exceptional ability as a wide receiver.

Christian McCaffrey, A.J. Brown, Jalen Hurts, and Lamar Jackson trail in the subsequent ranks, each bringing unique skills and game-changing performances that have significantly influenced their teams' offensive prowess.

Defensive Player of the Year

The Defensive Player of the Year race is dominated by Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns. Recognized for his disruptive pass-rushing and significant role in the Browns' overall defensive improvement, Garrett has been a force to reckon with.

His athletic prowess and strategic acumen on the field make him a standout player. Following him are Micah Parsons and T.J. Watt, who have also displayed exceptional defensive skills and have been a vital asset to their NFL teams.

Offensive Rookie of the Year

C.J. Stroud of the Houston Texans is the leading candidate, with his impressive performance as a rookie quarterback.

Defensive Rookie of the Year

Jalen Carter of the Philadelphia Eagles leads this category, noted for his significant impact as a defensive tackle. Devon Witherspoon is a notable mention but still trails significantly far behind Carter.

Comeback Player of the Year

Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills is the leading candidate, recognized for his incredible return to football after suffering a cardiac arrest last season. Tua Tagovailoa and others follow in this category.

Coach of the Year

For the Coach of the Year, Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions is the frontrunner, acknowledged for transforming the Lions into a competitive and physical team. His coaching style, marked by resilience and innovation, has been pivotal in reviving the Lions' fortunes and instilling a new spirit in the team.

Conclusion

The NFL Awards race of 2023 encapsulates the essence of competitive sports - talent, determination, and excellence. As the season concludes, these awards not only honor individual achievements but also celebrate the spirit of teamwork and the relentless pursuit of greatness that defines the NFL. Each candidate, with their unique contributions and remarkable performances, has left an indelible mark on the league, setting the stage for an exciting and dynamic future in American football.

Frank Reich - Second Coach to Fall

By Stephen Juza

November 29th, 2023

In an unsurprising move, the Carolina Panthers fired head coach Frank Reich only eleven games into his first season with the team, giving him the dubious career footnote of being the only coach to be fired mid-season in back-to-back years. He is the second coach to be fired this year, joining former Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels who was fired a few weeks ago. As the dust settles on this decision, let's delve into the specifics of Reich's firing and the challenges the Panthers faced under his leadership.

Reich's tenure in Carolina was cut short in the midst of his first season, a move predicted by our model as early as Week 5, reaching its pinnacle anticipation in Week 10. The Panthers, mired at the bottom of the NFL with a disheartening 1-10 record, are on track to finish the season with their worst record since at least 2010 when the team finished 2-14.

Hopes were high for Reich, known for his offensive experience, to rejuvenate a Panthers offense that hadn't ranked higher than 20th since 2018. However, after 11 games, the team found itself in the 29th spot in points and 30th in yards gained. The anticipated synergy between Reich and first overall draft pick Bryce Young fell short, with Young showing only moderate success compared to the standout performances of several rookie quarterbacks this season. In a year with a record number of rookie quarterbacks starting, the first overall pick being outshined by so many others raises concerns.

The firing of Reich adds another chapter to the Panthers' recent coaching turbulence. Just last year, the team parted ways with Matt Rhule after only five games into his third season, leading to a midseason turnaround under Steve Wilks and a 7-10 finish. The current regression raises questions about the team's decision-making and the direction in which they are headed.

While the team can now shift their focus to potential replacements for the 2024 season, our focus shifts to which other coaches could be joining Reich and McDaniels on the unemployment line, and perhaps Panthers fans who want the season to end can focus on a different thrill like Bally online casino slots to pass the time when the games aren’t on.

Jonathan Gannon

According to our model, Jonathan Gannon leads the pack with an 81% chance of being fired after the season. In his debut season with the Cardinals, Gannon's team sits at 2-10, tied for second to last in the league. While the team has struggled on both sides of the ball, the team should have starting quarterback Kyler Murray for the remainder of the season after missing the first nine games due to injury.

Brian Daboll Following closely behind is Brian Daboll, last year's Coach of the Year, with a 78% chance of being fired. After being the surprise team in 2022 and looking like a team on the rise, Daboll's second year in New York has not been kind, with a 4-8 record and tied for last place in the NFC East. The end of the season schedule is not friendly to the team either, with two of their final five games against the league-leading Philadelphia Eagles.

Brandon Staley

Brandon Staley rounds out the top three with a 60% chance of being fired, facing regression in his third season at the helm of the Chargers, who currently sit last in their division. Staley recently was fired up in a post-game press conference in which he defended his work and that he would continue calling the defensive plays. However, despite his experience on the defensive side of the ball, the Chargers have never ranked higher than 21st in the league in defensive points allowed during his three years at the helm.

With a month left in the season, the coaching carousel is just heating up, with several coaches likely to join Reich in the coming weeks.