The NFL Playoffs have finally arrived! There are a lot of expectations for all of the teams that made it, and deservedly so. The AFC is filled with veteran QBs including Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, and Philip Rivers who are running out of years to win another title, or in Rivers’ case his first title. While the NFC teams have predominately young, inexperienced QBs, which includes everyone except Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees. Here are our own predictions for the postseason.
Wildcard Week:
1) Kansas City Chiefs vs. Indianapolis Colts
Chris’ Pick: Chiefs
Led by Jamaal Charles, the Kansas City rushing attack should have a big day against the Colts. While Andrew Luck may throw a few touchdowns, the offense will be shut out when it matters most by a tough Kansas City defense and the Chiefs advance to the next round.
Kevin’s Pick: Colts
The Chiefs defense has been solid statistically all year, but the Playoffs are the time when every team brings their best. The Colts have proven they show up to the big games this year, with wins over the 49ers, Seahawks, Broncos, and the Chiefs. The Chiefs on the other hand, only won two games after Week 9 this season, and those were against the lowly Redskins and Raiders.
Bob’s Pick: Colts
The Chief defense is overrated, and they will be unable to get enough turnovers to win. The Colt defense will do enough to keep Jamaal Charles in check.
2) New Orleans Saints vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Chris’ Pick: Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles will ride the stellar play of LeSean McCoy and Nick Foles with DeSean Jackson having a breakout game after a quiet Week 17. Even though Drew Brees will move the ball down the field, the defense of the Eagles will create turnovers. The New Orleans Saints’ struggles will continue on the road and they will fall to the Eagles in a close game.
Kevin’s Pick: Eagles:
Expect a high-scoring affair in this one. Jason Witten had huge success last week, so this Eagles defense will have to step up if they want to slow down Jimmy Graham. I don’t think they will stop Graham from grabbing a touchdown, but the Eagles offense will be able to outscore a Saints offense that has struggled in road games this year.
Bob’s Pick: Eagles
This pick is not based on the weather conditions or the fact that it is a road game for the Saints. The Eagles will win because their balanced attack will control the game against the Saints. The Eagle defense will get enough stops when they need them to win the game.
3) San Diego Charges vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Chris’ Pick: Bengals
Andy Dalton will have to avoid turnovers to lead the Bengals to a victory in this game. The Chargers are exciting, but escaped with a win against Kansas City to sneak into the playoffs. The run ends here for San Diego and the Bengals use their home field to advance another round.
Kevin’s Pick: Chargers
The teams that get lucky typically take advantage. The Chargers realize the gift that they were given on Week 17. And I’m not just talking about Ryan Succop. The refs made some questionable calls, and even admitted to missing the 7 men on one side of the line wrong, but also the fact that the Dolphins and Ravens lost, which allowed them to make the playoffs. Rivers has had a fantastic season, and he finds a way to win this game.
Bob’s Pick: Bengals
Dalton has beat up on not great defenses all season. He’ll struggle when facing a good defense or when or when he has pressure to match score for score. Fortunately for the Bengals, the Chargers do not have a great defense and the Bengals slide by this week.
4) San Francisco 49ers vs. Green Bay Packers
Chris’ Pick: 49ers
Both teams will face brutal weather conditions that will make moving the ball difficult. The 49ers should find success running the ball against a weak Packers defense missing Clay Matthews. The 49ers continue their impressive season and knock the Packers out of the playoffs once again.
Kevin’s Pick: 49ers
Even with a fully healthy Aaron Rodgers the Packers wouldn’t win this game. The Packer defense is just too bad to stop this running game, which will be utilized a lot in the cold weather.
Bob’s Pick: 49ers
I don’t care about the weather. The Packers defense is too shaky, and despite leading a game-winning drive against the Bears, Rodgers still made some costly mistakes and will face a challenge in this San Francisco defense.
Divisional Round:
1) San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks
Chris’ Pick: 49ers
The young, dual-threat quarterbacks will have to overcome outstanding defenses in this match-up. In the end, it is the struggles of Russell Wilson combined with great defensive play that will prevent the Seahawks from advancing. The 49ers find a way to overcome the 12th man in Seattle to advance to the NFC Championship.
Kevin’s Pick: 49ers
Two teams that absolutely hate each other. The Seahawks are fantastic at home, and only lost one game all year there. But that game was in Week 16 to the Cardinals. The 49ers, like the Cards, have a great defense, and the offense is looking much better since the return of Michael Crabtree.
Bob’s Pick: 49ers
I may be alone in this, but the Seahawks don’t have a lot that jumps out at me. They are solid at every position but not necessarily great at most. The home field advantage is a factor, but if there is a team that knows how to play in Seattle, it’s the 49ers. I think the 49ers win this game and open up an opportunity for the winner of the Panthers-Eagles matchup.
2) Philadelphia Eagles vs. Carolina Panthers
Chris’ Pick: Panthers
Nick Foles will be forced to release the ball more quickly and struggle to come up with enough big plays against the Saints. Meanwhile, Cam Newton will make big plays to led the Panthers to victory and end the magically run of the Kelly-led Eagles.
Kevin’s Pick: Panthers
The Panthers defense is the best in the league in my opinion. Luke Kuechly has been one of the best linebackers in the league, and the only game the Panthers lost all season at home was in Week 1 against the Seahawks. Their defense will be able to slow down the high-powered offense of the Eagles, and Cam Newton will do enough on offense for the Panthers to move on.
Bob’s Pick: Panthers
Weeks ago I said that the Panthers and the Eagles are the two most dangerous teams in the NFC. And no one got on board. I think that opinion is changing slightly now, as these teams finished strong in the regular season. I think Cam Newton does a good job against this Eagles defense, and Sean McDermott comes back to haunt the Eagles, as his Carolina defense continues to play well, possibly opening up McDermott for a head coaching gig next season (and potentially again in the Eagles division, with Washington’s coaching vacancy).
3) Chris-Bob: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos, Kevin: San Diego Chargers vs. Denver Broncos
Chris’ Pick: Broncos
The difference here is (to no surprise) a determined Peyton Manning. The Chiefs will make it tough against their division opponent, but the offense of the Broncos is too much and allows them to advance.
Kevin’s Pick: Broncos
The Chargers may have gotten the better of the Broncos in their last meeting, but Wes Welker will be back fully healthy and Peyton will not let this season go to waste this early in the Playoffs. Rivers just doesn’t have the weapons that Manning does in order to outscore the Broncos.
Bob’s Pick: Broncos
This could very well be the year for the Broncos, and one for Peyton Manning to quiet the ridiculous critics. If he plays well this postseason and wins a Super Bowl, there will be no reason to question his performance in big games, and he will ascend to likely the greatest quarterback of all time status (not that he isn’t already).
4) Chris-Bob: Cincinnati Bengals vs. New England Patriots, Kevin: Indianapolis Colts vs. New England Patriots
Chris’ Pick: Patriots
Even though Cincinnati beat the Patriots earlier in the season, it is tough to ignore their weaker schedule throughout the year. The Patriots have a few more major wins over Denver and Carolina and the experience of Brady outweighs that of Dalton to make the difference.
Kevin’s Pick: Colts
Tom Brady is still Tom Brady, and that is why the Patriots were able to receive a bye this year. But the Patriots just do not have enough on offense to compensate for their poor defense. Talib has had a great year, but he doesn’t have enough help around him. Luck may not have the best weapons in the league, but he compensates in his play-making ability.
Bob’s Pick: Colts
I’m just not sold on the Patriots this year. Haven’t been all season. I also predicted Broncos over Colts in the AFC Championship game, so let’s keep that rolling.
NFC Championship
1) San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers
Chris’ Pick: 49ers
Overall, the 49ers are the most complete team in the NFC. NaVorro Bowman, who was among the league leaders in tacklers, continues his stifling of mobile quarterbacks and the secondary does enough to slow down the Panthers offense. The 49ers’ offense is clicking with Crabtree bringing the receiving core to a new level and the 49ers return to the Super Bowl.
Kevin’s Pick: 49ers
Despite their great defense, the Panthers will be have trouble scoring against this 49ers’ defense. The 49ers have too may options on offense, and they will score enough to win this game and get back to the Super Bowl for the second consecutive.
Kevin’s Pick: 49ers
Here’s where I deviate from my colleagues in the NFC. The Panthers are extremely dangerous, and the 49ers beating Seattle and pulling this game from Seattle to Carolina is a big part of the difference. Carolina keeps the 49ers rushing attack in check and advances to the Super Bowl.
AFC Championship
Chris: New England Patriots vs. Denver Broncos, Kevin-Bob: Indianapolis Colts vs. Denver Broncos
Chris’ Pick: Broncos
While this is predictable and not bold, I see Peyton Manning and Tom Brady facing off once again. The Broncos don’t forget the embarrassing loss to the Patriots earlier in the season and won’t let it happen again. The defense makes enough plays and Manning leads his offense over the Patriots to advance to the Super Bowl.
Kevin’s Pick: Broncos
Colts vs. Peyton? Still sounds weird to me. But no surprises here. Broncos do not have a strong defense, but their secondary will do enough to beat a Colts team that has struggled running the ball this year. Manning will return to the Super Bowl once again.
Bob’s Pick: Broncos
I like the Broncos to outscore the Colts and give Peyton some redemption after his loss earlier in the season against the Colts.
Super Bowl:
Chris-Kevin: San Francisco 49ers vs. Denver Broncos, Bob: Carolina Panthers vs. Denver Broncos
Chris’ Pick: 49ers
The runner-up from last season will not miss their second chance at a Super Bowl victory and the San Francisco 49ers combine talent and experience from last year to win it all.
Kevin’s Pick: 49ers
Three years in a row a team that has played on Wildcard Weekend has won the Super Bowl. The 49ers make it 4 years this season. They are just too balanced, and the Broncos will finally be affected by the loss of Von Miller.
Bob’s Pick: Broncos
As much as I’d like to pick the Panthers, because I think they really are a great team and great story, I think this will be Peyton’s time and his second title. The best individual passing season we’ve ever seen will end in a title for Peyton as well.