Wild Card Weekend game thread

DJnVa

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Saturday:
Seattle @ SF
LAC @ Jax

Sunday:
Miami @ Buffalo
NYG @ Minnesota
Bal @ Cincy

Monday:
Dallas @ TB


Bit of news:

 

JCizzle

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I wonder what the Ravens do about his contract in the offseason? This seems more to me like him exerting pressure on the organization as much as it is a debilitating injury. This was the initial prognosis:

How long is Lamar Jackson out? Injury timeline, return date, latest news on Ravens QB | Sporting News
Jackson is expected to be out "days to weeks" as a result of his injury, as Ravens coach John Harbaugh told reporters after the Ravens' 10-9 win over the Broncos.

"It's not a season-ending type of knee," he said of Jackson's injury. "We'll get more tests tomorrow to let you know how long it's gonna be. . . It's gonna be a number. Day to weeks. We'll see if he can go back this week. If not, it'll be sometime after that shortly."

That initial timeline was vague, but Harbaugh did give a slightly more definitive answer on Friday. Jackson was downgraded to doubtful on the injury report, and Harbaugh said it "looks like it's going to be Tyler Huntley" Sunday vs. the Steelers.

Indeed, Huntley did get the start in Week 14, as Jackson was declared out for the game. And ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Jackson could be sidelined longer.

Jackson has a sprained PCL, per Schefter, which typically sidelines players for one to three weeks. Still, Schefter believes Jackson may miss just two games, though the impact of the injury may last longer than that.
 

trekfan55

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This is the best place to gripe since it's a gamethread.

Of all the 6 games, the 9ers-Seahawks game is the one that is played on Shabat?? Seriously?
But aside my personal displeasure, that seemed like a game ticketed for a better time slot. #2 team in the NFC, classic division rival, plus recent memory of classic playoff games (different teams but still).
 

Rudy's Curve

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This is the best place to gripe since it's a gamethread.

Of all the 6 games, the 9ers-Seahawks game is the one that is played on Shabat?? Seriously?
But aside my personal displeasure, that seemed like a game ticketed for a better time slot. #2 team in the NFC, classic division rival, plus recent memory of classic playoff games (different teams but still).
The Niners are starting a third-string QB and the Seahawks have zero starpower (maybe Metcalf?). The fact the Jaguars got a primetime slot over this is pretty telling.
 

radsoxfan

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Sprained PCL is pretty vague.

If it’s a high grade tear (still technically a sprain), not unreasonable for him to be out 6 weeks or more.

Isolated PCL injuries are rarely surgical, but that doesn’t mean he is being unreasonable to wait.

Feels like some of these recent Schefter tweets are making it sound like he’s being overly cautious. I wouldn’t be so sure, especially for a guy like Lamar who needs his athleticism.

If his knee feels unstable or not right, he shouldn’t play.
 

trekfan55

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The Niners are starting a third-string QB and the Seahawks have zero starpower (maybe Metcalf?). The fact the Jaguars got a primetime slot over this is pretty telling.
This 3rd string QB has won 6 starts in a row (surrounded by a great staff but still). The team has the # 1 defense in the NFL by many meaures. The team has vaulted to # 1 in several rankngs.
While it´s true the Seahwaks don´t have the starpower they used to have, this is still a classic rivalry.

Many matchups in WC weekend tend to be lopsided because there is an extra team, so #6 and #7 are facing very good to great teams. But this has got to be a very bad slot.

Anyhow I know I am mostly complaining for me. I'll watch what I can after sundown.
 

Rudy's Curve

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This 3rd string QB has won 6 starts in a row (surrounded by a great staff but still). The team has the # 1 defense in the NFL by many meaures. The team has vaulted to # 1 in several rankngs.
While it´s true the Seahwaks don´t have the starpower they used to have, this is still a classic rivalry.

Many matchups in WC weekend tend to be lopsided because there is an extra team, so #6 and #7 are facing very good to great teams. But this has got to be a very bad slot.

Anyhow I know I am mostly complaining for me. I'll watch what I can after sundown.
I don't think anyone's doubting how good they are. That's also a reason why it's not a marquee time slot though since the line is very high for a playoff game, along with the Seahawks having little starpower.
 

Rudy's Curve

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Looking ahead, if all 2/3 seeds win (certainly not a guarantee, especially MIN), here's a guess at the schedule next weekend:

Saturday 4:30: MIN-SF
Saturday 8:15: CIN-BUF
Sunday 3:00: LAC/JAC-KC
Sunday 6:40: DAL/TB-PHI

If the Giants win, I'd imagine NYG-PHI becomes Saturday at 4:30 and DAL/TB-SF would be the late Sunday slot.
 

ElUno20

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I can't wait for Staley to tell everyone how hard it is to manage these situations, again.
 

GB5

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SF 23
Seattle 13

Jax 20
LAC 16

Buffalo 31
Miami 10

NYG 27
Minny 24

Cincy 27
Baltimore 10

TB 24
Dallas 23
 

Time to Mo Vaughn

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New OT rule for the playoffs. Both teams are guaranteed a possession even if the kickoff receiver scores a TD. Sudden Death after if both tied after the two possessions.

So do you want to kick or receive with these new rules? Second gives you the advantage of knowing what you need to do and go for it on 4th down if necessary. But if you're tied after the initial possessions then the initial receiving team gets the ball for Sudden Death.
 

tims4wins

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New OT rule for the playoffs. Both teams are guaranteed a possession even if the kickoff receiver scores a TD. Sudden Death after if both tied after the two possessions.

So do you want to kick or receive with these new rules? Second gives you the advantage of knowing what you need to do and go for it on 4th down if necessary. But if you're tied after the initial possessions then the initial receiving team gets the ball for Sudden Death.
I still want it 2nd. That way I can decide to go for 2 and the win if it comes to that.
 

JohnnyK

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I think you still want to go first. If you score a touchdown then even though the other team basically gets 4 downs they still need to go the length of the field (unless Nick Folk takes your kickoffs). If you score a field goal the other team will probably not go for it on fourth down once they are in field goal range and you get the ball first in a sudden death situation.
 

nattysez

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The weather in the Bay Area today is horrendous. It's been downpouring all night and it's gusty. Throwing the ball is going to be tough if it stays like this.
 

BaseballJones

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The weather in the Bay Area today is horrendous. It's been downpouring all night and it's gusty. Throwing the ball is going to be tough if it stays like this.
My FF league plays through the playoffs and I have a choice this weekend at kicker between Gould and Tucker. Given the matchups, I was going to go with Gould, but with this weather, no way. It looks like it could be a total slog in SF today, and very difficult on the kickers.

Forget fantasy football for a minute; this weather could be an enormous factor in the game.
 

Al Zarilla

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Looks like a break in the weather in Santa Clara for today's Seahawks-49ers game . Accuweather and Weather.com both predicting light rain or showers during the game. Local weather too, channel 2, my favorite, just watched it. That's after 2.4 inches or so overnight last night. However, higher than normal winds and wind gusts are still predicted, one weather guy predicting gusts up to 50 mph. I seriously seriously doubt that, but gusts to 30 or so are probable. Light was seen in Kyle Shanahan's office window all night as he was planning for this monsoon game (but it won't be).
 

leftfieldlegacy

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New OT rule for the playoffs. Both teams are guaranteed a possession even if the kickoff receiver scores a TD. Sudden Death after if both tied after the two possessions.

So do you want to kick or receive with these new rules? Second gives you the advantage of knowing what you need to do and go for it on 4th down if necessary. But if you're tied after the initial possessions then the initial receiving team gets the ball for Sudden Death.
Depends on the team. A great defensive team like SF would probably want to kick off, counting on a stop and then only needing a FG to win. With a team like KC or Buffalo, I would take the ball first. Try to get the TD and put pressure on the opposition to match the score. This new system would make an OT game between Mahomes and Allen must see TV.
 

Ale Xander

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If I’m KC I want to go second so Buffalo doesn’t have a 2pt conversion for the win
 

Mystic Merlin

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In this format, if you’re willing to go for two to win it on the second possession then you should just go for two if you score a TD on the first possession.
 

DanoooME

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Looks like a break in the weather in Santa Clara for today's Seahawks-49ers game . Accuweather and Weather.com both predicting light rain or showers during the game. Local weather too, channel 2, my favorite, just watched it. That's after 2.4 inches or so overnight last night. However, higher than normal winds and wind gusts are still predicted, one weather guy predicting gusts up to 50 mph. I seriously seriously doubt that, but gusts to 30 or so are probable. Light was seen in Kyle Shanahan's office window all night as he was planning for this monsoon game (but it won't be).
Actually the Niners would have a huge advantage in bad weather, because they have a good run defense and Seattle's is fucking garbage. The Niners could probably win the game with zero passes in that scenario.
 

ThePrideofShiner

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I tried to give up watching the NFL this season, thinking the Seahawks would be terrible and that would make it easier. But then they made the damn playoffs and I find myself getting sucked back in. Anyway, I have only seen one half of one Seahawks game this season and I'm skipping this one because it probably won't end well, but man what a surprising season for Seattle.

I can't imagine anyone really thought they'd make the playoffs and I certainly can't imagine anyone expects them to win today. Hopefully Kenneth Walker XIL has his Beast Quake moment this afternoon.
 

snowmanny

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I tried to give up watching the NFL this season, thinking the Seahawks would be terrible and that would make it easier. But then they made the damn playoffs and I find myself getting sucked back in. Anyway, I have only seen one half of one Seahawks game this season and I'm skipping this one because it probably won't end well, but man what a surprising season for Seattle.

I can't imagine anyone really thought they'd make the playoffs and I certainly can't imagine anyone expects them to win today. Hopefully Kenneth Walker XIL has his Beast Quake moment this afternoon.
They are set up decently for next year either way. If you have any faith in Smith I guess.
 

johnmd20

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In this format, if you’re willing to go for two to win it on the second possession then you should just go for two if you score a TD on the first possession.
I don't think many teams would go for 2 in OT being down 1 unless your defense was abominable. But it will be compelling if that happens. Drama!
 

Al Zarilla

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Actually the Niners would have a huge advantage in bad weather, because they have a good run defense and Seattle's is fucking garbage. The Niners could probably win the game with zero passes in that scenario.
In the old days, the two feet of rain or so we've had this fall/winter would leave a quagmire for a field. No such thing now with artificial turf. Actually, the field crew was seen squeegee-ing off a good amount of water from the field this morning. Players should be fine except for an occasional slip. As a 49er fan, the one thing I think of is beating the same team three times in one season.
 

tims4wins

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I can't wait for the first TD-TD-FG game to occur and the "unfair" arguments to re-arise. I hope it's between KC-BUF, BUF-CIN, or KC-CIN.
 

Oil Can Dan

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I'd definitely want the ball second. You'll have more information available to help you make decisions on offense. That seems way more valuable than any advantage you'd have going first given that you're guaranteed a possession now.
 

johnmd20

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In the old days, the two feet of rain or so we've had this fall/winter would leave a quagmire for a field. No such thing now with artificial turf. Actually, the field crew was seen squeegee-ing off a good amount of water from the field this morning. Players should be fine except for an occasional slip. As a 49er fan, the one thing I think of is beating the same team three times in one season.
Teams that are 2-0 win about 67% of the time in the 3rd game.

The, "it's hard to beat a team three times," isn't true. It's not hard. It's more often the norm if you're 2-0.
 

johnmd20

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I can't wait for the first TD-TD-FG game to occur and the "unfair" arguments to re-arise. I hope it's between KC-BUF, BUF-CIN, or KC-CIN.
People won't complain if a defense fails twice. This is a strawman.

The point about the Bills last year was that their defense failed once and the offense didn't get a single chance.
 

tims4wins

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People won't complain if a defense fails twice. This is a strawman.

The point about the Bills last year was that their defense failed once and the offense didn't get a single chance.
People complain about everything. I agree the claims would have no merit. But “why didn’t they get equal chances” will be an argument.
 

rodderick

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Nobody has tried to do it under the prior rules after scoring a FG on the initial possession.

I think it’s pretty unlikely.
Because giving the opponent the ball on your own 40 with the opponent needing a FG to tie is one thing, giving the ball up on your own 40 with the opponent needing a TD to tie is a lot different.