Playoffs. I have already been feeling some postseason pressure to get things done, but it was a successful week and am looking forward to more significant research to put out there before we head into the offseason. This intro would sound much better read by Don Cheadle.
Last year I recapped every 4QC/GWD in playoff history for each round (can be found under Captain Comeback 2011 archives). The Wild Card round is home to the all-time NFL comeback, Houston’s 32-point collapse in Buffalo 20 years ago this week. It also has the only two playoff games ever ending on a defensive score in overtime, and both games involved the Packers. Finally, the only two playoff games to have two lead changes in the final minute are also on Wild Card weekend.
The best game last season ended up being the Steelers in Denver, with the longest game-winning TD pass in NFL playoff history from Tim Tebow to Demaryius Thomas. I have a feeling Sunday’s games could live up to that one again.
This Week’s Articles
Captain Comeback Week 17: 2012 NFL Regular Season Review – Cold, Hard Football Facts
It’s the year-end review of the regular season, with a ranking of all 32 offenses in the clutch. Go figure the Colts and Broncos were among the best, while San Diego was the only team in the league without a single comeback or GWD in 2012.
The Biggest Flaw for Each NFL Playoff Team – Bleacher Report
It may be a slideshow, but you are getting 12 articles in one here. A look at each playoff team’s fatal flaw, whether it be something tangible or a perception they must overcome. Framing each team the proper way before the postseason starts.
Following a Legend: Andrew Luck Week 17 vs. Houston Texans – Colts Authority
Houston blitzed Andrew Luck on 75.9 percent of his drop backs this week, but the battered offensive line actually held up enough for one of the most efficient offensive performances of the year for the Colts. Luck threw perhaps his pass of the season with a 70-yard touchdown strike to T.Y. Hilton in the fourth quarter on a 3rd and 23 to ice the game and the Colts’ 11th win.
The Thinking Man’s Guide: NFL Wild Card Predictions – Bleacher Report
The four-game preview format of TMG works best here, looking at each Wild Card matchup. Also included is a review of some postseason studies I did in the last year on home-field advantage, quality wins in the regular season, and marquee blowouts in 2012.
Best Rookie QB Class Ever Makes Postseason Debut – NBC Sports
Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III and Russell Wilson will be the 12th-14th rookie quarterbacks to start a playoff game. A look at their record-breaking success, and whether or not one of them can make more history by reaching the Super Bowl.
Voting History: Why Peyton Manning Should Run Away with NFL MVP Award – Cold, Hard Football Facts
Not only was this the argument for Peyton Manning clearly being the MVP over Adrian Peterson in 2012, but you also get a chance to view all the MVP voting results (AP award) for 1986-2011. A great resource given this information is nowhere to be found elsewhere in one place. Find out who the only TE to receive a MVP vote is, or the only cornerback.
NFL Wild Card Predictions
I’m not a fan of picking the final score, but here’s a shot at it.
- Texans over Bengals, 19-16
- Packers over Vikings, 24-13
- Colts over Ravens, 20-17
- Seahawks over Redskins, 24-20
Season results:
- Week 1: 12-4
- Week 2: 11-5
- Week 3: 4-12
- Week 4: 10-5
- Week 5: 10-4
- Week 6: 5-9
- Week 7: 12-1
- Week 8: 10-4
- Week 9: 11-3
- Week 10: 9-4-1
- Week 11: 11-3
- Week 12: 10-6
- Week 13: 8-8
- Week 14: 11-5
- Week 15: 11-5
- Week 16: 12-4
- Week 17: 11-5
- Season: 168-87-1 (.658)
Captain Comeback: NFL Analysis by Scott Kacsmar 