As one of the most popular sports leagues in the United States, fans of the National Football League (NFL) around the country are gearing up for another year of exciting football. With so many talented teams and players on the field, many fans will follow the action closely, not just for the love of the game but also for their bets' picks and parlays.
The NFL Wild Card round begins on 14 January 2023. It will run through to 17 January, with the divisional round and conference rounds slated later in the month, and the Super Bowl, the league's championship game, being played in early February.
Quarterbacks Injury Updates
The quarterback situation for the Miami Dolphins and the Baltimore Ravens is one of the biggest storylines heading into the playoffs.
Tua Tagovailoa
Dolphins star QB, Tua Tagovailoa, suffered a trauma to the head resulting in a concussion in week 16 of the regular season while facing off with the Packers in a match that ended in a close loss.
In a meeting with reporters, head coach Mike McDaniel said Tua Tagovailoa is not cleared for football activities; however, ESPN's Adam Schefter said the team is hoping Galiova will be ready to face the Bills on Wednesday.
Teddy Bridgewater
Teddy Bridgewater of the Miami Dolphins also suffered a dislocated finger, but he showed some promise near the end of the regular season. With the uncertainty with Galiova, Bridgwater could be a temporary choice for the line-up in the upcoming faceoff with the Bills.
Lamar Jackson
The Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh has stated that there are no updates regarding Lamar Jackson's PCL injury. As such, we are unsure whether he will be participating in the Wild Card rounds.
Teams to Watch Out for
Miami Dolphins
One team to watch out for is the Miami Dolphins, led by head coach Mike McDaniel. Tyreek Hill's pace is a deathly advantage, but with Tua Tagovailoa's uncertainty and Teddy Bridgewater's finger problems, the Dolphins might face difficulties in making it to the Super Bowl.
Minnesota Vikings
Another team to watch is the Minnesota Vikings. Despite being soft on defense in the regular season, the trio of Justin Jefferson, Hockenson, and Dalvin Cook is a threat that we can't overlook. However, an inconsistent offensive line might shift the Super Bowl odds against them.
True Super Bowl Contenders
Philadephia Eagles
The champions of the east, Philadephia Eagles, are arguably the most improved team in the 2022 regular season. Jalen Hurts' passing accuracy leaped bounds, an unfazed beast making him a valid MVP front-runner. The duo of the downfield, A.J. Brown and Devonte, have also impressed throughout the season. With this consistent elite-level football, it is unimaginable for them not to clinch the Super Bowl.
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are the preseason favorites. The presence of Von Miller makes the front seven a dangerous line-up. Josh Allen, the Bills' star QB, is a risk-taker that keeps the opponent on their toes. His rocket arm and unconventional throws are almost impossible to time and his favored target, Stefon Diggs, is one of the best route runners the game has seen. The combination of Allen and Diggs is an unstoppable force.
Kansas City Chiefs
The partnership of Andy Reid, Travis Kelce, and Patrick Mahomes is the standard for reliability. Kansas City football is a rapid chess game with Travis as a safety knight. While Mahomes' acrobatics often lead to turnovers, Patrick Mahomes in the center keeps him in check. No other team has a more balanced roster than the chiefs. Their overall feel for the game makes them a valid contender for the Super Bowl.
In the end, the playoffs are beaming with excitement, with lots of storylines and talented teams and players to watch. As the playoffs advance, we will see which team will rise to the top and clinch the Super Bowl. One thing is sure, the 2022-2023 NFL playoffs promise to be another thrilling chapter of the league.