The Eras Meet NFL Playoffs
The NFL playoffs are here and that means action-packed games leading up to a Kendrick Lamar concert where football will be played too. With only 13 total games left of the NFL season, it is the perfect time to pick a team to root for, snuggle up on the couch, and watch the games Sportsish style. Here is our breakdown of the Wild Card games this weekend, as told by the Taylor Swift eras, which fit the teams the best.
Chargers vs. Texans - 1989
As new romantics for the NFL playoffs, this game won’t leave us asking, “Is it over now?” These teams are showing up with nothing to lose. It would take the wildest dreams coming true for one of these teams to make the Super Bowl. Justin Herbert quarterback for the Chargers, is looking to win his first postseason game and show his style. With a rough regular season behind him, C.J. Stroud is looking to shake it off and fill a blank space in the Divisional Round with the Texans name. Both these teams will ask, "Are we out of the woods?" on Saturday.
Steeler vs. Ravens - Reputation
Call it what you want, but there are some big reputations at stake during this match-up/division rivalry. The Ravens squad tend to say don’t blame me because their playoff reputation is not great–they are 2-6 with Lamar Jackson leading them. He is still the king of (our) hearts and has the chance to win his 3rd MVP award this season. Then Steelers are wishing the Super Bowl to be their end game this season. Their defensive powerhouse TJ Watt has been showing he is anything but delicate. It will be a great game to see which team gets the getaway car. Are we ready for it?
Broncos vs. Bills - Midnights
Question…? Do we root for the rookie QB or the QB mastermind Josh Allen? College football said, “You’re on your own, kid,” to Bo Nix when he was drafted to the Denver Broncos who were coming off a losing 2023 record. This bejeweled the team as they are now 10-7. Meanwhile, the Bills have dreams bigger than the whole sky as they’re chasing their first-ever Super Bowl win. Not to mention Josh Allen just hits different and has only thrown one interception since announcing his engagement to Hailee Steinfeld. Tune in Sunday to see if the Broncos can leave the Bills saying, “Would’ve, could’ve, should’ve.”
Packers vs. Eagles - Speak Now
Both these teams’ QBs are proving they are practically Superman. We see sparks fly when we see Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles. And Packers fans everywhere are enchanted by Jordan Love's skill. Both teams have excellent support from their running backs, and fans are hoping they never grow up as both Josh Jacobs (Packers) and Saquon Barkley (Eagles) are having one of their best seasons yet. A trip to the Super Bowl would be better than revenge for the Eagles after missing out last year. Whichever team moves on to the next round will need the electric touch to get to the Super Bowl.
Commanders vs. Buccaneers - The Tortured Poets Department
A fortnight ago, both of these teams were unsure what the postseason held for them, and now they are playing in Florida!!! in the playoffs. The Commanders are proving they can do it with a broken heart by repping a 12-5 record this year–they were 4-13 in the 2023 season. Meanwhile, Mike Evans of the Buccaneers is asking, “Who’s afraid of little old me?” as he has 1000 receiving yards for the 11th time in his 11-year career. QB for the Bucs Baker Mayfield, might have found the alchemy for his team that could lead them to the 2nd round. All’s fair in love and poetry (and football), and we can’t wait to see which team advances.
Vikings vs. Rams - Fearless
It is safe to say that the Vikings and Rams are both heading into this game fearless. Sam Darnold and the Vikings are feeling untouchable with 14 wins this season after a 7-10 record last year. Tell me why they are the 5th seed in the NFC with a record like that. Maybe they will get win fifteen during MNF. The Rams are headed by superstar QB Matthew Stafford who led his team to a Super Bowl win in 2022, and they are ready to jump then fall to get another one. It is safe to say whoever wins this game will say, “Today was a fairytale.”
