AFC Playoff Preview: Round One

By Redlegs manager Lance Zerger

Rivalry Week has come and gone. Hillier cheated the Doughboys out of the playoffs. The Rebel Alliance dominated the Redlegs who also lost their footing in the playoffs. The Brewmasters knocked Steel Reign out of a first round bye.  
The worst thing you can do is give a second chance, and that's exactly what happened here. That second chance's name is Sawtooths, who I believe is the team to beat in the playoffs. I predict them to make it to the 'ship this year. Here are your Rivalry Week results and playoff previews:

First-Round Byes:
#1 Vultures and #2 ​War Pony

The two teams guaranteed to make the semifinals are the Vultures and War Pony. Venable did a great job adjusting his lineups throughout the year, while Brosh used his solid draft to ride out the season. Well done, gentlemen.

#6 Sawtooths vs. #3 Steel Reign

Sawtooths WR Julio Jones (Credit: /u/spuddy0108)

Steel Reign WR Jarvis Landry (Credit: Hunter Quinn)

First Meeting:
​Sawtooths Victory (Week Two)

Vegas has Steel Reign as the favorites this week; they also give them four points in this game. Both QB1s are facing a tough defense this week; however Matthew Stafford has been on fire as of late. And Andy Dalton has been playing great. This game will come down to QB play. Another good matchup is whether the Buffalo defense can stop the Philly offense. Every single point will count this week. I like the Sawtooths in this game. 

#5 Rebel Alliance vs. #4 Brewmasters

First Meeting:
​Brewmasters​ Victory (Week Two)

The Rebel Alliance used 46 points from Blake Bortles last week to weasel his sorry ass into the playoffs (no, I'm not bitter; okay, maybe a little). I believe the Brewmasters find a way to flip the eight-point underdog role and win this game, but it will come down to QB play. Can Bortles post another big week against the Colts defense? Most likely not. But can Osweiler get it going against the Raiders? Probably not. Once again, I believe the QB play will be the most important matchup in this game. If the Rebel Alliance actually reads this (if they know how to read), start Winston against the New Orleans defense, which has been terrible all season. Also, it's time to start Nate Washington and take Adams out against the Dallas defense. The Brewmasters also might want to think about giving Tannehill the start against a bad New York Giant defense. This game will be close but I like the Brewmasters if the lineups stay the same.

What a great season for the rest of us losers that did not make the playoffs. I enjoyed the trash-talking between everyone. As this season comes to a close, remember we still need draft venue ideas for next year. Please take time to answer the poll.