Onward to round 2 of the NFL playoffs! Here’s some more predictions…. well, guesses is a likely a better choice of words!
But first, a quick recap…
I went 2-2 on the opening weekend for the NFL playoffs this year. Houston looked good (maybe even great!) on defense, but the Oakland offense was significantly limited by injuries. It was quite a show in Green Bay, as the AaronRodgers Packers picked apart the Giants. (The Giants had their own issues, but Rodgers and his offensive line really came through in the second half).
So what is going to happen in round 2?
Seattle Seahawks vs Atlanta Falcons – This is the “does playoff pedigree matter?” game. Seattle is a proven champion with road success in the playoffs. Atlanta is a proven regular season champion. Seattle didn’t have any problem with a banged up Detroit team last week, and Atlanta had the week off to rest up. Will Atlanta be ready for the intensity and speed of the post season? I suspect this could be Atlanta’s year to actually win a playoff game, so here is my prediction: Falcons 17, Seattle 14.
Houston Texans vs New England Patriots – Houston simply doesn’t have the firepower to outmatch New England on offense, and they won’t be able to sustain defensive stops on New England on defense. Patriots 35, Texans 10.
Green Bay Packers vs Dallas Cowboys – I can see how Dallas wins this game. They have a very complete and balanced attack on offense that starts with a very very good offensive line. Their defense has been more than enough to win. But Green Bay has been playing at another level, and one that shut down the best defense. I think this gets into a shootout early, and then becomes a blowout as the losing team needs to take costly risks to to try to catch up. Packers 35, Cowboys 24
Kansas City Chiefs vs Pittsburgh Steelers – This game was moved to Sunday evening because of the weather, and I don’t think Sunday evening will be much better than Sunday afternoon. Do bad weather conditions help the offense or the defense? In any event, it’s hard to pick against Pittsburgh’s running game wearing down the Kansas City defense, and the Steeler’s defense is very aggressive on any turf/mud/slush. Steelers 17, Chiefs 7.
There you have it! 4 predictions guesses of this weekend’s NFL playoff games.
Question: Who do you think will win in Round 2 of the NFL Playoffs?
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