Oh…Hello there! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to your 2023 NFL Divisional Round of the NFC bracket. Did your team make it to round two? If you were a part of an upset like my beloved Dallas Cowboys, we have nothing to rap about this week. It’s going to be reckless in the NFC this coming weekend. Let’s get straight down to business and preview the four teams remaining.
(1) San Francisco 49ers vs (7) Green Bay Packers
The perfect roster in football begins their quest for a second straight trip to the NFC title game. Home field advantage without leaving the Bay Area. Having the time to regroup and heal should benefit the Niners. Facing adversity earlier in the season has prepared San Fran for a tough route to Las Vegas. With MVP candidate running back Christian McCaffery and this high potent offense, this matchup is a rematch of the 2021 Divisional game in which the Niners won 13-10 in frigid Green Bay. Defensively, look for a lot of pressure up front to wreak havoc on Green Bay QB Jordan Love. Stopping the run game of Green Bay and the familiarity of both teams, it will be an instant classic of tick for tack. San Francisco is the favorite, but don’t expect the Packers to wave the white flag early on.
As for Green Bay…what a turnaround season it’s been post Aaron Rodgers. First year starter QB Jordan Love has looked every bit the player most envisioned coming out of the 2020 NFL Draft. Sitting under the wings of Aaron Rodgers, playing to his strengths and head coach Matt LaFleur putting together a masterclass against Dallas in blowout fashion. What we witnessed was a team who’s yet to lose a game in AT&T Stadium. The Packers looked flawless in Love’s playoff debut. Strong run game with Aaron Jones, offensive line didn’t allow hardly any pressure all day. Defense played very well and Green Bay had their way with Dallas. Can they continue this style of play going into the Bay Area? It’ll be a playoff miracle for an upset to occur. Are the bright lights and time change going to have lingering issues with everyone?
(2) Detroit Lions vs (4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
As Drake once said: “What a time to be alive!” Indeed, Motown is the place to be if you’re in Detroit. Another feel good story which started in 2022 for the Lions. Coming into 2023, playoff expectations and winning the NFC North division; while hosting and winning a playoff game since January 5th, 1992. Yes, the first playoff win since Barry Sanders last donned a uniform. Head coach Dan Campbell’s message resonated with this team and built a culture of winning. It’s not appealing to the average fans but to the current Lions fans, they have every reason to be ecstatic. Led by quarterback Jared Goff, he’s redeemed himself as a franchise cornerstone. A very good run game with David Montgomery and rookie Jahmyr Gibbs, this will be bread and butter for Detroit’s fast start. Wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams; with rookie tight end Sam LaPorta, a potent pass game to counter what they like to do offensively. Defensively, the front four is pretty good led by Aidan Hutchinson. It’s the secondary which can be a blemish; but can stay the course. Long as Dan Campbell doesn’t get too cute or over aggressive, the Lions can roar their way to the NFC title game.
Tampa Bay… sound the cannons! You’ve been the underdog story post Tom Brady. What a season and comeback year for quarterback Baker Mayfield. It appeared he was done, and nobody wanted the former first round pick, Tampa took a flier, and it paid off. He fits the mold for what needs to be done in winning; not going to get arrogant and high strung. Maturity would best describe Baker and how he handled this transition. Tampa has just as much offensive firepower to go blow for blow with Detroit. Veteran led team, look for the Bucs to keep it close and allow Baker to cook up big plays downfield. If all goes as planned, Tampa could find themselves back in the NFC title game in 2020. Keep it simple and stay the course; play your brand of football and let the cannons sound as needed. It’ll be a loud Ford Field; but overcoming noise will be a test early on. Weather won’t be an issue, but sustaining drives and cashing in the red zone gives you some cushion.
As the late Tupac Shakur once said: “Picture me rollin.”
Stai tuned…
