When season 8 of the PAFL season tipped off it seemed the playoff teams were pre-determined. But, in typical league fashion, the season has unfolded in a way that has made the crystal clear waters of the pre-season pundits into a murky quagmire. No fewer than eight teams are reasonably vying for six slots. The question, of course, is which of these teams will make it in the end?
Dallas (8-1): One of the teams that appears to be a near lock for the playoffs. However, two games against Carolina and solo ventures vs Green Bay and white hot Indianapolis could easily turn the Pokes' season into a disaster. Still, barring any upsets, it seems probable that a 13-3 or 12-4 campaign is a pretty sure bet.
Carolina (7-2): The Panthers have hit a few road blocks of late as the defense has faltered just a bit. Over their past 4 games Carolina has surrendered 21.75 PPG while going 2-2. The offense has scored 20 or fewer points some 4 times on the year leaving a few doubters to question how far this team can go this year. They have the two games mentioned above vs Dallas but also have two meetings with Philadelphia as well as an encounter Cincinnati! They can win every one of those games but recent history suggests they could just as easily lose each one. I would guess they will end up somewhere in between and go like 3-2 or 2-3 in these games. 12-4 seems a solid outlook.
Philadelphia (7-2): Well, obviously, the 3 NFC East teams cannot win them all....Somebody has to lose right? The Eagles have two against Carolina, one against the Bengals, one with Green Bay, and a final one against the Titans. They have a heckuva attack and and score against most anybody and that should serve them well down the stretch. Still, they have a rugged road ahead although maybe a slight softer run than Dallas and Carolina. The team could finish anywhere from 14-2 to 9-7 but, again, the money suggests they will win some and lose some. 12-4 seems about right here as well.
Chicago (6-3): The Bears have the inside track to a divisional crown but could slip in a heart beat. The Rams and the Bills are their two remaining games where they would be underdogs and maybe against a Packer team that has underperformed thus far. Not seeing this team slipping much so 12-4 or 11-5 a pretty sure thing.
Minnesota (6-3): Green Bay, Los Angeles, Miami, and New England loom for the yo-yo Vikings. Not sure where this team could end up but a few key wins could vault them into the post-season party. A savvy coach helps and this team has enough to get there. I think 11-5 is about right.
Green Bay (5-4): The Pack has not shown an ability or willingness to stop leaning on QB Dak Prescott. Five times this season he has thrown the ball 40+ times including two 50+ heave efforts. The Green Bay record in those games is 1-4! This team has the talent to turn it on at any time but they have a very difficult path confronting them considering their current position. Games against Buffalo, Minnesota, Miami, Philadelphia, Dallas, and Chicago probably too steep a mountain to climb but, at the very least, the Packers will probably have a big say on who makes it and who does not. 8-8 could be how this pans out.
Los Angeles (8-1): You can pencil this team in and a likely divisional winner to boot. Their remaining schedule is not that tough and they will be favored in every game. In an oddity that could prove pivotal, it is possible the Rams rest their starters against the Chargers in week 16 in a game that could be massive for the Bolts! 15-1 to 13-3 about as bad as I see this team finishing.
San Diego (6-3): A stunner over Dallas has really opened the door for the Chargers. The best running game in the league has given this team a steady and reliable force to rely on. They will be favored in many of their remaining games and could even benefit from a week 16 scenario that might have the Rams resting their starters should SD need a win then. 11-5 or 10-6 very possible here.
Arizona (5-4): Big win over Niners has this team in the mix. Qb Patrick Mahomes and RB Aaron Jones getting it done while D is playing better. They have two games with Rams and a big game with Chargers left but they should be favored in their other 4 games and, if they can win those and pull off an upset, 10 wins seems within range.
Posted on 08 Mar 2021 by dolphins
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