This is one talking point in the NFL I think really holds up. Lots of stats really go straight out the window come playoffs because there is always that one team or two that peaks right at the end of the season and into the playoffs. And that's the team to watch, that no one wants to play.
It was the Giants the 2 times they won their Super Bowls. It was certainly the Eagles in SB 52.
Wonder who that team is for SB 53? We have a few contenders.. the most obvious to me is the Eagles, yet again. Feels like history is repeating itself with them becoming underdogs where Nick Foles propels them. Though he might be hurt now. Not sure the extent of it. That could damper their chances dramatically. If Foles plays, look out. If not, I think they lose their first game.
Then there's Seattle. They have won it all before, solely off of late season momentum.
New Orleans and the Rams seem to be steady but more like walking into the playoffs, instead of rolling. So if they lose early I won't be surprised one bit.
In the AFC, Indy is that team to me. I feel the same way about Kansas City and New England that I do about the #1 and #2 in the NFC, primed for a loss.
Really all the AFC #3-6 teams have momentum on their side. So I fully expect the Colts or Chargers to go the furthest.
And if momentum rules the day for SB 53... that means the wild card games will have the 2 super bowl teams in it this year. That's my prediction.
How important do you think momentum is going into the playoffs? Think it was dumb or smart for the Saints to rest Drew Brees even though they got a first round bye, for example?