NFL Playoffs - Predictions/Analysis

AFC

January 8, 1:05 p.m. ET (CBS)

#6 Miami AT #3 Pittsburgh - At the beginning of the season not a lot of people would have predicted that Miami would be in the position they are. The team cam together with their defense and found a rushing attack with Jay Ajayi. The loss of Tannehill hurts them, but I'm not sold on him being a game changing quarterback. The main things is for the Dolphins to win will be for Moore to not turn the ball over, convert on 3rd down, and give the ball to Ajayi. The defense is a solid group, who will compete and get after the quarterback. The Steelers were one of the favorites to get to the Super Bowl at the beginning of the year, and that could potentially happen. The offense is one of the top offense in the league especially since Le'Veon Bell came back. They lack a great defense, but against the Dolphins who aren't the best offensive team it may not matter.

Winner: Pittsburgh

January 7, 4:35 p.m. ET (ESPN)

#5 Oakland AT #4 Houston - This game would be a lot different if Derek Carr didn't get injured. The injury is a tough blow for a team with Super Bowl potential, and on top of that the backup quarterback is out for the game. They will need to rely on inconsistent defense and the running game to pull this out. The exact same thing goes for Houston in this game. The defense has been more consistent though. The difference in this game could come down to which quarterback protects the ball better and which running game gets going.

Winner: Houston

January 15, 1:05 p.m. ET (NBC)

#3 Pittsburgh AT #2 Kansas City - The same goes for Pittsburgh as above states. The Chiefs have found something dynamic in Tyrek Hill which could cause a problem for the Steelers defense. The offense other then that aren't that explosive. The defense on the other hand if healthy will cause the Steelers some problems. I still take the Steelers offense over the Chiefs defense.

Winner: Steelers

January 14, 8:15 p.m. ET (CBS)

#4 Houston AT #1 New England - Houston is as advertised, which is a defensive team with a struggling offense. Tom Brady and Bill Belichick in Foxboro is really all that needs to be said. The defense is solid and the Blount provides power in the running game. It would be one of the biggest upsets ever if the Patriots lose to either team that comes out of the previous round.

Winner: New England

January 22, 6:40 p.m. ET (CBS)

 

#3 Pittsburgh AT #1 New England - The Pittsburgh Steelers were one my favorite teams coming in to the season. They still are at the top and that is why they make it this far. This game should be entertaining, but the best team all year will win.

Winner: New England

NFC

 

January 7, 8:15 p.m. ET (NBC)

 

 #6 Detroit AT #3 Seattle - Detriot has struggled recently, which doesn't bode well for them in this game. Matthew Stafford has made the passing game legit this year. The main problems is rushing the ball and rushing the passer on defense. The Seahawks defense has been banged up all year, but the offense is good enough to put up points. This could end up being a high scoring game.

Winner:Seattle

January 8, 4:40 p.m. ET (FOX)

 

#5 New York AT #4 Green Bay - The New York defense is the best part of this team. On top of that they have one the best wide receivers in the league. The question for Giants is will they get enough from the running game and which Eli Manning will show up. He could either win the game or throw interceptions to lose the game. The Green Bay Packers are one of the hottest teams in the league right now. After all the talk about Rodgers slowing down, he is top 5 MVP candidate now. The defense is decent but just like the Giants can they get enough from the running game.

Winner: Green Bay

January 14, 4:35 p.m. ET (FOX)

#3 Seattle AT #2 Atlanta - The Atlanta Falcons have the best offense in the playoffs. They have a running game and passing game. Matt Ryan has played at MVP level all year. The defense has some pass rushing and talent. The match-up with Seahawks could possible come down to who plays better defense. The factor there could be which defense is healthier going in to the game.

Winner: Atlanta

January 15, 4:40 p.m. ET (FOX

#4 Green Bay AT #1 Dallas - The rookies get to experience the first playoff game of their career. As long as the offensive line can handle their business, the offense should run rather smoothly in this game. The defense needs to pressure Green Bay enough to get Rodgers off his game.

Winner: Dallas

January 22, 3:05 p.m. ET (FOX)

#2 Atlanta AT #1 Dallas - This match-up will come down to if Dallas can stop Atlanta enough times. This game could be a high scoring shoot out. It could possibly come down to who has the play the last possession. Atlanta has more fire power and will pull this one out. Dallas has a much tougher road to the Super Bowl then New England.

Winner: Atlanta

Super Bowl

February 5, 6:30 p.m. ET (FOX)

 

#2 Atlanta VS #1 New England - The NFL Champions come down to who can win this game. Two top MVP quarterbacks both playing at a high level. I wouldn't be surprised if either one ends up the MVP of the NFL this year. The Patriots wide receivers aren't nearly as good as the Falcons, but the running game is pretty even. New England has played like the favorite all year and I don't expect them to play any different in this game.

Winner: New England