2016 NFL Playoffs Divisional Round Preview
Last weekend, I correctly picked all the road teams to win. It wasn't surprising, but 2 of games were nail-biters. From Cincinnati self-imploding to Minnesota's kicker Blair Walsh missing a 27-yard game-winning field goal, it was a good start to the NFL Playoffs. Although I predicted the first round right, I am going to make some changes from my original playoff predictions, starting with the Steelers vs Broncos game.
AFC Playoffs
Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos
In my original prediction I had the Steelers beating the Broncos because the Steelers were coming in hot to the playoffs, while the Broncos were not. The Steelers had also beaten the Broncos just about a month ago, but that game was at Pittsburgh. A few things have changed since then and that is why I am changing my original prediction of Pittsburgh winning. My biggest reason why I am changing my prediction is because of the health of the Steelers two best players: Antonio Brown and Ben Roethlisberger. Brown suffered a concussion and has been ruled out for the game and Roethlisberger has an AC sprain, which will definitely limit his throwing ability. If both were healthy and DeAngelo Williams was healthy, I think I would have stayed with the Steelers, but when your best offensive players are injured, the Steelers stand almost no chance against one, if not the best defense in the NFL. Aside from that, the Broncos will be fired up due to the return of Manning and this possibly being his last ride in the playoffs. Denver wins by 10, 27-17.
Kansas City Chiefs at New England Patriots
This will be the first game to be played in this weekend's line up of games and could turn out to be a great game. The Chiefs are coming in as the hottest team in the NFL, winning 11 straight now after their demolishing of Houston. Like the Steelers, the Chiefs have some serious injuries to important players. Their best pass rusher Justin Houston was injured in the Houston game, which will certainly limit his production even against a beat up New England offensive line. On offense, star WR Jeremy Maclin has a high ankle sprain and will be a game time decision. Ankle sprains, cutting, and running don't go together well, so Maclin will be limited. Tamba Hali is also dealing with a thumb injury. With all the injuries KC will be dealing with I don't think they will be able to beat the Patriots even though Patriots have some stars coming off injuries as well and Tom Brady taking some pretty big hits in their season finale against Miami. Regardless of the Gronk weird injury and practice statuses, I think the Patriots are kind of trolling the Chiefs as they are known to do and won't have a problem beating them. I'm taking the Patriots by 11, 27-16.
NFC Playoffs
Green Bay Packers at Arizona Cardinals
The way the Packers played last week and how Arizona got killed by Seattle, I think there is a very good chance of an upset. I think people are over-looking the Packers and think Arizona is way better. I don't see it that way. I see a team (AZ), which just got their butts whooped at home by a team in their own division. Some people may say that AZ had nothing to play for and played the game safe. I would disagree. How many people do you know that go easy on their arch rival and biggest threat? NOBODY. Seattle wanted revenge for Arizona beating them in their house earlier in the season. Back to the Green Bay match up... if the Packers can play like they played against Washington, Green Bay will be in this until the end of the game. My gut is telling me to take the upset, but I think Arizona will put together a nice defensive plan to get after Aaron Rodgers like they did last time he was there. Arizona wins by a FG. 27-24. The only reason I want Green Bay to win is so I can possibly get my pre-season prediction right that they would win the Super Bowl this year.
Seattle Seahawks at Carolina Panthers
At the beginning of the season did anybody think Carolina would be in this position and have this good of a season? NO. 15-1 is very impressive. Like any great team, they found a way to win in almost every game. Some wins, might not have been pretty, but it's winning that matters at the end of the day. This is the game everyone will be watching. In my mind, it's easily the best game of the weekend. Will the defending NFC champs finally get knocked down and a new team be crowned or will Seattle show their playoff magic and knock down the 15-1 #1 seed Panthers. The Seahawks are being pushed to their absolute limits. From being a FG away from their season being over to now having to travel across the country to play the best team in the NFL. Besides Atlanta, Seattle was the last team to beat Carolina, ending Carolina's playoff run last year. Carolina got their revenge when they beat them in Seattle this season. I am going to go against my original prediction and say the Seahawks pull off the upset. With Marshawn Lynch back, they gain an extra spark of energy. They might even go back to the Super Bowl and have a rematch with Patriots or Broncos. I think they are that good and their defense is unbelievable. Yes, Carolina went 15-1, but I really can't see them winning on Sunday against the defending NFC champs. I think Seattle will psyche out the Panthers and beat them, Seattle by 4, and the game probably ending in a spectacular defensive play by Seattle's defense. Cam will still get the MVP award, but i think his run is over for this season. Seattle wins 27-23. I could be completely wrong about Carolina, but I think the experience of Seattle is so valuable that they will know how to win this game.
With my above predictions my new playoff bracket would like this:
New England Patriots at Denver Broncos
NFC Championship
Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals
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