2014 NFL Playoffs Thread

[Sylvanfan]

Well here are my keys to the game for the Chiefs to be able to beat the Colts.

1.)Be able to effectively throw the ball to keep the Colts from keying on the run game. As much as the Chiefs need to run the ball to be in this game, I think back to a game years ago where the Colts had a terrible run defence and KC tries to pound Larry Johnson between the tackles for a 4 yard loss.

2.)Figure out a way to keep Mathis from doing limited damage. They will likely match him up against Eric Fisher who really was not very good for a lot of this season, so the Chiefs may need to figure out how to get Fisher some help, and design plays to move away from Mathis. They also need to beware of Bethea in the middle of the field.

3.)Get pressure on Andrew Luck. Ever since Tamba Hali and Justin Houston went down within minutes against San Diego in week 11 the Chiefs defence has been lit up like Rob Ford. If they can get Houston back and he's somewhat effective this might give the Chiefs that second rusher that doesn't allow opposition to cheat on Hali. Even if you let the Colts runt the ball a bit and kick some field goals that's okay...don't let Andrew Luck beat you.

4.)Stop Suck-oping! Succop has been pretty bad this year, missed several in range field goals. No way you trust him over the Vinitierri to kick a clutch field goal. He can't be missing field goals inside the dome. Other than him the special teams were majorly improved this year, so a couple of big returns will certainly help the Chiefs cause.

My prediction....I've seen this movie a lot in the past....it always ends tragically for me....eff you Colts enjoy your damn 27-7 win, and enjoy the ass kicking you'll be handed in Foxboro next week. I'm not a huge Patriot fan...but them and the Bengals are my only hope to keep the Bronco's and Colts from getting to the Superbowl.

As for the other games...

I like Philly to beat that Saints at home. Put the Saints on the road in tougher outdoor conditions and they are not the same team...lets say 26-20 Eagles.

I've heard people make a big deal of the West Coast Niners going to Green Bay...I think these Packers are better off to be the warm weather team than San Francisco is. Their defence will be too porous to stop San Francisco enough for them to outscore them. I think it's a close one but Frisco takes a 30-27 win.

San Diego at Cinci is interesting. This is a game where the Bengals went into San Diego and beat up the Chargers, and have been really good at home. Still the Chargers used every survival tactic known to get here. Still I think playoffs are where Andy Daulton's mistakes get exposed big time, but he'll survive this week as San Diego's defence won't be able to cause enough of them. Bengals 24-20.

[OILFAN #81]

Originally Posted by Sylvanfan

Well here are my keys to the game for the Chiefs to be able to beat the Colts.

1.)Be able to effectively throw the ball to keep the Colts from keying on the run game. As much as the Chiefs need to run the ball to be in this game, I think back to a game years ago where the Colts had a terrible run defence and KC tries to pound Larry Johnson between the tackles for a 4 yard loss.

2.)Figure out a way to keep Mathis from doing limited damage. They will likely match him up against Eric Fisher who really was not very good for a lot of this season, so the Chiefs may need to figure out how to get Fisher some help, and design plays to move away from Mathis. They also need to beware of Bethea in the middle of the field.

3.)Get pressure on Andrew Luck. Ever since Tamba Hali and Justin Houston went down within minutes against San Diego in week 11 the Chiefs defence has been lit up like Rob Ford. If they can get Houston back and he's somewhat effective this might give the Chiefs that second rusher that doesn't allow opposition to cheat on Hali. Even if you let the Colts runt the ball a bit and kick some field goals that's okay...don't let Andrew Luck beat you.

4.)Stop Suck-oping! Succop has been pretty bad this year, missed several in range field goals. No way you trust him over the Vinitierri to kick a clutch field goal. He can't be missing field goals inside the dome. Other than him the special teams were majorly improved this year, so a couple of big returns will certainly help the Chiefs cause.

My prediction....I've seen this movie a lot in the past....it always ends tragically for me....eff you Colts enjoy your damn 27-7 win, and enjoy the ass kicking you'll be handed in Foxboro next week. I'm not a huge Patriot fan...but them and the Bengals are my only hope to keep the Bronco's and Colts from getting to the Superbowl.

Eric Fisher has been ruled out for KC due to injury and Hali is listed as questionable.

I like your points. For KC to win, they will have to use more of an aerial attack. The Colts will be keying in on Charles and that is what they need to do to win the game. Limiting Charles runs to short gains is a much. The guy is a gamebreaker. Because of that, Smith will have to use a guy like Bowe a lot tomorrow.

Besides Mathis who is dominant (and my vote for Defensive POTY), Freeman is another guy KC should key in on. Great year and he is always everywhere. Butler can explode with picks as well.

Our game plan is to limit Charles though. Guy is a beast and he can dictate the game. Don't let Charles beat you. Make Alex Smith throw to Bowe, Avery, Fasano, etc. If he can do that for 25+ points and win then you tip your cap to him.

Luck will have to spread the ball around. Brown has been great this year in the running game and Richardson has been good in recieving from the backfield. Hilton, Fleener, Whalen, Rogers, all need to be used. I don't see it being a 20 point game Syl. I will say 23-20.

[OILFAN #81]

Originally Posted by Senator Clay Davis

So playoff blackouts...momentary issue or future trend?



http://www.indystar.com/story/colts-...-game/4261203/

Originally Posted by rubecube

I think this is going to start becoming a bigger problem than the NFL thinks. NFL tickets are absurdly expensive. I'd also argue that the casual fan doesn't care if the game gets blacked out and the diehards will always find a way to watch.

Originally Posted by rubecube

You can add Green Bay to the list of teams who aren't selling out. 13k tickets still left at Lambeau.

The Colts, Bengals, and Packers games are all now sold out.

[OILFAN #81]

A note from the Saints-Eagles game, Pierre Thomas is out for the Saints:

http://espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs/2013...d-playoff-game

[transplant99]

KC gets both Hali and Houston back for todays game which adds 22 sacks from the regular season...that could be huge.

[Sylvanfan]

Well Stephenson graded better than Fisher. So the combo of him and Albert is the better scenario for KC. Hopefully Houston is at a decent health level and can help the Chiefs. I bet on the Colts with 1.5 points though. KC is as bad as the Flames for choking in the playoffs.

[Cheerio]

I'm way more nervous for this game than I was for the Ravens game last year. Hopefully Walden can do better holding the edge against Alex Smith than he did against Kaepernick last year. Linkenbach starting at RG is something I am not a fan of, would much rather have Reitz in there. Good luck Chiefs

[Joborule]

Have Chiefs ran with white pants for their away games all season? The all white is a good look.

[Sainters7]

Just did my (full) playoff picks, surprisingly ended up with Carolina over Denver in the SB, just a feeling. In a more "traditional" SB location I'd go Denver, but I think that snowy setting will make a dif. Had Carolina over Seattle in the NFCCG, that'd be a very interesting matchup.

[Flabbibulin]

Dan Hicks is doing play by play?? I cant recall him doing it before?

[transplant99]

Charles down on the 1st series...bout par for the course for Chief fans and their recent string of luck.

[Sylvanfan]

Well Alex Smith is going to need to step up. Good first drive.

[burn_baby_burn]

I doubt Charles returns. Chiefs are in two different lawsuits with former players over concussions.

[transplant99]

Gotta punch that one in...could be costly.

[KelVarnsen]

That Western Insurance commercial is stupid.

[Spuds_Buckley]

Alex Smith with the rare deep ball. 17-7 Chiefs. Colts D looks lost.

[dissentowner]

Originally Posted by OILFAN #81

A note from the Saints-Eagles game, Pierre Thomas is out for the Saints:

http://espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs/2013...d-playoff-game

As long as Sproles is good to go it is not that bad of a loss. Ingram got better as the year went on and Robinson has been decent too. Sproles is so key though. It is going to be cold though

[Ducay]

If I have to watch another terrible CTV promo, I'm gonna lose my sh*t.

I should expect it by now, playoffs are always like this. Reminds me of the year I think I watched 12 hours of that dumb CTV robot guy running.

[Senator Clay Davis]

The Chiefs have very good speed players, so it kinda benefits them to be playing in Indy inside.

Lol Trent, two time first round bust

[transplant99]

Colts just havent got their heads in this thing yet....better hurry up or its gonna be out of reach.