AFC/NFC Preview: Who Advances to the Final Stage?
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Through the NFL’s 2018-19 season, we have endured some historic moments. With that, we are left with the 4 teams, who also happen to be the top 4 highest-scoring teams within the regular season.
The Los Angeles Rams are looking to avenge their loss to the New Orleans Saints from Week 9. Both the Rams and the Saints finished the 2018 regular season tied for the most wins with 13. While their defense has been questionable at times, the Rams have made it this far based on dominant play from their superstars. After signing RB C.J. Anderson partway through the year, the rushing game will be key now more than ever before if Los Angeles desires a trip to the Super Bowl.
New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees has been recognized as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all-time, accounting for 74,437 passing yards and 520 touchdowns. With a backfield that consists of Mark Ingram III and Alvin Kamara, the duo will need to accomplish what Dallas Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliot couldn’t the week prior against the Los Angeles Rams defensive front.
As for the AFC, the New England Patriots are looking to defeat the Kansas City Chiefs the same way they did back in Week 6. Of course, teams evolve as time passes, and there is no better example of that than Bill Belichick’s roster. The Patriots often struggle on the road, as they finished the season 3-5 away from Gillette Stadium.
In his first year as the starting quarterback, Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes finished the 2018 regular season with 5,097 passing yards and 50 touchdowns. In general, the Chiefs defense has been a letdown, ranking 31st against the pass and 27th against the rush. In order to overcome New England, stopping Tom Brady is going to be just as important as remaining warm.
The story of this season is about redemption.
The New Orleans Saints are 1-1 in franchise history in NFC Championship games. Does Drew Brees have enough left in the tank to carry the Saints to the Super Bowl?
The Los Angeles Rams contain the youngest head coach in NFL history in Sean McVay. Will inexperience at this stage become the Rams’ downfall?
The Kansas City Chiefs contain a sophomore quarterback in Patrick Mahomes, who has been electric to this point. However, will the spotlight become too bright for the 23-year old?
The New England Patriots were written off from the very beginning, but contain the most clutch postseason quarterback of all-time in Tom Brady. Will age become a factor for the 41-year old?
Featured Image: Zimbio.
