Hi everyone, we know how the real standings went but what if we just solely went by my analytical ratings chart (a metric based of point differential, 3rd down conversion rate and 3rd down conversion rate allowed, yards per play and yards per play allowed, field goal/net punting, and turnover differential). I will also for fun predict the playoffs in this metric as teams are slated now (so yes still no Tua or Lamar). Hope you enjoy, please give me feedback and comments (positive or negative, yay supporters and bring it on trolls).
AFC East
Bills 15-2 (1st seed)
Patriots 9-8 (6th seed)
Dolphins 8-9 (7th seed)
Jets 8-9
The Bills cruised to the first seed in the AFC with a big play offense and dominant defense. The Pats were the 6th seed behind a great defense even with the regression of Mac Jones. The Dolphins were able to limp into the 7th seed with a great start but might be at their peak with no Tua. The Jets improved dramatically this year to get to 8 wins but will need to find their QB of the future.
AFC North
Bengals 12-5 (3rd Seed)
Ravens 10-7 (5th Seed)
Browns 8-9
Steelers 8-9
The Bengals proved that last season was no fluke as Joe Burrow has taken a leap into the elite of the game. The Ravens struggled down the stretch but was able to get themselves to a 5 seed thanks to a hot start. The Browns looked good at times but the Quarterback play held back a good roster. The Steelers finished strong and have a bright future but fell short of the postseason.
AFC South
Jaguars 10-7 (4th Seed)
Titans 7-10
Colts 4-13
Texans 3-14
The Jags won the division easily with a strong finish after a slow start as Trevor Lawrence has made the leap. Lack of playmakers and key injuries led to the Titans collapse down the stretch. The Colts were bad with Frank Reich, Jeff Saturday, Matt Ryan, Nick Foles or Sam Ehlinger. The Texans were expected to be bad and were, thanks to a worse opponents winning percentage over Chi, get 1st pick.
AFC West
Chiefs 13-4 (2nd Seed)
Chargers 8-9
Raiders 8-9
Broncos 7-10
Patrick Mahomes is about to win his second MVP as it appears that the loss of Tyreek Hill was not an issue. Justin Herbert is too talented to be leading an offense that averages 5.2 yards per play and was reason why they missed the playoffs. The Raiders were the Raiders and blew too many games and fell apart at the end. Russell Wilson was a bust in year one as the Broncos match last yr wins.
NFC East
Eagles 14-3 (2nd seed)
Cowboys 12-5 (5th seed)
Giants 8-9
Commanders 8-9
The Eagles had a banner year as Jalen Hurts officially took the overall leap. The Cowboys proved that they are still one of the best teams in the NFC with back to back 12 win seasons. The Giants improved dramatically and have a huge decision in the off season on Daniel Jones. The Commanders were frisky all season but still need to address the QB position as that alone held them back overall.
NFC North
Packers 9-8 (3rd seed)
Lions 8-9 (7th seed)
Vikings 8-9
Bears 3-14
The Packers limped into the playoffs but a strong finish helped them defend their now 4 years reign atop the division. The Lions due to beating all of the teams they were tied with made the playoffs after an 1-6 start. The Vikings were the same as they were under Mike Zimmer, wildly talented but inconsistent. The Bears are just a talent deprived roster but with the cap space and high pick can fix this.
NFC South
Saints 8-9 (4th seed)
Bucs 7-10
Falcons 7-10
Panthers 7-10
Kudos to Dennis Allen as the strong finish and excellent defense led the Saints back to the top of the division. Tom Brady not winning this division proves how much of a mess this team is. The Falcons were much better than expected but we aren’t sure if Desmond Ridder is a long term starter. The Panthers have an excellent defense and a solid offensive line but need a QB in the worst way.
NFC West
49ers 15-2 (1st Seed)
Seahawks 9-8 (6th Seed)
Rams 6-11
Cardinals 4-13
The 49ers in 2022 may be the best team we have seen in recent seasons. This team literally does everything excellent and it’s all on Brock Purdy to go all the way. Geno Smith and the Seahawks are a great story and could win a playoff game. The Rams had the year from hell and need a reboot. The Cardinals had a year from the depths of hell and need a reboot and a refresh from top to bottom.
AFC Wildcard Weekend
Chiefs 44 Dolphins 13
Bengals 34 Patriots 31
Jaguars 44 Ravens 3
The AFC Wildcard Weekend went about as expected as the Chiefs routed the Tualess Dolphins with Patrick Mahomes throwing 5 touchdowns. The Bengals and Patriots played the game of the weekend as Mac Jones threw four touchdown but Joe Burrow got the last laugh throwing a 5 yard Touchdown to Tee Higgins with 20 seconds left to win it. The Ravens are going to have to open the bag for Lamar Jackson as the Ravens free fall came to a crashing end with six turnovers and the Jags getting two defensive touchdowns.
NFC Wildcard Weekend
Eagles 27 Lions 24
Seahawks 34 Packers 14
Saints 32 Cowboys 31
An excellent first game of the weekend took place in Philly as the Lions were more than game forcing overtime. But Jared Goff would throw a backbreaking interception to setup a Jake Elliott game winner as the Eagles survive. If Aaron Rodgers career comes to an end what a thud as the Packers would fall down 21-0 in the 1st in a game the Pack were never in. How about this for an end to your season though. On Monday night your up 31-17 to Andy Dalton and the Saints only to give up 15 points in the last two minutes, Kamara gets the td and the two with 12 seconds left to a rocking Mercedes Benz Superdome. Mike McCarthy’s job is safe for now Jerry Jones says
AFC Divisional Round
Bills 26 Jaguars 23
Bengals 26 Chiefs 20
Both AFC Divisional playoff games go to overtime. In Buffalo Doug Pederson goes for the win on 4th and goal at the Bills 3 after the Bills first drive of OT only ends in a field goal. But Trevor Lawrence overthrows Zay Jones and the Bills fans breathe a sigh of relief as the Buffalo helmets survive. In Kansas City in Overtime Trey Hendrickson sacks Patrick Mahomes on 3rd and 6 to give the Bengals the ball. On the very first play of the ensuing drive Joe Burrow finds Ja’Mar Chase for a 64 yard walk off touchdown for the Bengals win.
NFC Divisional Round
49ers 20 Seahawks 17
Saints 24 Eagles 17
The Bengals as a 4 point underdog at K.C was not a huge upset. But the Seahawks as a 12 point underdog in San Francisco would be a huge upset. The game would go to overtime but Nick Bosa would strip sack and recover the fumble from a dejected Geno Smith (who would be seen sobbing on the sidelines after the play) as Robbie Gould would kick a 33 yard field goal to survive a scare. Meanwhile the Eagles would not survive the Saints as Andy Dalton and company would control the game and get the second straight upset of an NFC East heavyweight. The defense would sack Jalen Hurts 5 times and this Saints team is no longer a Cinderella Story I have to say.
AFC Championship
Bills 38 Bengals 21
The Bills have been a team of destiny and this battle of the heavyweights seemed destined to happen from day one. The Bengals would be up 14-7 early but Josh Allen would take over throwing for 442 yards and 4 touchdowns with the Bills fans on a cold January night screaming, “let’s go Buffalo, let’s go Buffalo”!!!! Come on now shout come on now. What a special moment in wings city.
NFC Championship
Saints 31 49ers 14
The 49ers were 10 point favorites in this game and playing an 8-9 team quarterbacked by Andy Dalton. But you saw some red flags in the divisional round that the moment may be too big for Brock Purdy and it came to fruition in one of the most shocking results in NFL playoff history. Purdy would throw 4 interceptions and the Saints would run 35 times for 245 yards with Taysom Hill scoring two TDs. The 2022 New Orleans Saints are unequivocally the most shocking team to ever make a run to the Super Bowl, rejoice Bourbon Street.
Super Bowl 57
Bills 34 Saints 31
The Saints led by Andy Dalton has been one of the most improbable playoff runs in the history of football. However, the only thing that could trump it is a Super Bowl won by the Bills in a city that have had more playoff heartbreak than any team in NFL History. State Farm Stadium has hosted now the three best Super Bowls ever after a Will Lutz 43 yard field goal tied the game with 40 seconds left, but back to back 23 yard Josh Allen completions on to Gabe Davis put the Bills at the Saints 29 yard line to set up a 47 yard Tyler Bass field goal to win it. Bass would doink the kick off the right upright and onto the crossbar before the ball would sail through the uprights. In maybe the most fitting end to one of the best games you’ll ever watch the Bills have won the Super Bowl on a stupidfying play. Josh Allen with his 345 yards and 3 touchdowns would win Super Bowl MVP.
Andy Dalton’s playoff stats, 74 percent completion percentage, 1,342 yards, 12 touchdowns, 1 intercpetion and a 121.2 passer rating. Want to know the one more improbable thing than the Bills winning the Super Bowl? Andy Dalton having a postseason like this. That’s why we watch football. You never know what’s going to happen. My true sleeper in real life this postseason is Daniel Jones and the New York Giants. Could the 9-7 Giants make the Super Bowl? Why the hell not let’s find out!! Hope you enjoyed this fantasy world on Red headed Quarterbacks and double doinked field goals. I enjoyed sharing it with you. Have a great evening everyone!!