2022 3GML Playoff Preview

With the playoffs quickly approaching, we take a look at the wild card round matchups involving 3GML members.  For the second consecutive year, all three teams made the dance.  Which one will be the last team standing?

AFC Wild Card - #7 Denver @ #2 Houston

Defending champion Houston was able to hang on to the two seed despite dropping the last two games of the regular season.  The momentum is heading the wrong directions for the Texans but they have a chance to reset at home against the lowest seeded team in a stacked AFC.  This game will be the second time these teams will meet after Houston won their week two matchup 24-10.

For Denver, their off season trade for Russell Wilson has gotten this franchise back to the playoffs after years of mediocrity.  Their offense will look to push the ball on a Texans secondary that is playing reserves due to injuries at the position.  Look for Jerry Jeudy to get the ball early and often as the Texans front four will make running the ball difficult for the Broncos.

For the Texans, the key to success will be their defense keeping Denver's O off the field.  For most of the season, the Houston defense has been the backbone of the team, keeping the game close and allowing the offense to do just enough to win.  The 2022 version of the Houston Texans feels very 2000 Ravens-esque. If Da'Ron Payne and Grady Jarrett are game wreckers up the middle, expect the Texans to sack an aging and slowing Wilson multiple times.

Offensively for the Texans, it all comes down to the quarterback position.  Both Malik Willis and Gardner Minshew have flashed at times.  However, both have shown they aren't the answer full time.  Willis has been electric with his feet, but has been plagued by turnovers and bad sacks.  Minshew has shown he can throw the ball down the field, but inaccurate passing and poorly timed turnovers have hurt his team.  If the Texans get "B" level play from either or both of these players, the Texans will likely move on to host another game in the Divisional Round.

NFC Wild Card - #5 Washington @ #4 Green Bay

As with the game above, this game will be a second meeting between playoff opponents with the Packers taking the week seven game 34-28 in overtime.  For this one, Green Bay will be looking to avoid their playoff fortune from 2021 where they easily won their division and then were promptly housed by the Seattle Seahawks 52-21.  The big difference this year is they have a more experienced roster with some key players taking huge steps in their growth.

Offensively, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has taken huge steps forward in his 3rd season.  With weapons like Justin Jefferson, Stefon Diggs, and Amon Ra St. Brown, he will have no shortage of options when it comes to passing situations.  The two questions here will be time and health.  Washington boasts a top tier defensive front and Tua will need to get the ball out quick in order to avoid costly sacks.  If he gets hit frequently, it would be concerning for the Packers as the quarterback has been in concussion protocol twice this season.  While backup Sam Howell played well against the Lions last week, Green Bay doesn't want to have to turn there if they can avoid it.

On the defensive side of the ball, having a lock down corner like Patrick Surtain II emerge this season will be key as Green Bay will try to keep Terry McLaurin in check.  Washington has a tendency to dink and dunk their way up and down the field, then mix in a big play or two to keep the time of possession on their side.  The Commanders are going with Carson Went at quarterback, so Surtain II and the secondary will be looking to keep Washington in 3rd and long situations all afternoon.  If they are able to do it, this one should go the way of the Pack.

Temperatures look to be near zero this weekend which favors the Packers, but Washington is a hungry team.  We expect a once score game either way.

NFC Wild Card - #6 Arizona @ #3 San Francisco

Keeping with the theme of rematches, this one is no exception with this being the third time these two will meet this season.  The teams split their first two with the 49ers taking the week 11 game in Mexico City and the Cardinals getting the victory just last week.  Yes, this will be a back to back matchup of NFC West foes.

On the Cardinals side, the team has somehow been able to stay alive after losing quarterback Kyler Murray to an ACL tear.  Backup Case Keenum was electric last week and will look to stay hot in this one.  However, he will be without his favorite target as receiver DeAndre Hopkins has already been ruled out with a knee injury.  This could be just what the San Francisco defense needs as they have battled injuries in the secondary for most of the back-half of the season.  Another piece of news favoring the 49ers is the return of Chauncey Gardner-Johnson.  CGJ has been a very vocal leader for their defense and adding him to the fold will be huge in this one. 

For San Francisco offensively, 3GML MVP Justin Fields will be the answer to whether they move on.  Fields has been electric all year and it's been mainly his legs that have Niner fans hopeful for another Super Bowl run.  The quarterback from Ohio State rushed for 1,532 yards this season in 16 games, which easily shattered the QB rushing record previously held by Lamar Jackson (1,206).  If Fields rushes for over 100 yards in this one, we expect the 49ers to move on.  Standing in the way will be JJ Watt, who is playing in his last playoffs after announcing his retirement at the end of this season.  Watt will likely be pumped up for this one as it is his last shot for a ring. 

2022 3GML Season - Week 18

Detroit Lions @ Green Bay Packers

GREEN BAY - The Green Bay Packers didn't miss a beat without their starting quarterback, as back up rookie Sam Howell lead the team to a dominating 38-6 victory.  The win keeps the Packers (11-5-1) hot as the playoffs approach and the only question now is whether or not Tua Tagovailoa will be back in time for the wild card round next week.

Offensively in this one, James Robinson had his best game of the year, rushing for 130 yards and two touchdowns.

"With Tua out, I knew the game plan would be a little more run heavy.  I was ready."  Robinson said.

Defensively, the Packers held a pitiful Detroit offense to six points and look ready to avoid a repeat of last year where they gave up 52 points to the Seahawks in the first round.

"We'll play anyone," Cornerback Patrick Surtain said.  "We ready."

Green Bay now will host Washington in the wild card round next week.

Arizona Cardinals @ San Francisco 49ers

SANTA CLARA - The San Francisco 49ers lost a tough one at home 27-17 to the Arizona Cardinals.  With the loss, the 49ers (12-5) fall out of the NFC number one seed and now will play as the three seed in the wild card round next week.  It was death by a thousand paper cuts as the Case Keenum-led Cardinal offense ate up the clock and moved the ball in small chunks all afternoon.

"Have to be better," Coach Kyle Shanahan said after the game.  We controlled our own destiny and didn't get it done.  We have to regroup now and be ready to make our run.  We're in the dance and that's all that matters now."

The 49ers will turn around and play Arizona again next week in the wild card round.

Houston Texans @ Indianapolis Colts

INDIANAPOLIS - The Houston Texans (11-6) lost against the Indianapolis Colts 22-17.  In a tight back and forth affair, it was the Colts who came out on top.  Brandin Cooks was once again excellent for the Texans with 139 yards and two touchdowns.

"Wasn't good enough again.  Just like last week where I played well and we still lost,'' Cooks said. "Gotta turn this thing around."

The loss didn't hurt the Texans playoff seeding as they remain number two and will host the seven-seed Denver Broncos next week.

2022 3GML Season - Week 17

San Francisco 49ers @ Las Vegas Raiders

LAS VEGAS - The San Francisco 49ers kept rolling as they took down the Las Vegas Raiders 24-6 Sunday.  With the win, the Niners move to 12-4 and look hot as the playoffs approach.  However, with no clear winner of the NFC's number one seed heading to week 18, look for San Francisco to keep playing for something when they take the field next week.

In this one, the 49ers followed their successful script of solid defense and timely Justin Fields runs. Fields, who is a virtual lock for MVP, ran for 90 more yards and wasn't asked to pass much.

"Feeling good right now," Fields said.  "I know I can help this team with my legs and I understand my role."

San Francisco finishes its regular season next week against the Arizona Cardinals.

Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers

GREEN BAY - The heart attacks continued as the Green Bay Packers (10-5-1) squeaked out another close win, this time 29-28 against the Minnesota Vikings.  Receiver Amon Ra St. Brown was electric out of the slot for the Packers, amassing 123 yards receiving.

"This offense still has more to show people," St. Brown said.  "Just wait."

The win gives Green Bay ten on the year and they'll look to make it eleven next week when they host the Detroit Lions.

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Houston Texans

HOUSTON - The Houston Texans (11-5) lost a heartbreaker 32-31 to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the most heartbreaking way.  Down the one point with less than a minute left, quarterback Gardner Minshew led his team down the field only to run the ball and let time expire rather than throw it away and let his kicker attempt one for the win.

The loss was crippling for Houston as dropping one to a team like Jacksonville in this fashion right before the playoffs is likely to impact player morale.

Houston will try to now finish strong in its regular season finale next week on the road against the Indianapolis Colts.

2022 3GML Season - Week 16

Washington Commanders @ San Francisco 49ers

SANTA CLARA - The San Francisco 49ers cooled off the Washington Commanders Sunday with an exciting 34-20 win.  With the Niners up seven, the Commanders had a chance to tie the game, but safety Marcus Williams had other plans and intercepted Taylor Heinicke to return it for a touchdown sealing the win for San Francisco (11-4).

The Niners now travel to Las Vegas to take on the Raiders.

Green Bay Packers @ Miami Dolphins

MIAMI - Facing their former quarterback, the Green Bay Packers couldn't overcome Aaron Rodgers stellar play and fell 31-23 to the Miami Dolphins.  Rodgers who likely had extra motivation to beat the team was outstanding, throwing zero interceptions and taking zero sacks on the day.  

A silver lining for the Packers (9-5-1) was finally having huge games from both of their all-pro receivers.   Stefon Diggs and Justin Jefferson both had over 90 yards receiving on the afternoon.  Green Bay will need more of this if they are going to make a run in the playoffs.

The loss likely knocks Green Bay out of the hunt for the number one seed in the NFC, but we'll see if they continue to play their starters down the stretch.  They next return home to host the Minnesota Vikings.

Houston Texans @ Tennessee Titans

TENNESSEE - The Houston Texans (11-4) claimed the AFC South Division title for the 2nd consecutive year with their 17-10 win over the Tennessee Titans.  The Titans down a large number of key players including quarterback Ryan Tannehill, couldn't muster much offense against the mighty Texans D.  

Houston will look to keep in the hunt for the AFC's number one seed next week as they host the Jacksonville Jaguars.

2022 3GML Season - Week 15

Los Angeles Rams @ Green Bay Packers

GREEN BAY - The Green Bay Packers won back to back games for the first time since week 4 as they easily handled the banged up Rams.  Their 37-3 win combined with Minnesota's loss clinches the NFC North for the Packers for the 3rd consecutive year.

Green Bay (9-4-1) played an error free game and forced multiple turnovers on the night.  Patrick Surtain II had two interceptions including one for a touchdown, while Haason Reddick had three sacks on the night.

"Man, he's always just there," Surtain said of Reddick.  "Like you look up and he's just there making a play."

Green Bay will look to keep rolling next week as they travel to take on former Packer and two-time 3GML MVP Aaron Rodgers and the Dolphins.

Kansas City Chiefs @ Houston Texans

HOUSTON - Banged up and slow out of the gates, the Houston Texans fell 45-21 to the white-hot Kanas City Chiefs.  The loss will give the Texans some questions as their defense, which has been strong all year, looked flummoxed trying to stop Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.

Houston (10-4) will now turn its attention to the AFC South as their last three games are all against division opponents.  Tennessee and Indianapolis are lurking and the Texans will have work to do if they want to host a playoff game in January.  Up first, the Tennessee Titans.

San Francisco 49ers @ Seattle Seahawks

SEATTLE - The San Francisco 49ers clinched the NFC West title for the 2nd consecutive year after taking down the Seattle Seahawks 30-20 Thursday night.  With the win, the Niners will host a home playoff game as they begin their quest of getting back to the Super Bowl.

As for the game itself, the San Francisco run game combined with a great defensive effort was more than enough to keep the Seahawks at bay.  It was an omen of what was to come, Seattle fumbled the opening kickoff, giving the 49ers great field position.  Even though it resulted in a field goal, it set the tone and San Francisco never looked back.  

Alvin Kamara had a pair of touchdowns offensively and was happy to be back in the playoffs.

"Great game.  We need to celebrate this one," Kamara said. "Thinking of hitting the strip in Vegas."

San Francisco now turns it attention to playoff seeding as it hosts the NFC leading Washington Commanders.

2022 3GML Season - Week 14

 Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ San Francisco 49ers

SANTA CLARA - Tampa Bay's defense proved too much an obstacle for the San Francisco 49ers Sunday as the Buccaneers ground their way to a 23-13 victory.  That, combined with a 49ers (9-4) defense which was running on reserves and couldn't get the stops they needed, led to a long afternoon.

Vita Vea was a game wrecker for Tampa and the normal rush attach from Justin Fields and company was neutralized as a result.  The loss was a tough one for the Niners as the playoff picture starts to become clearer.  San Francisco was in the hunt for the one seed, but will need a little more help down the stretch now.  On the bright side, the division feels like it's all but wrapped up with both Los Angeles and Arizona losing their quarterbacks for the season.

The quest to get back on track begins next week as the 49ers travel to take on division rival Seattle.

Houston Texans @ Dallas Cowboys

DALLAS - In a stunner, the Houston Texans walloped the Dallas Cowboys 35-23.  In what was billed as a marquee matchup, the Texans left little doubt who was the better team.  While the score was close in the end, the game was not, as the Cowboys scored a couple late garbage-time touchdowns to make it respectable.  With the win, Houston moves to 10-3 and stays in contention for number seed in the AFC.

In the game, Jerome Baker scored two defensive touchdowns on scoop and scores.

"Right place, right time man," Baker said.  "Love helping my team win."

Houston will try to keep rolling next week against the Kansas City Chiefs.

2022 3GML Season - Week 13

Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears

CHICAGO - The Green Bay Packers used defense and special teams to beat their rival Chicago 36-6 Sunday at Soldier Field.  The Bears, who are in full rebuild mode and starting a backup quarterback didn't present much of a challenge to the NFC North leading Packers (8-4-1).

The Bears (2-11) stating PJ Walker struggled to move the ball all day.  This allowed Green Bay to have excellent field position and use a balanced run and pass game to put things away early.  Even though they probably didn't need the extra points, the defense gave them some with Patrick Surtain collecting his league leading 8th interception and taking it back for a touchdown.

Green Bay maintains a comfortable division lead and will look to rest up before the final stretch next week on their bye.

Cleveland Browns @ Houston Texans

HOUSTON - The Houston Texans spoiled quarterback Deshaun Watson's return to the Browns from suspension with a 26-23 win.  Houston (9-3), the current AFC one seed, looked awful offensively all game. As usual though, the defense was superb and kept the Texans in the game early.  

With not much going well for Houston and the Browns (7-5) up 16-12 in the 4th quarter, things changed quickly with the Texans defense taking matters in to their own hands.  Cornerback Mike Hilton intercepted Watson and took it back for a touchdown giving Houston the lead.  On the very next possession, Watson was sacked by Azeez Ojulari causing a fumble.  The ball was scooped up and ran back by Melvin Ingram for another Texan TD, putting the game out of reach.

"Some times your offense wins game, sometimes it's the defense," Hilton said.  "It's a team effort here."

Houston will look to get their offense clicking again next week as they take on the other team from Texas, the Cowboys.

Miami Dolphins @ San Francisco 49ers

SANTA CLARA - Down multiple starters and battling torrential rain, the San Francisco 49ers found a way to get the 24-17 win over the visiting Miami Dolphins (6-6).  Justin Fields once again ran the Niners (9-3) to victory with 139 yards on the ground. It was Fields’ 8th 100 yard rushing game this season, bringing his season total to 1193 yards.

San Francisco has a comfortable three game lead in their division, but is fighting the injury bug in their locker room.  The cushion may be needed as they limp across the finish line.  Their goal now is to win the division and get healthy in time for a home playoff game.

All their injuries to the defense will be tested next week at they host Tom Brady and that Tampa Bay Buccaneers.