INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — We’re heading down the road to Atlanta and one week closer to The Big Game.
Anthony “AC” Calhoun is talking all the major headlines around the NFL leading up to Super Bowl LIII.
This week, NBC Sports’ Mike Tirico joins AC to discuss the playoff picture and MVP candidates.
Who will play in the Super Bowl?
Tirico said, “I think we’ve got a variety of teams that have shown they can put it together, but can they put it together for these … two games that lead to the Super Bowl?”
He thinks there’s no velvet rope of VIPs set up to go into the playoff run.
MVPs
Discussed on the show: Patrick Mahomes, Drew Brees and Philip Rivers.
With Brees and Rivers, there is some history of accomplishment, Tirico said. If the Chiefs get the No. 1 seed, Mahomes is going to have a good chance.
Concerned fans
How concerned should Patriots’ fans be? Significantly, Tirico said. But, he said he would not bet against them, despite the team’s loss to the Steelers Dec. 16.
How concerned should the Cowboys’ fans be? “I wouldn’t be panicked if I were Dallas,” Tirico said. Dallas is getting first downs, but closer to the endzone, the team isn’t doing well enough to win games.
AFC
Tirico says he would have the most confidence in the Chargers to make it to the Super Bowl, but he does not see one team being a certainty to make it to the Big Game.
NFC
Tirico says New Orleans Saints can possibly make it to Atlanta for the Super Bowl.
Key weekend matchups
Some key games to watch this weekend:
- Dec. 22 – Baltimore at LA Chargers
- Dec. 23 – Pittsburg at New Orleans
- Dec. 23 – Kansas City at Seattle
Tirico’s life
Tirico talks with AC about how he prepares for the week before giving football commentary.