Man... it must stink right now to be a Dallas Cowboys or Philadelphia Eagles fan. Just about every sports outlet have trashed these two teams, especially the Cowboys. AT&T Stadium felt like "Lambeau Field South" to the Packers in their runaway victory at Dallas. Philadelphia went from 10-1 to a depressingly mediocre finish. Even as a Houston Texans fan, the criticism of Dallas was absolutely warranted.
Anyhow, eight teams remain. The Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs is now. Here is the tenative schedule:
--- NFL 2023 Season Playoffs: Divisional Round ---
SATURDAY:
- #4A HOU Texans at #1A BAL Ravens
- #7N GB Packers at #1N SF 49ers
SUNDAY:
- #4N TB Buccaneers at #3N DET Lions
- #3A KC Chiefs at #2A BUF Bills
The 1st Round Bye teams finally get their chance to shine. Anything can happen, so don't assume we'll have a Ravens-49ers Super Bowl. Both top seeds might make it to the Super Bowl, one might make it, or even neither will. The winners of the Divisional Round will play next week in the Conference Championship round and be a step closer towards making the Super Bowl.
I'm concerned as a Houston Texans fan here, because we're 0-5 all-time in the Divisional Round of the Playoffs. Not once have we sniffed the Conference Championship round. Baltimore be ballin'. Earlier this year, we failed HARD at Baltimore- 25-9. It's tough to beat the same team twice, and teams either are better, worse, or indifferent in any rematch. The Texans had some great efforts cranking out wins on the road, like at the Jaguars, at the Bengals, at the Titans, and at the Colts [for a playoff berth]. Baltimore is a much different animal. Playoffs Baltimore is an even more different animal. The Texans have proven themselves to be on this stage. Now, it's time to prove they belong. Now is the time the 2023 Texans go farther than no other Texans team ever has gone. Can they do it? I am incredibly not confident. However, do I believe in the Texans despite this? You doggone right. To be the best, you got to beat the best. A win at the Ravens would be absolutely assuring. If the Texans win at the Ravens, their AFC Championship opponent will likely be on the road in the potentially cold setting, be it Kansas City or Buffalo. But first things first- try to defeat Baltimore in their house.
By the way, here are some quotes I dug up from older posts to this thread:
Well, Joey D, we might be trash here in Houston, but I do have some good vibes about the Houston Texans in 2023. I could realistically see them winning an AFC Wild Card if all things align correctly. We're going to struggle. Thing is, can we still contend and improve after a string of woeful seasons? Maybe we win the AFC South while the rest of the AFC South is garbage. That would be the most unrealistic and unlikely scenario.
Well, that happened (AFC South Champs).
The Lions are probably going to win the NFC North. Isn't that outrageous?
Seriously though they are like 2 good drafts away from being a juggernaut. MC/DC BAYBEE
Yep. That also happened (DET winning NFC North).
You folks never know if your random ramblings can come true.
Enjoy the Divisional Round!
