Ahh, the NFL playoffs...for those of us who have teams in the tournament, these are exciting times. Realistic expectations for some, pie-in-the-sky dreams for others. One thing for sure, there’ll be an upset or two along the way.
NFC perspective:
Been a Packer fan for the vast majority of my life and while I would LOVE to see the Lombardi Trophy “come home”, the success of the team has been more than a pleasant surprise. However, it may be a year or two too early for them to be bonafide Super Bowl contenders. While it may be tough to play in Lambeau in January, the unbeatable mystique ended back in 2002. With Rodgers as the starting QB, Green Bay has been 3-2 with him in the playoffs in Lambeau. If the Wildcard weekend plays out as expected by the “experts”, the Pack will be facing the Saints. While Brees’s outdoor record in temps under 40 degrees is 4-7, New Orleans is very talented and could be carrying a chip on their shoulders for being the #3 seed at 13-3. As much as I want the Packers to win, the Saints just seem to be a better team.
As beat up as the Seachickens are, I think they’ll get the road win against the Eagles (...sorry John...) and get their rubber match against the Niners. With the added rest, players coming back and having home field advantage, I can see San Francisco pelting the ‘Chickens. The fact that I can’t stand Pete Carroll has nothing to do with that (...well, okay, maybe just a little...).
NFC Championship game - Saints and Niners but the edge to New Orleans for the big-time game experience with coaches and QB.
AFC perspective:
In the Wildcard round, the Buffalo-Houston game will probably be the most entertaining with the Oilers, err, Texans, nipping the Bills. Hopefully Watson will learn from last years one-and-done post-season. Tennessee’s running attack will definitely give New England a challenge and Tannehill has managed and played well since taking over from Mariota.
Hard to imagine Baltimore not advancing to the Conference championship game, regardless of who they play in the Divisional round. And while the Titans will be a handful and many seem to think the Tom Brady-era is going to end sooner rather than later, can never discount the heart of a champion. I don’t know that Andy Reid can shake off his “Can’t Win the Big One” reputation (...and history...) but with a healthy Mahomes and a defense that seems to be getting better, the Chiefs at home are hard to beat.
AFC Championship game - Chiefs at Ravens will be a close game but Lamar does enough at the end to pull it out.
Edited to expand on the AFC games.
Edited by user
6 years ago |
Reason: Not specified
