The NFL regular season has come and gone in a blink of an eye and now the playoffs are here with four intriguing Wild-Card match-ups. Before I break down the games it's worth noting that this season proved that the NFL is the "best unscripted reality television out there." So says Al Michaels at least. But this is true as we look at the eight teams that will be playing this weekend.
(4) Indianapolis Colts vs. (5) Kansas City Chiefs
Breakdown: For Andrew Luck and the Colts the season started off magnificently. Wins against power-houses (San Francisco and Seattle) and an emotional win against Peyton Manning in his return to Indy helped jump start them in a very weak division. However, in that game against Denver they lost their best offensive weapon in Reggie Wayne, and it has shown. Robert Mathis and his 19.5 sacks anchors a pretty underrated Colts Defense and is a viable choice for Defensive player of the year. The Chiefs started the season 9-0 but beat just one team over .500 all season and that was the Philadelphia Eagles at their worst. The Chiefs lost to Denver and San Diego twice and were manhandled by these same Colts in week 16 at home. If there is one thing on their side it's that they will be playing in a dome were Jamaal Charles should be poised to have a good day.
How the Colts will win: If Andrew Luck and the Colts win the turnover margin. Luck will have to make plays with his arm and leg and if T.Y. Hilton has a big day, this team should be in a good position to win. Shutting down Charles on Defense is key.
How the Chiefs will win: Defense, Jamaal Charles, Alex Smith. The Chiefs are all about their defense which was stout for most of the season, but since week 10 they have came back to earth.If Charles gets over 30 touches in the game then the Chiefs will be moving the ball well down the field. Alex Smith is playing in his biggest game and a dud would surely have the doubters with a lot of ammunition going into next season.
Prediction: Colts 28 - Chiefs 21
(3) Philadelphia Eagles vs. (6) New Orleans Saints
Breakdown: The Eagles weren't sure who their Quarterback was to start the season but the answer is clear now. Nick Foles led the Eagles past the Dallas Cowboys in week 17 to grab the NFC East and the 3rd seed. After a tumultuous start, Foles has stepped in, and been nearly perfect(2 interceptions to 27 touchdowns). A lot of the pressure has been taken off Foles as LeSean McCoy put up career numbers this season, and is the deadliest weapon in these playoffs. It's weird to see Sean Peyton and the Saints as the 6th seed but that is exactly what they are. The loss to the Panthers on the road gave away the division, needing a big win against the Buccaneers at home to make the playoffs. Their big problem this year has been playing outdoors and on the road and that's the case for the number six seed.
How the Eagles will win: Foles handles the pressure of his biggest game, makes the right reads and does not turn the ball over. The possession time is also going to be key as both teams can put up points fast. Just like Charles in the early game if Chip Kelly gives McCoy 30+ touches then the Eagles will be in good shape. Their defense is suspect despite playing better the last four weeks. They face their toughest task with Drew Brees and Jimmy Graham.
How the Saints will win: If their defense makes stops. The Saints only chance of competing is if they can shut down the run game and give the ball back over to the offense. The offense has been average to say the best on the road, but if there's anyone to bet on to step up its Drew Brees.
Prediction: Saints 38 - Eagles 24
(3) Cincinnati Bengals vs. (6) San Diego Chargers
Breakdown: The Bengals won the AFC North for the first time in over a decade and a big reason for that was going 8-0 at home. This is the third straight season that Marvin Lewis and the Bengals will be in the postseason but the first time they'll be playing in front of their hometown fans. Andy Dalton is the perfect example of inconsistency. He's got an abundance of talent around him, yet their are plays and reads that he makes that are just boggling. The San Diego Chargers got here on the back and arm of Phillip Rivers (and maybe the leg of Ryan Succop). After escaping a horrific end to their season (they beat a Chiefs team that rested 20 of its 22 starters). The Chargers will need Eric Weddle to shut down A.J. Green.
How the Bengals win: The theme for the Bengals this playoffs is if Dalton could play like Joe Flacco did last year then the Bengals should be considered legitimate Super Bowl contenders. A.J. Green is a top-3 wide receiver in the game and Marvin Jones should win breakout player of the year award.
How the Chargers win: Ken Wisenhunt and Mike McCoy have have added some nice pieces to complement Rivers with Keenan Allen, Eddie Royal and Ladarius Green. It'll be up for these guys to make the plays when called upon. Eric Weddle is the captain of a defense that is middle of the pack, a big game by the Defense could be what continues the Cinderella run.
Prediction: Bengals 42 - Chargers 24
(4) Green Bay Packers vs. (5) San Francisco 49ers
Breakdown: It's a rematch of last year's playoff and the opening game of this season in which the 49ers dominated both games. The Packers have Aaron Rogers back in the fold, but it's still not certain that he's 100%. Their defense is abysmal but thanks to a collapse by the Detroit Lions and a win against the Bears in week 17, they're in the playoffs. Eddie Lacey has been good for them but the 49ers don't give up a lot of rush yards so it's all going to be down to Rodgers and his receivers. Colin Kaepernick looked a lot better in the last 8 games then he did in the first 8 games. Their defense is top in the league and will give problems to Rodgers all game long. The 49ers were built for these type of games where weather won't be a factor. It's supposed to be (-18).
How the Packers win the game: It's going to be tough without Clay Matthews to stop the 49ers but if they can create turnovers then it gives Rodgers the chance to be great. Lacey won't see a lot of yards but its important that they continue with the run, to set up the play action (where Rodgers is so good).
How the 49ers win the game: Run it down the throats is what I bet Jim Harbaugh is saying. The 49ers love to run the ball and expect it to come in all different ways. This year they added Anquan Boldin who loves these moments to go along with Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree. Defense will play its game.
Prediction: 49ers 38 - Packers 17
Enjoy the games!
No comments:
Post a Comment