Another day of NFL playoffs, and another day of exciting football games. The Buffalo Bills suffered another heartbreaking postseason loss in overtime to the Denver Broncos in a controversial finish that will likely lead to days of debating about officiating. I almost made this Question of the Day about the enforcement of pass interference, but I think I’ve stated my case about making it a 15-yard penalty max enough times. We don’t even need to talk about the 49ers vs. Seahawks slaughtering.
So, instead, let’s turn to Sunday’s slate of games, where we could be in for another couple thrillers. Early on, the Houston Texans head to Foxborough to take on the New England Patriots, and to close out the Divisional Round, the Chicago Bears host the Los Angeles Rams.
Just like on Saturday, I’m going to provide my own rooting guide based on my own preferences. Feel free to tag along or root for whoever you please.
Today’s Question of the Day is:
Who should Lions fans be rooting for in Sunday’s Divisional Round playoff games?
My answer:
Texans vs. Patriots
For me, this is all about historical success. While this version of the Patriots is far less obnoxious than the Tom Brady/Bill Belichick one, it’s still the same organization and fans. The Boston area simply does not need any more sports success than they’ve already had. Spread the love a little bit.
Meanwhile, the Texans are fun and exciting, and they’re certainly a model of how a team with a dominant defensive front can still win in this league. They have never made a Conference Championship game since their creation in 2002, and while it would be mildly embarrassing if a franchise so new were to get to the Super Bowl before the Lions, I still root for underdogs like them.
Rams vs. Bears
This should be a relative no-brainer for Lions fans, but I just cannot root for a division rival in the playoffs. Not to mention the viewing frustration of a team that regularly plays terrible football for three quarters and somehow pulls themselves out of it every time. They just can’t keep getting away with it.
But here’s the part where I know I’ll lose some Lions fans: I want Matthew Stafford to win another Super Bowl, and I want him to make the Hall of Fame. While I’m always a fan of the Lions above everything else in the NFL, I’m also a fan of individual players in this league. I have long admired Stafford for his toughness, his physical gifts, and extremely competitive spirit. He’s funny (when he wants to be), he cunning, and during his 12 years in Detroit, he never whined, complained, or did anything even close to stir up controversy. In short, I respect the hell out of him, and I like to see good people and great players rewarded.
Will it sting a bit to see him inducted into the Hall of Fame with most of his success being in Los Angeles? Yeah, sure. But that moment isn’t about me. It’s about a damn good player who was—and still is—extremely fun to watch.
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