Pro Football History.com Blog

January 30th, 2024

With Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Raheem Mostert, and Tua Tagovailoa in their midst, it’s little wonder that some pundits described the Miami Dolphins’ offensive play as some of the most entertaining they saw during the 2023-24 campaign.

Having scored 496 points during the regular season, Miami was one of the highest-scoring teams in the NFL – that’s why they were expected to fare so well in the playoffs before they came unstuck against the Chiefs first up.

The NFL has long been home to franchises that are electric on offense and weak defensively, or vice versa, and it’s these teams that often fail to deliver on their promise in the postseason. It's a point that the Dolphins roster will be left to ponder over the break.

Having shipped 391 points during the regular season - only the Colts, Broncos, and Chargers conceded more in the entire AFC Conference, there's an argument that Mike McDaniel and his back office team will need to recruit wisely during the off-season to have any chance of improvement in 2024-25.

But is the picture as bad as it appears at first glance? With Jalen Ramsey (presumably) evading the injuries that dogged his campaign – plus the continued emergence of Canadian-born Jevon Holland, the Dolphins may just have the pieces to solve their defensive puzzle and make a more concerted challenge for the Super Bowl in 2025.

A Case for the Defense

Whether a show of patriotic support in favor of Holland or not, there will be plenty of interest from the Canada sports betting fraternity when it comes to backing Miami for Super Bowl LIX - they will open at around the +1200 mark, but will likely shorten as they make a big trade announcement or two over the summer.

The sportsbooks will make the key protagonists from the 2024 playoffs their favorites for 2025 too, with the 49ers (+550) likely to lead the way ahead of the Chiefs (+850) and Ravens (+950), but the stunning offensive play of the Dolphins means that they cannot be discounted.

Of course, defensive improvements will be necessary. A full season from Ramsey will be key - the three-time All-Pro selection battled a succession of knee injuries not long after undergoing surgery, but if he recuperates well over the summer and has a strong pre-season, the Dolphins can rely upon the 29-year-old to return to his previous elite level and act as their defensive lynchpin. If Ramsey is the bedrock of Miami's hopes for 2024-25, others around him in the defensive unit can up their game and ensure the Dolphins' tackling is greater than the sum of its parts.

If they can start to ship fewer points, with the offensive jewels at their disposal, McDaniel's men will surely become much more dangerous foes in playoff games - that could be the difference between them battling it out for Super Bowl LIX and not.

Thou Shalt Not Pass

With 52 solo tackles to his name, Holland is building a reputation as something of a sniper when called upon.

Together with the likes of David Long and Bradley Chubb, there’s a solidity that will need to be fostered further if Miami is to tighten up its defense and stop its opponents from crossing the whitewash with such regularity.

The challenge facing the Dolphins hierarchy is that it's well documented that they need to trim their roster to free up funds to participate in free agency, let alone more expensive trade acquisitions. That will also include the need to tie down the exceptional defensive tackle, Christian Wilkins, to a lucrative long-term deal to prevent him from being seduced by other franchises.

But if Wilkins stays and other defensive recruits are assembled, that element of the team's game should improve – allowing Holland to express himself fully, as he did with that incredible interception and 99-yard touchdown run against the Jets back in November 2023.

With three forced fumbles in his collection in 2023-24, Holland is a nuisance for opposition offenses, and with greater structure and organization around him, he and Ramsey could elevate Miami’s game to a level where they’re much more than just the Tyreek and Tua show.

If they do, the Dolphins could well become a probable, rather than a possible, for Super Bowl LIX.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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.

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