Who Will Rise Up In, Or Before the Playoffs? Let our writers explain. By Upstate Sports Zone Writers
It is without a doubt that every team in the NFL doesn’t have the same start to the season that they want. But now that it is Week 15, it’s time to break it down and figure out what team will rise up either in, or before the playoffs. Let our fantastic team of writers explain.
Jake Martino:
Team: Buccaneers
When Will They Rise: Playoffs, End of the Season
Well, being a Panthers fan I was so cocky coming into this year although we lost in the Super Bowl after being 15-1. Right now with it being week 15 I have lost most of my hope and it is time to side with a team for the playoffs and I believe the Buccaneers will rise up. This week they have the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football. In my picks this week I sided with the Bucs on this matchup. They have the full potential to beat the Cowboys, being very similar to the Giants. When I say “similar” I mean the fact that they have 1 receiver and a QB that throws dimes in Mike Evans and Jameis Winston. The defense has been nonstop right now especially DT Gerald McCoy. When teams are hot at this point the season they don’t stop. I have faith in the Bucs due to their youth presence in the lineup. Doug Martin returning from multiple injuries also helps the offense for the Bucs, not always having to depend on the passing game. It should be interesting to see how to the season plays out but right now all I know is “Fire the Cannons”- Jared McCabe.
Jake Martino
Jared McCabe
Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
When Will They Rise: Beating the Cowboys/WInning NFC South or Wild Card
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been riding high on a five game winning streak. They are currently tied with the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC South and they head to Jerry's World this Sunday Night to go up against the Cowboys to hope to keep the winning streak going. During this winning streak Jameis Winston has been playing with confidence, getting the ball to Mike Evans and handing the rock to Doug Martin. The biggest surprise is the defense. They have stepped up in a big way led by Gerald McCoy and rookie Noah Spence. Over the last couple of weeks the Buccaneers defense has been the best in the league. If they hope to play in January, this is like a playoff game for them because nothing gets bigger than playing in a small market in Tampa, flying to Dallas to play on National Television on Primetime Sunday Night Game. If they can beat the Cowboys, the sky's the limit for this team because if every player is playing to their capabilities, they could make a deep run into the playoffs. For all the Bucs fans out there, Siege the Day and Fire the Cannons!!
Jared McCabe
Camdyn Ames:
Team: Miami Dolphins
When Will They Rise: Last 3 games and into playoffs
Miami is 8-5 right now still having to play the Jets, Bills and Patriots. The Dolphins are currently sitting at the 7 spot, which is out of the playoffs. The 6 seed is currently held by the Denver Broncos who have 3 tough games ahead: vs Patriots, at Chiefs, and vs Raiders. I think the Broncos, who are currently sitting at 8-5 as well, will lose in all of their last three games to open the door wide open for Miami to walk their way into the playoffs. I believe Miami will defeat the Jets and Bills, but fall to the Patriots leading to a 10-6 regular season record. That being said they will have to do this without starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill and lean on backup Matt Moore who hasn't played since December 11th of last year against the Arizona Cardinals when he completed 3 out of 5 passes for 47 yards. If the Dolphins do reach the playoffs it will be the first time since 2008 that they will be in.
Austin Walsh:
Team: Steelers
When Will They Rise: last 3 games and through playoffs
The Steelers who are sitting at the 3rd spot are already going to the playoffs. I believe in the playoffs the Steelers offense will keep their momentum moving. The driving factors of their offense is Antonio Brown, LeVeon Bell, and Ben Roethlisberger. These 3 have been doing exceptionally well in their past games. Big Ben has thrown over 220 yards in the past three games. Also the Steelers are on a four game win streak. The Steelers have an easy last games. They play the Bengals, Ravens, and Browns. I believe they will get far into the playoffs but not achieve a spot in the super bowl.
Mike Fritz:
Team: New England Patriots
When Will They Rise: Next two games and throughout the playoffs
The New England Patriots are currently at 12-2, and have a five game win streak, and I do not think that win streak will end any time soon. Their two remaining games are home against the Jets and away at the Dolphins, both very winnable games. Their last game was at the Broncos, when they showed how strong the questionable defense can be, recording four sacks and one interception. If they can play defense like this throughout the remainder of the season and into the playoffs, they would have a much greater chance to win the Super Bowl. The offense has shown a lot too. LeGarrette Blount who is second in the NFL for touchdowns at 13, has proved to be one of the most dangerous rushers in the league. And of course, there is always Tom Brady who will consistently deliver every week. Led by one of the best coaches of all time in Bill Belichick, I believe that the New England Patriots will win this year’s Super Bowl.
Michael Fritz
Caden Balint:
Team: Raiders
When Will They Rise: Before the playoffs
The Oakland Raiders came out of the gate this season winning 6 straight from October 23- December 4th, scoring at least 30 in that winning streak. With the Raiders having only 3 games left facing the Chargers, Colts and Broncos. The Raiders beat both the Chargers and the Broncos scoring 30 in both games. Now coming into the game with the Colts, the Colts are 6-7 and 3rd in the AFC south. So with that game it will be another win for the Raiders and they will end the season going 13-3 and coming in second to the Chiefs. Now will they go far in the playoffs? I hope so, but I really think they won’t.
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By Upstate Sports Zone Writers
