As we sit here on January 10th, 2023, the Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars and Tampa Bay Buccaneers will all be playing postseason football this weekend. This is the first time that all of the Florida teams have clinched playoff berths since 1999. As division champs, the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will have the luxury of a home playoff game despite mediocre regular-season records. The Miami Dolphins made it into the final wildcard spot in the AFC.
Without further ado, let’s dig into the playoff outlook for each Florida team and what needs to occur for each team to pull off a playoff win this weekend.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs Los Angeles Chargers
Outlook:
This game can definitely be seen as a toss-up. Yet, the Jacksonville Jaguars definitely have more momentum going into this game. Given that the Jaguars defeated the Chargers 38-10 in Week 3, they may also have the psychological edge.
It will not be so easy this time. Over the last six games, the Chargers’ defense held opposing quarterbacks to just 155 yards per game since Week 12
Chargers coach Brandon Staley played with fire by playing his starters against the Broncos in Week 18. As a result, the injury-prone Mike Williams and Joey Bosa sustained injuries. However, it appears that both players will be available for this game.
Keys to a Jaguars Victory Over the Chargers:
Given that the Chargers’ run defense is woeful, Travis Etienne has to show up and show out. This will make life easier for Trevor Lawrence. It goes without saying that Trevor Lawrence will have to play much better than he did against the Tennessee Titans.
If Travis Etienne has a big game, the Jaguars will win the time of possession battle. Thus, they will move on to the divisional round.
Miami Dolphins vs Buffalo Bills.
Outlook:
Despite making the playoffs, the outlook for the Miami Dolphins’ potential matchup with the Buffalo Bills is quite bleak. Their QB situation is a mess. One cannot expect Tua to be available. Teddy Bridgewater’s dislocated pinky has made it unlikely that he will be available as well. Thus, it will be up to 3rd string QB Skylar Thompson.
They will be taking on a very motivated Buffalo Bills team. The Bills will be poised and ready for a deep playoff run after dealing with the emotional Damar Hamlin injury.
Keys to a Dolphins Victory Over the Bills:
In order for the Miami Dolphins to upset the Bills, their defense will have to force turnovers. It goes without saying that Josh Allen’s performance in the red zone has been problematic. Additionally, the Buffalo Bills’ secondary is nothing to write home about. Tyriek Hill and Jaylen Waddle will cause issues for the Bills secondary. However, Mike Mcdaniel has to find a way for Skylar Thompson to get the ball in their hands.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Dallas Cowboys:
Outlook:
In spite of their division title, the Buccaneers have been a model of inconsistency. Nevertheless, they have the greatest playoff quarterback of all time in Tom Brady at the helm. Even though the Cowboys are the favorite in this game, they have looked very beatable lately.
Dak Prescott’s performance against the Commanders was pitiful. It was almost as if he was exposed. However, one can expect Dak to pass back due to the fact that the Buccaneers pass rush has almost been nonexistent. They also have a brutal run defense.
Keys to a Buccaneers Victory Over the Cowboys:
For the Buccaneers to win, Tom Brady must be Tom Brady. Their passing game must be efficient against a suspect Dallas secondary. Additionally, the Tampa Bay secondary must force a couple of interceptions out of Dak Prescott.
Additionally, Tampa must somehow limit Tony Pollard and Ezekiel Elliott. They must force Dallas into third and long situations. The more passes thrown by Dak, the better.
THE CONVERSATION.