NFL Playoff Scenarios 2014-15: Potential AFC, NFC Postseason Matchups
It is a shame the 2014-15 NFL playoffs do not start tomorrow.
If they did, fans around the globe would be the real winners, as a number of must-see matchups line the docket. A third and final divisional showdown in the postseason is one thing, but encounters the globe has yet to see this year may be even better.
The NFL will sort itself out in a more decisive manner in the final few weeks. Right now, though, the current scenarios and potential showdowns are worth a look.
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Below is a picture of how things stack up going into the weekend slate of Week 15.
NFC Playoff Standings
| 1 | Arizona | 11 | 3 |
| 2 | Green Bay | 10 | 3 |
| 3 | Philadelphia | 9 | 4 |
| 4 | Atlanta | 5 | 8 |
| 5 | Seattle | 9 | 4 |
| 6 | Detroit | 9 | 4 |
NFC in the hunt: Dallas Cowboys (9-4), San Francisco 49ers (7-6), Minnesota Vikings (6-7), St. Louis Rams (6-8), New Orleans Saints (5-8) and Carolina Panthers (4-8-1).
Top Potential NFC Postseason Matchup: Detroit Lions vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Talk about a heavyweight bout that fans deserve.
The Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles can do much to change their respective destinies in the coming weeks, but this encounter sure does not look bad on paper. In fact, both may want to hope it happens, as there is a very real chance one of them will miss the postseason outright.
In this elimination game, though, it's impossible to know who has an edge.
Chip Kelly's elite offense—that continues to click with Mark Sanchez (1,500 yards, 10 scores) under center—meets an elite Lions defense that embarrasses most quarterbacks and stuffs most backs.
Of course, the Lions can do their fair share of scoring as well, thanks to the efforts of Matthew Stafford and Co. The Georgia product has the Lions ranked ninth in the league through the air, despite injuries to players such as Calvin Johnson and Reggie Bush. Thank 3,644 yards and 18 scores to 10 interceptions for the compensation.
Perhaps the Lions face the biggest hurdle for either side, though. Jim Caldwell's team is 6-1 at home, but just .500 on the road. It seems to worry the team little at this point—as do the memories of past late-season collapses—if a nugget from center Dominic Raiola is any indication.
"It's a new day. He said it from the beginning, coach Caldwell, put it on Caldwell," Raiola said, per Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com. "We keep doing it every week and it's getting fun around here. The more we just worry about what's going on right now, handle the day, the better off we're going to be."
Regardless, the two sides are on a warpath for a collision that is downright made for the postseason. In the elements of winter, one strength would meet another in a showdown the globe would not soon forget.
AFC Playoff Standings
| 1 | New England | 10 | 3 |
| 2 | Denver | 10 | 3 |
| 3 | Indianapolis | 9 | 4 |
| 4 | Cincinnati | 8 | 4 |
| 5 | Pittsburgh | 8 | 5 |
| 6 | San Diego | 8 | 5 |
AFC in the hunt: Baltimore Ravens (8-5), Houston Texans (7-6), Miami Dolphins (7-6), Kansas City Chiefs (7-6), Buffalo Bills (7-6) and Cleveland Browns (7-6).
Top Potential AFC Postseason Matchup: San Diego Chargers vs. Indianapolis Colts
Round three between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals has a nice ring to it. However, a showdown between a pair of elite quarterbacks sounds even better.
Philip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers head West to dance with Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts in this potential matchup.
What more could fans ask for right now?
Rivers is last season's Comeback Player of the Year, and that form has bled into this season. The veteran has thrown for 3,407 yards and 26 touchdowns to 11 picks, despite the presence of a miserable rushing attack behind him (ranked 28th).
Of course Rivers has no intention of a road trip in the playoffs, as the Chargers captured on Twitter:
Luck is in much the same situation, sans the worries about travel. The former Stanford star has 4,305 yards and 36 touchdowns to 13 interceptions, despite an 18th-ranked rushing attack.
Good luck when it comes to unearthing the deciding factor between these two. Both run games figure to struggle against units that rank no worse than 14th in that regard. One could suggest that Rivers will exploit a Colts defense that ranks 22nd against the pass, but on the road that may become a moot point.
Few better things exist in the realm of sports than an old-fashioned shootout between two elite quarterbacks. Rivers and Luck not only qualify, but they also will have the burden of the season weighing strictly on their arms in this potential matchup.
The rest of the season may alter this one, but it would not be a disappointment if things remained in a holding pattern.
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