Pick Six: Top QB games in recent playoff history?

Aaron Rodgers is pretty good. Last week, he became the first quarterback in NFL history to have a passer rating in each of his first two playoff starts exceed 120. He did it for a third consecutive time against the Falcons on Saturday night, leading the Packers to a spot in the NFC Championship Game.

But where does his performance stack up in playoff history? Well, let’s narrow that down a bit. How about where does Rodgers’ outing (non-Super Bowl) rank among some of the best quarterback performances in the playoffs since 2000? Is there enough qualifiers there?

Let’s count it down. Surprisingly, former Browns QB Kelly Holcomb (vs. the Steelers in 2002) and ex-Giants QB Kerry Collins were both in consideration, but both fell just short.

Note: The years are done according to NFL season, not calendar year.

6. Chad Pennington vs. Colts, 2002 AFC Wild Card Game: Pennington is one of the most maligned quarterbacks in recent memory. But he will be able to tell his grandchildren that he once out-dueled Peyton Manning, going 19-for-25 with 222 yards and three touchdowns in a 41-0 win over the Colts.

5. Peyton Manning vs. Broncos, 2003 AFC Wild Card Game: Manning finally found his stride, going 22-for-26 for 377 yards and five touchdowns in the Colts’ 41-10 triumph. If you ever need a quarterback to beat an overmatched AFC West team in the playoffs, Manning has proven to be your man. The rest of the time in the playoffs, he’s about as consistent as Collins.

4. Kurt Warner vs. Eagles, 2008 NFC Championship Game: Warner led the Cardinals to their first Super Bowl appearance by completing 21 of 28 passes for 279 yards and four touchdowns. The Cardinals hung on to beat the Eagles, 32-25, on Warner’s 8-yard touchdown pass to RB Tim Hightower. If you ever want to judge Warner’s impact, look at what happened to St. Louis and Arizona after he left.

3. Tom Brady vs. Jaguars, 2007 AFC Divisional Playoff Game: The Patriots were perfect during the regular season, and Brady was nearly perfect in knocking off the Jaguars. He went 26-of-28 for 262 yards and three touchdowns in the Patriots’ 31-20 win.

2. Rodgers vs. Falcons, 2010 NFC Divisional Playoff Game: Rodgers has put the notion to rest that he is merely a fantasy enthusiast’s dream. The Packers have scored 114 points in Rodgers’ three playoff games. On Saturday night, he finished 31-of-36 for 366 yards and three touchdowns. He even ran for a touchdown, too.

1. Warner vs. Packers, 2009 NFC Wild Card Game: If there was ever a game where you thought a team was going to score every time it touched the ball, this was it. Warner competed 29 of 33 passes for 379 yards and five touchdowns. That’s right, more touchdowns than incompletions. And if the Cardinals’ defense had not won the game with a fumble return for a touchdown, Warner likely would have padded his stats. Warner’s 154.1 passer rating was the second-highest in playoff history.

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Saints clinch playoff berth

Published: December 28th, 2010 | Tags: New Orleans Saints,

The defending NFL champions will get a chance to defend their title.

By virtue of their 17-14 win Monday night in Atlanta, the Saints clinched a spot in the NFC playoffs.

The battle for home-field advantage in the NFC playoff picture still remains undecided. The Falcons control their destiny and can clinch a first-round bye and home-field advantage in the NFC with a win Sunday against Carolina (2-13). But the Saints also have an outside shot at the No. 1 seed, needing to beat the Buccaneers (9-6) along with a Falcons loss.

The Eagles and Bears are also still alive to earn the NFC’s No. 1 seed.

As for the rest of the NFC playoff picture, only one wild-card slot remains. The Packers control their playoff destiny and would clinch with a win over the Bears in Week 17. The Packers also could get in with a loss and losses by the Giants and Buccaneers.

The win by the Saints seriously damaged the playoff hopes of the Giants and Buccaneers, who can clinch only with a win and a loss by the other team, as well as the Packers.

Here’s a look at the clinching scenarios for Week 17.

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Week 17 playoff scenarios

Here’s a look at the Week 17 playoff scenarios, even with two games left to be played in Week 16. Note: For a complete look at what the playoff slate would like like if the regular season ended today, check out the playoff picture.

CLINCHED:
Atlanta – playoff spot.
Chicago – NFC North division.
Philadelphia – NFC East division.

ELIMINATED:
Carolina, Detroit, Washington, Dallas, Minnesota, Arizona,San Francisco.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Philadelphia has clinched NFC East division and still has a chance to earn a first-round bye and homefield advantage next week as of Monday.

CHICAGO BEARS
Chicago has clinched NFC North division and still has a chance to earn a first-round bye and homefield advantage next week as of Monday.

ATLANTA FALCONS
Atlanta clinches NFC South and homefield advantage with a win or tie against New Orleans Monday night. If Atlanta loses tonight, it still has a chance to win the NFC South, a first-round bye and homefield advantage next week.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
New Orleans clinches a playoff spot with a win or tie against Atlanta Monday night and still has a chance to win the NFC South, a first-round bye and homefield advantage next week. If New Orleans loses Monday night, it can still clinch a playoff spot next week with:
1) NO win or tie
2) NYG loss or tie + GB loss or tie

GREEN BAY PACKERS
Green Bay clinches a playoff spot:
1) GB win
2) GB tie + NYG loss or tie + TB loss or tie
3) NYG loss + TB loss

NEW YORK GIANTS
NY Giants clinch a playoff spot:
1) NYG win + GB loss or tie
2) NYG win + NO loses twice
3) NYG tie + GB loss + TB loss or tie

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Tampa Bay clinches a playoff spot:
1) TB win + NO loss to ATL + NYG loss or tie
2) TB win + NO loss to ATL + GB loss or tie
3) TB win + NYG loss or tie + GB loss or tie
4) TB tie + NYG loss + GB loss

ST. LOUIS RAMS
St. Louis clinches NFC West division:
1) STL win or tie

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Seattle clinches NFC West division:
1) SEA win

CLINCHED:
New England – AFC East division and homefield advantage.
NY Jets – playoff spot.
Pittsburgh – playoff spot.
Baltimore – playoff spot.
Kansas City – AFC West division.

ELIMINATED:
Buffalo, Cincinnati, Denver, Cleveland, Houston, Miami, San Diego, Oakland, Tennessee.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Pittsburgh clinches AFC North division and a first-round bye:
1) PIT win
2) PIT tie + BAL loss or tie
3) BAL loss

BALTIMORE RAVENS
Baltimore clinches AFC North division and a first-round bye:
1) BAL win + PIT loss or tie
2) BAL tie + PIT loss

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Indianapolis clinches AFC South division:
1) IND win or tie
2) JAC loss or tie

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Jacksonville clinches AFC South division:
1) JAC win + IND loss

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Jets clinch playoff berth with loss by Jaguars

Published: December 26th, 2010 | Tags: New York Jets, 2010 NFL playoff picture, Jacksonville Jaguars, NFL playoffs

The Jets didn’t take care of business in Chicago on Sunday, but still exit Week 16 with a ticket to the playoffs.

Thanks to the Redskins’ overtime win over the Jaguars, the Jets (10-5) secured a playoff berth and a wild-card slot in the AFC playoffs. The Jets entered the weekend needing a win, or a loss by either the Jaguars or Colts.

So the AFC wild-card slots are filled with the Ravens and Jets, who entered the weekend as the No. 6 seed. The Jaguars and Chargers are still in the playoff hunt, however, as neither have been eliminated from winning their respective divisions.

Here’s a look at all of the clinching scenarios in Week 16, and the current playoff picture will be updated here following today’s games.

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Ravens clinch playoff spot

Published: December 26th, 2010 | Tags: Baltimore Ravens, NFL playoffs, 2010 NFL playoff picture

The Ravens are the third team to punch a ticket to the AFC playoffs.

It’s the third-straight playoff appearance for the Ravens, who defeated the Browns 20-10 on Sunday.

The Ravens entered Week 16 as the No. 5 seed in the current playoff picture and will face the Bengals (3-11) in Week 17, while the Steelers (11-4) are on the road against the Browns (5-10).  The Steelers control their playoff destiny, and will win the AFC North if the teams finish tied due to a better division record.

The Ravens do hold the head-to-head tie-breaker with the Jets, who entered the week as the No. 6 seed.

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Complete Week 17 NFL Playoff Scenarios

CLINCHED:
Atlanta – playoff spot.
Chicago – NFC North division.
Philadelphia – NFC East division.

ELIMINATED:
Carolina, Detroit, Washington, Dallas, Minnesota, Arizona,San Francisco.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Philadelphia has clinched NFC East division and still has a chance to earn a first-round bye and homefield advantage next week as of Monday.

CHICAGO BEARS
Chicago has clinched NFC North division and still has a chance to earn a first-round bye and homefield advantage next week as of Monday.

ATLANTA FALCONS
Atlanta clinches NFC South and homefield advantage with a win or tie against New Orleans Monday night. If Atlanta loses tonight, it still has a chance to win the NFC South, a first-round bye and homefield advantage next week.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
New Orleans clinches a playoff spot with a win or tie against Atlanta Monday night and still has a chance to win the NFC South, a first-round bye and homefield advantage next week. If New Orleans loses Monday night, it can still clinch a playoff spot next week with:
1) NO win or tie
2) NYG loss or tie + GB loss or tie

GREEN BAY PACKERS
Green Bay clinches a playoff spot:
1) GB win
2) GB tie + NYG loss or tie + TB loss or tie
3) NYG loss + TB loss

NEW YORK GIANTS
NY Giants clinch a playoff spot:
1) NYG win + GB loss or tie
2) NYG win + NO loses twice
3) NYG tie + GB loss + TB loss or tie

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Tampa Bay clinches a playoff spot:
1) TB win + NO loss to ATL + NYG loss or tie
2) TB win + NO loss to ATL + GB loss or tie
3) TB win + NYG loss or tie + GB loss or tie
4) TB tie + NYG loss + GB loss

ST. LOUIS RAMS
St. Louis clinches NFC West division:
1) STL win or tie

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Seattle clinches NFC West division:
1) SEA win

CLINCHED:
New England – AFC East division and homefield advantage.
NY Jets – playoff spot.
Pittsburgh – playoff spot.
Baltimore – playoff spot.
Kansas City – AFC West division.

ELIMINATED:
Buffalo, Cincinnati, Denver, Cleveland, Houston, Miami, San Diego, Oakland, Tennessee.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Pittsburgh clinches AFC North division and a first-round bye:
1) PIT win
2) PIT tie + BAL loss or tie
3) BAL loss

BALTIMORE RAVENS
Baltimore clinches AFC North division and a first-round bye:
1) BAL win + PIT loss or tie
2) BAL tie + PIT loss

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Indianapolis clinches AFC South division:
1) IND win or tie
2) JAC loss or tie

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Jacksonville clinches AFC South division:
1) JAC win + IND loss

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Forty-Niners Now Need Help From Others to Save Playoff Hopes

Thursday night was not a good night for the Niners, and because of it, the team needs quite a bit of help if they are going to be playing past January 2nd.

If Seattle and St. Louis both win this weekend, the Niners’ slim playoff hopes are officially gone. Because, the Seahawks and Rams face off in the final game of the season in Seattle—which means one of them would wind up with eight victories and the division title in the awful NFC West.

Even if San Francisco (5-9) wins at St. Louis and home against Arizona on Jan. 2, it might not be enough. The 49ers need help.

And, after an embarrassing 34-7 loss at San Diego on Thursday night, coach Mike Singletary is contemplating yet another quarterback switch from Alex Smith back to Troy Smith. Sounds like at this point, even Singletary knows that the season is lost, and is grasping at straws just to try to save the season.

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San Diego Slams San Francisco 34-7 to Stay in the Playoff Hunt

The Chargers played early to start week 15, but made quick work of the San Francisco 49ers Thursday night, taking it to them early and putting them away by half, winning 34-7.

Philip Rivers was perfect, going 19-for-25 for 273 yards with three touchdowns and a QB rating of 150.5. He directed an offense that put up 374 yards and 23 first downs.

Vincent Jackson, a sight for sore eyes for Charger fans, finally had an impact, as he had five grabs for 112 yards and three scores, including one that started the action early for 58 yards. He also had scoring catches of 11 and 21 yards as well.

San Diego’s defense was also dominant, allowing just 192 yards for the 49ers and 10 first downs. They got to 49ers QB Alex Smith for six sacks, and he was just 19-for-29 for 165 yards and a pick.

San Francisco had a shot early to get back in the game trailing 7-0, but after a Smith TD run was over turned, the team was stuffed on fourth down, an never had much on offense after that.

Their only score was a three-yard run for Brian Westbrook that came in garbage time with 4:26 left. The team also had a kick return for Ted Ginn Jr. called back to start the third quarter down 17-0, and they also lost DT Justin Smith when he pushed an official in the second quarter.

The Chargers also did a good job of keeping their foot on the throat of the Niners, keeping the ball for 37:11 to just 22:49. They outran the Niners 108-61.

Now at 8-6, the Chargers keep the heat on the Chiefs in the AFC West, as Kansas City still may be without starting QB Matt Cassel this weekend when they travel to play the Rams.

San Diego next will play at Cincinnati against the Bengals, as team that enters this weekend with just two wins.

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Monday Nightmare: Playoff dreams dashed

Published: December 7th, 2010 | Tags: Monday Nightmare, Benjarvus Green-Ellis, Braylon Edwards, Deion Branch, Monday nightmare, New England Patriots, Rex Ryan, Santonio Holmes, Tom Brady, Wes Welker

Some playoff dreams were dashed on Monday night. And no, not just those of the Jets. (Although in fairness to the Jets, they should make the playoffs. But coach Rex Ryan might have a hard time getting those guys on a plane to New England in January.)

I am talking fantasy playoffs. For many of us, our regular season ended on Monday night. And while every game counts the same, there are those excruciating defeats and exhilarating wins that occurred on a somewhat strange game.

In my main fantasy league, the final playoff spot came down to Patriots WR Deion Branch vs. Jets WR Braylon Edwards to decide a one-point game. My man, Mike C., was on the right side as Branch secured Mike’s sixth consecutive victory and the last spot in the postseason. He is like last year’s Jets, getting hot at the right time.

In a matchup for a first-round bye between a pair of twins, the duo of Jets WR Santonio Holmes and Patriots WR Wes Welker helped one brother squeak by in another nail-biter. But heaven help me if I can tell one brother’s team from the other.

And how about you? Did Patriots QB Tom Brady push you over the top? Did sitting Patriots RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis keep you from the postseason? You have stories and we want to read them.

Consider the comment section your therapy couch. Trust me, you will feel better if you share.

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