I. Introduction
The NFL playoffs are one of the most exciting times of the year for football fans around the world. With the regular season rapidly coming to a close, discussions and speculations are heating up over which teams will secure the coveted playoff spots. One of the most talked-about topics is the wild card race, and how many teams will make the cut this year.
II. Breaking Down the Wild Card Race in the NFL: How Many Teams Will Make the Cut?
There are a total number of 14 teams that will make the NFL playoffs, with seven teams each from the AFC and the NFC. Four of these teams from each conference will be division winners, and the remaining three teams will be wild card teams.
Currently, teams that have already secured their playoff berths are Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, Buffalo Bills, Green Bay Packers, and New Orleans Saints. Teams that are still in the hunt for wildcard spots include Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts, Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams, and Seattle Seahawks, among others. As their remaining regular-season schedules draw to a close, the stakes are getting higher for these teams.
So, how are wild card teams selected? As per the current NFL rules, the wildcard teams will be selected in this manner: The 5th seed goes to the team with the fifth-best record in the conference. The 6th seed goes to the team with the sixth-best record in the conference. The 7th seed goes to the team with the seventh-best record in the conference. This means that a wild card team can have a lower win-loss record than a division winner; hence, winning your division does not guarantee a playoff spot.
III. The Impact of the Extra Wild Card Team on NFL Playoff Picture
The inclusion of an additional wild card team has changed the playoff scenario significantly, making it more competitive than ever before. The most significant impact has been in the NFC since it is the conference with the most competitive wild card race. The extra wild card team has also provided an opportunity for more teams to compete until the very end of the season, which is great for fans and teams alike.
The additional wild card spot also makes the playoffs accessible to lesser teams and can cause some chaos in the seeding. The bottom seeds and teams on the bubble are now given more incentives to play hard and make the playoffs, which is great for the overall competitiveness of the league. This also means that the playoffs will have some fresh faces, which is always exciting.
IV. Wild Card Contenders: Which Teams Have the Best Chance to Secure a Playoff Berth?
With so many teams still in the running, it is essential to examine the strengths and weaknesses of each of the wild card contenders. The Miami Dolphins have a tough remaining schedule against teams like Las Vegas Raiders and Buffalo Bills, but they have put up strong performances in recent weeks. The Indianapolis Colts have also played impressively, with an exceptional defense, but their offense has been a bit inconsistent.
The Cleveland Browns have an excellent running game and are poised to take advantage of the weaker teams in their upcoming schedule. The Tennessee Titans have lost some games recently, but their offense is strong and can score points quickly. The Cardinals suffered a setback with a loss against the New England Patriots, but they still have Kyler Murray at the helm, who has been playing brilliantly this season. The Los Angeles Rams have an excellent defense, but their offense has been up and down, depending on their quarterback, Jared Goff’s performance.
Finally, the Seattle Seahawks have been a solid playoff contender, with an efficient offense and a competent defense. Russell Wilson and his receiving corps have been consistent throughout the season.
V. The History of Wild Card Teams in the NFL Playoffs: What Does it Take to Succeed?
The NFL playoff history has witnessed a few wild card teams winning the Super Bowl. In 1980, the Oakland Raiders made their way to the Super Bowl as a wild card team and became the first wild card team to win the Super Bowl. The Pittsburgh Steelers accomplished the same feat in 2005, followed by the New York Giants in 2007 and the Green Bay Packers in 2010. All of these teams had one thing in common – a strong defense, that carried them through the playoffs. Most wild card teams that reach the Super Bowl also tend to do so with a dominating running game or by winning the turnover battle.
VI. Experts’ Picks: Which Teams Will Secure the Wild Card Spots in 2021?
The NFL community is awash with predictions on which teams will make it to the playoffs as the wildcard teams. The San Francisco 49ers were a popular wildcard pick at the beginning of the season, but a troubling injury situation has dashed their playoff hopes. Other teams like the Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, and Indianapolis Colts, among others, have been hot contenders throughout the season, and their chances look good. Some analysts are confident that the Arizona Cardinals can make the cut, while others fancy the Rams’ chances. It is still a tough call to make at this stage of the season.
VII. Conclusion
The wild card race is heating up, and the competition is intense, with so much to play for in the remaining weeks of the regular season. The new playoff format has made it even more exciting and competitive, with more teams in the mix. As we inch closer to the playoffs, NFL fans await with bated breath to see which teams will make it to the postseason. It is sure to be an exciting and unpredictable end to the season.