The NFL Playoffs: Predictions

Back in Late September I took a shot on an MLB playoff prediction article and after first round things were going smooth before my picks eventually collapsed. I’m hoping for more success with the NFL predictions, which appear more predictable; so here we go.

Wildcard Weekend:

Bills at Jaguars

While the Bills are lucky to even be in this position after getting some help in week 17, the Jaguars are about as weak of a #3 seed as you will ever see in the NFL playoffs. The Bills looked great in week 17 and they look confident on all sides of the ball at moment. The Jaguars got blown out their last two games of the regular season and don’t even resemble the dominant version of themselves earlier on in the campaign.

Bills 27-19

Titans at Chiefs

This game is really tough to pick, because of the multiple kinds of Chief performances we have seen this season. However, over the last few weeks of the season the Chiefs appeared to return closer to the form they were in when they beat down the Patriots earlier this season. The Titans are solid in every facet of the game, but lack an exceptional phase in which they can dominate. Also, among concerning things is the Titans 1-3 record over their last three games; all three games were decided by less than a touchdown demonstrating an inability to finish games in the 4th quarter. If the game is close the Chiefs will win.

Chiefs 30-16

Falcons at Rams

Hmmmmmmm. The Falcons just aren’t the team we saw last season. Matt Ryan isn’t the same, Julio Jones isn’t the same, the pass rush isn’t the same…on and on and on. Sean McVay has worked absolute wonders with the Rams teams this year, taking them from a porous NFL offense to one clicking on all cylinders week in and week out. Unlike other home teams, the Rams lack the developed committed fan base to provide a noteworthy home field advantage. In the end though, the Rams seem to have too many weapons.

Rams 33-27

Panthers at Saints

Saints have been absolutely rolling this year, finally supporting their prolific offense with a competent defense capable of making big stops. Rookies Marshon Lattimore at corner and probable rookie of the year Alvin Kamara at RB have proven to be exceptional NFL talents already, BUT I think the Panthers best football has still yet to be played. They showed glimpses during the regular season of a team capable of getting to the Super Bowl as well as waves in which they appeared to be a disaster. Yet, Cam Newton has been dying for another shot at the Saints who have crushed them twice already this season. The opportunity for the Panthers to come in as underdogs relieved of any pressure combined with the Saints recent history of early exits is the perfect recipe for an upset.

Panthers 27-26

I’ll be back next week with triumph or regret.

Written by Paul McGovern