Believe in Darnold, Burrow’s Playoff Shadow, Week 18 Madness and Guess the Lines With Cousin Sal
The Bill Simmons Podcast
Deep Dive
Why did Atlanta's loss to Washington in Week 17 put them in a difficult playoff position?
Atlanta's loss to Washington in Week 17, particularly due to poor timeout management by Raheem Morris, left them in a precarious playoff position. Washington secured a playoff spot, while Atlanta now needs specific outcomes in Week 18 to stay alive in the playoff race.
What is the significance of the Bengals' playoff scenario in Week 18?
The Bengals must win against Pittsburgh, and both Denver and Miami must lose in Week 18 for Cincinnati to make the playoffs. This scenario is crucial for Joe Burrow and the Bengals to keep their postseason hopes alive.
Why is the MVP race between Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson so close?
The MVP race between Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson is tight because both quarterbacks have had exceptional seasons. Allen has broken records, including Thurman Thomas' touchdown rushes for the Bills, while Jackson has led the Ravens with impressive stats. The decision may come down to team records and head-to-head matchups.
What impact did the Giants' win over the Colts have on their draft position?
The Giants' win over the Colts significantly altered their projected draft pick, moving them out of the top two quarterback slots. This could force them to trade up if they want to secure a top quarterback in the draft.
Why is the NFC South race between Tampa Bay and Atlanta so critical in Week 18?
The NFC South race between Tampa Bay and Atlanta is critical because Tampa Bay can secure the fourth seed with a win, while Atlanta needs a win and a Tampa Bay loss to claim the spot. This makes their Week 18 games pivotal for playoff positioning.
What is the significance of the Lions-Vikings game in Week 18 for the NFC playoff picture?
The Lions-Vikings game in Week 18 is crucial for the NFC playoff picture as it determines the one seed. The Lions are favored by one and a half points, but the game is considered a toss-up, with significant implications for both teams' playoff paths.
- Commanders win in overtime against Falcons.
- Falcons coach makes questionable timeout decisions.
- Discussion of Atlanta's quarterback situation and the impact of drafting Desmond Ridder.
- Analysis of the Commanders' playoff implications.
Shownotes Transcript