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The playoffs are on the horizon, with teams firmly established as pretenders and contenders heading into the postseason. The elite teams have separated from the pack, displaying consistent production and execution on offense, defense and special teams. Meanwhile, the pretenders may have flashed championship qualities at times, but their fatal flaws will show up when the pressure escalates in the playoffs.
As we enter the final weekend of the regular season, this is the perfect time to identify the contenders and pretenders in the playoff field.
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Baltimore Ravens
After donkey-kicking some of the top teams in the league, including the San Francisco 49ers, Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars, the Ravens are the biggest bullies on the NFL block. From their revamped offense featuring Lamar Jackson as a unique offensive weapon to pummeling opponents utilizing a deceptive blitz plan featuring every defender as a potential rusher, the Ravens can deliver knockout blows with either unit leading the way. With a dynamic special teams unit led by a clutch kicker (Justin Tucker) and playmaking return specialists (Devin Duvernay and Tylan Wallace), the Ravens can dominate every game phase as a title contender.
San Francisco 49ers
Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch have assembled a roster loaded with position-less players who can play interchangeable roles. On offense, in particular, the challenge of defending a lineup that features Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle and Kyle Juszczyk tests the speed, athleticism and discipline of defenses also tasked with adjusting to the myriad of pre-snap shifts, motions and quirky formations. With the shell game masking a creative offense that meshes an old-school running game with an explosive play-action passing game that attacks the middle of the field, the 49ers punish linebackers and safeties for misdiagnosing plays.
Defensively, the 49ers’ front seven…
Source link : https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/ravens-49ers-top-title-contenders-eagles-dolphins-bills-among-pretenders
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Publish date : 2024-01-04 20:43:49
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