Diagonal Guru: John Harbaugh, the “big shot” who changed everything

In recent days, it was reported about Green Bay's intention to reach a long-term deal with LaFleur, but nothing is set in stone yet because the Packers don't typically pay head coaches much, and the numbers are now in another stratosphere. At the same time, LaFleur may want to have a team owner and franchise that is a desirable destination for free agents.

And now that Matt Ryan is at the top of the Falcons, Atlanta's vacancy makes sense if the Packers decide to look in another direction; Remember that LaFleur was Matt Ryan's quarterbacks coach during his time with the Falcons.

At the same time, the Dolphins hired Jon-Eric Sullivan as their new general manager, who worked closely with LaFleur in Green Bay.

Here we are simply beginning to connect some dots, but there is an inescapable reality, and that is that the firing of John Harbaugh changed everything, and some teams may take a little more time than they initially thought to make their decision.

Harbaugh has the Giants, Falcons and Tennessee Titans at the top of his list, although I'm told he would accept a meeting with Miami. He will begin face-to-face meetings later this week or early next week.

Meanwhile, the coaching carousel slows down until the essential piece of the domino effect falls.

John Harbaugh is, without a doubt, the most sought-after candidate.

Favorite: Rams for 3 and a half

Slowly Caleb Williams He is earning the nickname “Captain Clutch.” Time and time again it has grown in important moments this year, and that makes us put aside certain inconsistencies that it still shows week after week. As for raw talent, I don't know if there is a quarterback who can make the passes that Williams makes. This week they face a Rams defense that hasn't lived up to its potential in a month, and the secondary looked particularly vulnerable when they attacked it deep.

Matthew Stafford He's also a highlight-reel specialist, leading the Rams to the game-winning touchdown with a gem of a pass. Colby Parkinson. I still think Los Angeles has the most talented offense in the NFL, and the combination of variation and creativity is unmatched. The Bears defense tightened the screws in the second half against the Packers, but the reality is that it is a unit that has left doubts, and the Rams should have a good day at the office. Turnovers will be a crucial aspect, because Chicago's defense has been opportunistic, and if Stafford can take care of the ball, the Rams should be in a good position.

If you want to talk a little morbidly, the way in which Ben Johnson shook hands with Matt LaFleur has gone viral; some will argue that it showed a lack of class, and others that it is good for the rivalry. This week, Johnson will face another LaFleur, since Mike is the offensive coordinator in Los Angeles, and something tells me it will be an even more special game for him. I imagine a game with many points, given that both defenses have suffered recently.

Forecast: Rams 37-28

Favorite: Patriots by 3 and a half

The Patriots just faced the best defense they've seen all season, and their offense struggled mightily in the first half. It must be admitted that they showed a better version in the complement, and that should give them confidence for what is to come. And what's coming will be even more complicated, given that the Texans' defense is, in my opinion, the best in the NFL, and is coming off another dominant performance; It is an aggressive defense that attacks constantly. The left side of New England's offensive line struggled mightily last week, and will now face the best pass-rushing duo in the league. Houston will have to plant a spy on Drake Mayebecause the marshal used his legs very well to thaw some protection deficiencies.

The Patriots defense shows another totally improved side with Milton Williams healthy, and with him on the court, there is no better rushing defense than New England. Now, the Texans' strong offensive is not the running attack, so of course I think it will be difficult for the Texans to attack this way. C.J. Stroud has had some ups and downs this season, and while the offense has improved recently, the lack of explosiveness of this unit has meant that Houston always has to suffer, and rarely wins decisively; They come into this match with 10 consecutive victories. However, the reality is that Stroud just had one of the worst games of his career, and we will have to see how he responds mentally.

Two well-trained teams, and two very good defenses. Which team will take better care of the ball? Rhamondre Stevenson He has become a catalyst for the Patriots' attack, and if the Texans manage to limit New England on the ground, they will have half the battle won, since they would have free rein to relentlessly pressure Maye.

Forecast: Texans 20-13

Favorite: Broncos by 3 and a half

The Bills got the bad side of the coin with the schedule, since after playing on Sunday as visitors, they will have to go to one of the most difficult stadiums, in Denver, this Saturday with little rest. Broncos head coach Sean Payton stated that he is grateful to have one less sword fight, and that fact has never been more important than this week. Especially considering that Josh Allen He ended up badly hit on his arm, his knee, and was even checked for a concussion. I understand that at times Allen seems indestructible, but he will have a brave stop against an elite defense. The only good news for Buffalo is that the best way to attack Denver is with your running backs and tight ends, and the Bills have talent at those positions.

Denver will have enjoyed a bye week, and will have a clear game plan when it comes to facing the Bills. Buffalo is a very vulnerable team when it comes to defending the running attack, which is why RJ Harvey should have extended prominence; The Jaguars paid dearly for not running more, but they averaged more than six yards per carry. It will be the second match of Bo Nix in the playoffs, and although they lost the first, their evolution has been palpable this season. That previous loss was precisely against the Bills, but that game was played in Buffalo, and both teams look very different now. Nix will surely look to use his legs, although he will occasionally have the opportunity to stretch the field, as Buffalo will look to crowd the box.

I have been honest when I say that this version looks more vulnerable than in previous years. I have also repeated ad nauseam that Allen should put on the superhero cape only when necessary, but in this version of the Bills, it is proven that if Allen does not play at his highest level, it will be difficult for Buffalo to prosper. The Bills have the best quarterback among all the teams still alive in the playoffs, but they don't necessarily have the best team.

Forecast: Broncos 20-16

Favorite: Seahawks by 7 and a half

It will be the first time in history that two teams face each other in the first week of the regular season, also in the last day, and then in the playoffs. In those two previous games, the 49ers have averaged 10 points, while Seattle has averaged 13, so all signs point to another low-point game.

We can't talk enough about the job Kyle Shanahan has done, who has never lost in a Divisional Round, and the resilience San Francisco has shown despite injuries. Sadly for them, they now lost George Kittlewho in addition to being vital in the air attack, is a crucial weapon for the ground attack. I consider that to Christian McCaffrey You're going to have a hard time finding spaces this weekend. Brock Purdy He needs to be aggressive, but at the same time take care of the ball, and that will not be easy against the Seattle defense, which is the unit that allowed the fewest points per game this year.

There are questions around Sam Darnoldalthough I think he has shown signs of growth at crucial moments this season, but he will be under the spotlight again against San Francisco. The 49ers defense has several holes, but they are coming off a great game last week against Philadelphia in very windy conditions. The Seahawks' main strategy will be to try to establish the running attack, and Zach Charbonnet has looked really good in recent weeks; Kenneth Walker III It is another explosive weapon that way. San Francisco has some deficiencies in the middle of that defensive line.

In the last duel between the two, Seattle seemed to control the pace of the game, although it was ineffective in the red zone, and could not translate that difference on the scoreboard. Now they will have the advantage of rest and home field on their side, but they better turn good series into points, because if this version of the 49ers has shown anything, it is that they can never be ruled out.

Forecast: Seahawks 23-16

POWER 2

I think it is never good to play all the games, so in the postseason, I let you know my two favorite teams with a betting line.

HOUSTON TEXANS
DENVER BRONCOS

TEASER 3

I am not a fan of teasers, since they come from the word tempt and are called “sucker bets”, but, at the request of several readers, we added this section. Here, as there are three teams, the line is modified by 6 points, but you must get all three correct to collect. Below, I name the three teams with the altered lines in parentheses.