NFL Divisional Round Predictions + Huge Coaching Changes

I will cover the termination and retirement of some of the sports best coaches, where the musical chairs may end, discuss the NFL playoff…

NFL Divisional Round Predictions + Huge Coaching Changes

NFL Divisional Round Predictions & Coaching Legends Move On
_Episode 63 of the Fantasy Sports Collective Podcast covers NFL divisional round predictions, and covers the huge…_share.transistor.fm

I will cover the termination and retirement of some of the sports best coaches, where the musical chairs may end, discuss the NFL playoff results and provide a take on the divisional round matchups.

Coaching Changes

This time of year always results in terminations for teams looking for hope. However this year was unique in that a span of 3 days we saw the loss of arguably the best professional and college coaches, and another likely hall of fame coach. Bill Belichick’s departure was well documented and expected, but it still was surprising. Pete Carroll though was a shock, the Seahawks dealt their franchise quarterback last year and appeared to be rebuilding, but Carroll led Seattle to consecutive winning seasons and the playoffs last year, and in his own words he “fought to keep the job”. In between those announcements, you had the bombshell that Nick Saban, the top of the CFB heap, called it a career, surprising the college football world.

Nick Saban led 7 teams to national championships, 1 at LSU and 6 at Alabama over the past 14 seasons, including 9 SEC titles during that period. He’s a college football hall of famer, first ballot, no doubt type of legacy.

Alabama quickly turned the program to the University of Washington HC Kalen Dobeur, to take on their job. It’s a bold move given his lack of SEC experience and the quick departure of many recruits and existing talent into the portal.

Bill Belichick has a similar resume on the professional side as Nick Saban. Saban was on his staff in Cleveland, and the two remain friends, so it’s a bit poetic that their changes happened the same week. Belichick is a monster with 8 Super Bowl rings, 6 as HC, and 12 overall appearances (all NFL records). Ultimately his demise though may have been a stubbornness to listen to the ownership group regarding keeping Tom Brady, and his poor personnel record the past decade at the helm of the Patriots. Like Saban though, he’s a 1st ballot hall of famer, and will remain at the top of the list of best NFL head coaches. Unlike Saban, he reportedly still wants to coach. Rumor is he will take the Atlanta Falcons job, but with Dallas looking to get over the hump, that maybe more likely.

New England has already filled the Belichick opening with in-house defensive coordinator, and former Patriots great, Jerod Mayo taking the reign.

There have been 8 coach firings in the NFL this year, and by the time you read this, I’d predict Dallas’s job will be open as well, making it 9.

What are the best openings?

Dallas Cowboys — Aside from having to listen to and work for Jerry Jones, the Cowboys have the talent to win immediately. Dominant playmakers on both sides of the ball, a top 10 starting quarterback, and a team in the 11+ win range for several years. If you’re Mike Vrabel or Bill Belichick, there is no better place to win now.

Seattle Seahawks — Ownership is unorthodox but stable, the roster has a ton of talent but there are concerns about the quarterback, and you’re in a tough division.

Los Angeles Chargers — Rumor is this is Jim Harbaugh’s job. He’s a former Charger, his wife is a former Charger cheerleader. The chargers ownership isn’t ideal but their talent base, and in particular a legitimate franchise quarterback, Justin Herbert, make this an attractive job.

Atlanta Falcons — This is a sound ownership group and a roster full of high end talent BUT they lack a quarterback, so this role is fraught with some legitimate concerns.

Tennessee Titans — Possibly some ownership concerns but they have talent, recent culture of success, and some potential to be in the mix immediately.

NFL Playoff Predictions.

Divisional Round

AFC Games

Houston Texans @ Baltimore Ravens (Saturday); Odds: Baltimore -9.5
KC @ Buffalo (Sunday); Odds: Buffalo -2.5

NFC Games

Green Bay @ San Francisco (Saturday) Odds: 49’ers -10
Tampa Bay @ Detroit (Sunday) Odds: Detroit -6.5