One burning question for each NFC playoff team

The playoffs are upon us, as there are 14 teams in contention for a championship. These teams have fought valiantly to enter into the tournament, but Super Bowl championships are won in February, so the previous game results no longer matter. Today’s focus will be on the seven teams in the NFC, & what needs to happen (or not happen) in order for each of them to glorify themselves forever in football history. Teams will be listed in order from highest to lowest seeding in the playoff format. Without further ado, let’s see what each team must do in order to win in February.

49ers

Will they dominate the games and play from in front?

You know how they say a picture’s worth a thousand words? Well check this out. Kyle Shanahan has an 0-37 record when trailing by 8+ points in the 4th quarter. What this means is that in order for the 49ers to make a Super Bowl run, they must play from in front (with a lead) and dominate time of possession within each game. That’s a tall order for any team to complete, but this is the 49ers formula for success. Will they be able to stick to the game script against more formidable competition?

Cowboys

Can they advance beyond the Divisional Round?

The last time the Dallas Cowboys advanced past the Divisional Round was in 1996. Read that sentence again, then read this article so that you can further understand the level of playoff futility the franchise has endured since winning Super Bowl XXX. Maybe this team is different, as QB Dak Prescott is having a career year and DC Dan Quinn has his unit playing at a much higher level than we’re accustomed to seeing. HC Mike McCarthy also knows their first round playoff opponent (the Packers) very well, as he was previously Green Bay’s head coach for 13 seasons from 2006-2018. That said, I’ll believe it when I see it as far as a Cowboys Super Bowl run goes…

Lions

Do their head coaching interviews become a distraction?

OC Ben Johnson is the hottest head coaching candidate on the planet right now as the Panthers, Chargers, Commanders, and even the Titans (who literally just fired Mike Vrabel) have each requested an opportunity to interview the Lions candidate. Meanwhile, the Chargers and Commanders have each requested an opportunity to interview Lions DC Aaron Glenn for their vacant head coaching position openings. When will these interviews start becoming a distraction to the team’s preparation? Johnson & Glenn need to be focused on doing their jobs as they prepare their team to face off against the Rams, but will they be able to do so given the circumstances?

Buccaneers

Are they going to be able to get it done without Brady?

The Buccaneers have been here before, as they won Super Bowl LV back in 2021. They’ve also won the NFC South in three straight years, but things are different now. This time, the team doesn’t have the GOAT to lean on in their times of desperation. That said, the roster from the team that won it all three years ago is relatively intact. Stranger things have happened in the NFL, as the Bucs are a darkhorse contender.

Eagles

How likely is it that their star players return in time?

MetLife Stadium’s turf took several more victims last week, as Eagles WR AJ Brown, S Reed Blankenship, S Sydney Brown, & G Cam Jurgens left the game with injuries. QB Jalen Hurts also hurt his finger during the game, but he returned to play later on. These are key players for the Eagles, who prepare to face the Bucs on Monday night. A timely return to full strength from all of these players would surely be welcomed.

Rams

Is this the last call for McVay, Stafford, and Donald?

It’s no secret that Sean McVay, Matt Stafford, and Aaron Donald all considered retirement last offseason after an abysmal 2022 season ending in a 5-12 record. There were also rumblings of each of them retiring after winning Super Bowl LVI. These three men seem to be a package deal, so do they have one more run in them? WR Puka Nacua, RB Kyren Williams, & LB Ernest Jones are newcomers to the team who could help that trio in achieving their ultimate goal on Sunday, February 11th.

Packers

Does their defense have what it takes to win big?

Packers fans have been calling for the firing of DC Joe Barry for some time now. There are times when the Packers defense plays well, like in Week 18 against the Bears, & other times where they play poorly, like in Week 16 against the Panthers. Honestly, that’s been the story of the season for the Packers, as the team is streaky. Defensively though, it’s anyone’s guess as to what type of performance they will get. Can they string together some consistent performances in order to win big games?