Championship Checklists: Matchups, Keys to Victory, and X-Factors
Patriots @ Broncos
Important Stats:
The Broncos rank 25th against QB rushing yards per game. Drake Maye ranked 4th this season in QB rushing yards - Maye's mobility could be the difference in this matchup.
New England ranks as one of the NFL's elite run defenses this season. They absolutely stifled the Texans last week, holding them to 2.2 yards per carry. If Denver can't establish the ground game, the even more responsibility falls on Jarrett Stidham's shoulders - a recipe for Patriots victory.
Keys to Victory:
Denver's key to victory is to pressure Maye early and often - He's been sacked 10 times this postseason and fumbled the ball six times - the pressure has clearly rattled him.
New England's key to victory is to stop the run. They need to force Stidham to beat them.
X-Factors:
Denver's X-Factor is Jarrett Stidham - If he channels postseason Nick Foles, Denver advances. If he plays like a backup, they're going home.
New England's X-Factor is Andy Borregales - The Patriots kicker has been money all season, but has yet to have any truly high pressure kicks this postseason. In a game points are likely going to be tough to come by, the rookie needs to keep a level head and make the 2-4 kicks that he will take in this game.
Rams @ Seahawks PART THREE
Important Stats:
The Seahawks are ranked first against opposing WR receiving yards.
Puka Nacua had 225 receiving yards and 2 TDs in his most recent meeting with Seattle.
This is the definition of an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object.
Keys to Victory:
The Rams’ keys to victory are stopping the run and making Sam Darnold beat them - Force Seattle into obvious passing situations where Darnold's limitations show. And never EVER kick to Rashid Shaheed.
The Seahawks keys to victory are controlling possession and limiting Puka Nacua’s touches - Long drives keep the ball away from Puka and their future MVP winner, Matthew Stafford.
X-Factors:
LA's X-Factor is their Special teams - Field goals, punt protection, and coverage have been major pain points all season. Clean execution in that area can win close playoff games. And never EVER kick to Rashid Shaheed (I cannot stress this enough).
The Seahawks X-Factor is Sam Darnold - If he manages this game well, and does not turn the ball over, I struggle to see how they do not win this game.
My Predictions
I went 3-1 in the Divisional Round, so I guess you could say your boy is on a hot streak! I even said “The Seahawks are going to take care of business at home.” Here is what I got in the Conference Championship games!
Patriots @ Broncos:
The Patriots will (sadly) win a very gross game against the Broncos. A large battle for field position is in the forecast here. I do not see a Nick Foles-esque future in the cards for Jarrett Stidham.
Score: Patriots 17 - Broncos 14
Rams @ Seahawks
The Seahawks are a far better team than the Rams right now. They are also healthier and better rested. I foresee the Seahawks taking care of business in this game against a Rams team that has been pretty sketchy as of late.
Score: Seahawks 31 - Rams 23
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