Carolina @ Minnesota (Divisional Round or NFC Championship Game)
The Vikings week 14 loss to the Panthers felt like Minnesota was asleep at the wheel. The offense could not get a rhythm until late, Case Keenum threw two uncharacteristic interceptions, and the defense was missing tackles and giving up big plays. Every team has a bad week or two and this was one of them. But they could have the chance to redeem themselves. These teams will play in the divisional round if the Panthers and the Falcons win but could face each other in the NFC Championship Game if the Panthers and Rams win.
Offensive Key: Pass, Pass, Pass
The Panthers defense ranks seventh in overall yards allowed per game due to their ability to stop the run. Against the pass, they are a completely different team, ranking 18th. They on average allow 229.1 yards per game and an average rating of 92.9. Add the fact that the best quarterback they stopped this season was Jameis Winston, as well as giving up multiple touchdowns to Josh McCown and Jay Cutler, and this spells out a great opportunity for Keenum.
Defensive Key: Stop Cam
Whether Carolina wins or loses relies on one man, Cam Newton. If you are curious to see how relying on one sole guy works in the NFL, take a look at the Packers when Aaron Rodgers went down this year. Bottom line for the defense, stop Cam.
Newton is a special type of quarterback. He can beat you with his arm and he can beat you with his legs. Minnesota learned that earlier this year when he sealed the game with a 60-yard run. To avoid a similar result, the Vikings should implement a quarterback spy into their game plan. That is, let a linebacker sit back and watch Cam in the pocket. That way if he decides to take off, Minnesota will be ready.
As far as passing goes, the Vikings’ defense handled that very well. Cam was held to just 137 yards, one touchdown and a pick in Charlotte. A solid pass rush, with Everson Griffen and Linval Joseph each getting a sack, as well as good secondary play helped hinder the Panthers passing game. Also, stats aside, with Devin Funchess hurt right now, Carolina’s top two receivers are Brenton Bersin and Mose Frazier.
Overall, with more of the same in the passing game, the implementation of a spy and the Vikings defense avoiding pitfalls, the advantage should go to Minnesota.
Atlanta @ Minnesota (NFC Championship Game)
Atlanta went from winning big in the Super Bowl last year to losing it, having a disappointing season, to narrowly making the playoffs in the span of 11 months. They enter as the sixth seed in the NFC at 10-6, but needed a week 17 victory to get there. Nevertheless, here they are. And although they look like an easy out, they have a roster that is potentially as scary as last year.
Offensive Key: Stay Balanced
Something Minnesota did very well against the Falcons in week 13 was keeping their offense balanced. Keenum was 25 of 30 for 227 yards and two touchdowns. On the ground, the Vikings ran 31 times for 105 yard. There was nothing overly flashy from either point of the attack, but Minnesota was efficient and kept possession of the football for eight minutes longer than the Falcons. The best way to stop the Atlanta offense is to limit the time they have on the field. Staying balanced and keeping the Falcons guessing will allso be key.
Defensive Key: 2017 Matt Ryan
The main reason that the Falcons are such a disappointment this season is because of the death of 2016 Matt Ryan. In his place is 2017 Matt Ryan. Let’s see how these two matchup with each other:
2016 Matt Ryan
- 69.9% comp., 4944 yards, 38 TDs, 7 INTs, 309.0 yds/gm, 117.1 rating, Pro Bowler, MVP
2017 Matt Ryan
- 64.7% comp., 4095 yards, 20 TDs, 12 INTs, 255.9 yds/gm, 91.4 rating
Yikes. It is hard to believe this is the same guy. However, despite the struggles, the Falcons are still scary. Julio Jones, Mohamed Sanu, and Devonta Freeman make up for everything Ryan has not been this year and then some. But with one of the best run defenses in the NFL and lockdown corners, the Falcons will need more from Matt Ryan. The Falcons offense is scary, but the Vikings defense is, too. Not to mention this game will be held in Minnesota and will be the only thing standing in the way of a Vikings home game in the Super Bowl.
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