Scout’s Eye: Patriots ready, Browns’ misery and playoff focus
The Vikings took care of business early and never let the Bears in the game to assure Minnesota their first round bye. There was a lot of fight in Chicago, but the Vikings did what they needed to do, especially on defense. The Bears didn’t cross midfield until the fourth quarter and converted just once on third down all game. Chicago averaged just two yards per carry and the Vikings defense allowed a measly 3.8 yards per play.
The Bears offense goes as Jordan Howard goes and he ended the game with nine rushing yards. Maybe you don’t believe that Case Keenum can outduel other playoff quarterbacks, but this looks like the team in the NFL with the fewest weaknesses. The offensive line is very much improved and the running back combination of Jerrick McKinnon and Latavius Murray has been a potent one.
The Vikings might have the best pair of wide receivers in the league in Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs, both of whom caught half a dozen passes against Chicago. Keenum did a great job valuing the football and efficiently attacked the middle of the field.
With the Eagles falling apart, it looks like a wise move by the Rams to sit their top guys, which gives them a much better chance of going to Philadelphia rather than Minnesota if they advance to the divisional round. With a first round bye and a dominating defense that has allowed just 17 points over the final three games of the season, the Vikings look like the team to beat in the NFC and very well could be playing at home in the Super Bowl.
Tampa Bay isn’t going to the postseason, but Jameis Winston has played extremely well to finish up the 2017 season. He is making a lot of big time throws while showing excellent presence in the pocket and with out of structure plays. Winston will always be a risk taker and he did turn the ball
over against the Saints. He had some rough patches in that game as well, but Winston has franchise quarterback written all over him.
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The Buccaneers also look to have a real nice find in Chris Godwin, who was exceptional opposite Mike Evans with DeSean Jackson sidelined. OJ Howard has also really flashed Pro Bowl potential late in his rookie season. Winston has weapons. Tampa Bay will have an early draft pick (seventh overall) and a ton of cap space, which they should mostly focus on beefing up their pass rush and secondary. The NFC South is a very difficult division with three teams heading to the postseason, but don’t be surprised if the Bucs are in the thick of things one year from now.