The NFL Roundup 2018: Divisional Round - Day Two

Written by John Edward Betancourt

After months upon months of surprise after surprise in the NFL, it would seem that some balance was restored during the first day of the Divisional Round. Because often times in the playoffs, the home team truly has an advantage, and both of them definitely enjoyed that to the fullest yesterday. But, Saturday still had its share of surprises, since another underdog enjoyed the wonder of victory and as Day Two prepares to get underway, I think we’re all curious as to what treats today will have in store for us, and with that in mind, let’s take a moment and preview what to expect from Day Two of the Divisional Round. 

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AFC DIVISIONAL MATCHUP
Jacksonville Jaguars at Pittsburgh Steelers
Heinz Field – Pittsburgh, PA
1:05 p.m. EST – CBS

HOW THESE TEAMS REACHED THE DIVISIONAL ROUND
Jacksonville endured quite the up and down season in 2017, sending their fan base into fits of hope and despair with their wild 4-3 start to the season before their bye week. But once that was over, something magical happened and the team went 6-3, locked up the AFC South and inspired their fans everywhere with the notion that maybe, just maybe, they could do something special in the playoffs and well, once they got their nerves out of the way in the Wild Card Round, they did just that and secured an incredibly important playoff win. As for the Pittsburgh Steelers, well their story isn’t quite as dramatic, since they are a team that flat out dominated during the regular season with a dynamic offense and stout defense that netted them a 13-3 record, the AFC North and a wonderful first round bye, meaning this team is rested and ready to continue their hunt for a seventh Lombardi Trophy.
 
KEYS TO THE GAME
If the Jacksonville Jaguars take the field with a touch of swagger today, well, they’ve earned it. They’re a Cinderella story in many ways with their turnaround this season and they’re one of the three teams that beat Pittsburgh in the regular season. But once game time comes around, the past won’t be a factor in this game. Because the Steelers don’t partake in such matters, they’re focused on today, and a win and really, this is Pittsburgh’s game to lose. They know how to win in the playoffs, and they’re an incredibly talented team. Which means if Jacksonville wants a shot at the AFC Championship, their offense needs to step up its game. Ten points simply won’t cut it against the Steelers, so if Blake Bortles can settle down and play his game, there’s a chance they can pull off the upset. But if the Pittsburgh D gets in his head and Big Ben gets a hot hand going, the Steelers will lock this game up, no problem.

NFC DIVISIONAL MATCHUP
New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings
U.S. Bank Stadium – Minneapolis, MN
4:40 p.m. EST – FOX

​HOW THESE TEAMS REACHED THE DIVISIONAL ROUND
It’s always an enjoyable time when you see a team take the field with a chip on their shoulders and the two teams featured in this matchup, spent the entire season playing with an ‘us against the league’ mentality. It paid off in spades for both of them, but if anything, the Vikings did a far better job of translating that attitude to the field. After all, their defense was the stuff of legend this season, as they stifled their opponents all season long before letting Case Keenum unleash his fury on offense and for their efforts they boasted a 13-3 regular season record that helped net them a first round bye, and today they host the New Orleans Saints, the other scrappy team in 2017 who are a formidable force when they put it all together. But a few lapses in their defense and a few mediocre offensive showings led them to an 11-5 record. But, they were able to leave all of that behind and play big when it counts since they handled the Carolina Panthers in the Wild Card round with ease to earn a spot in the Divisional Round.
 
KEYS TO THE GAME
What’s truly fascinating about this game, is that it is either going to become a shootout for the ages, or a defensive struggle that will frustrate football fans everywhere and really, this one is, in my mind, is completely up for grabs. Because on one hand, the Vikings have indeed established themselves as a powerhouse team through and through and if they go out there and execute in calm and cool fashion, then they’re headed to the NFC Championship game. However, New Orleans is no slouch, and their QB has plenty of playoff experience, and if Drew Brees can get going, that may spell bad news for the Vikings D. Not to mention, if the Saints defense can confuse and frustrate an inexperienced Case Keenum into making some mistakes, that could also turn the tide their way. Either way, I fully expect this game to be the finest of the Divisional Round and whomever walks away the winner, will have earned their victory in epic fashion.