Nic Antaya/Getty Images
Detroit Lions: Injuries, particularly on defense
Losing Aidan Hutchinson was one thing. Now throw in Alim McNeill to go with Kyle Peko, Mekhi Wingo, Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, John Cominsky, Alex Anzalone, Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Carlton Davis III, Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Khalil Dorsey and Ifeatu Melifonwu. Oh, and David Montgomery now on offense.
It’s tough to come back from that, especially if you’ve already given up the fourth-most 20-plus-yard plays in the NFL and there’s evidence you peaked midway through the season.
Green Bay Packers: The path is hell
Even with just four losses, the Packers have dug too deep a hole in the wildly strong NFC North.
Considering how little this team has been tested in big spots, it’s hard to imagine it keeping it together to win multiple consecutive road playoff games against teams such as Philadelphia, Detroit or Minnesota.
And because Green Bay is almost certain to finish third in the division, all three wins will be a necessity.
Minnesota Vikings: Offensive mistakes
Sam Darnold has been a revelation, but he’s thrown 11 interceptions and committed a third-to-league-high 19 turnover-worthy plays, according to PFF. Meanwhile, the Vikings’ sack-allowed rate (9.1 percent) is the seventh-worst mark in the league.
Like the path mentioned above for the Packers, that’s likely to become a huge problem in January and/or February.
This content was brought to you by: Bleacher Report – Front Page
