2018 NFL Playoff Predictions
This very well may be the best time in Pro Sports. The MLB Hot Stove is heating up, NHL and NBA seasons are starting to take shape, and it's playoff time in the NFL. But this year's NFL playoff field feels different. There's no clear cut favorite, or dominant team as there had been in previous years. Last year the explosive offenses of the Atlanta Falcons and Dallas Cowboys were the talk of the league, and Seattle's "Legion of Boom" was in their stride. And in the AFC, the Patriots looked to have another dominant team, Pittsburgh's offense was at their highest, and the Chiefs had another team loaded with talent on both sides of the ball. This year, only four of last year's playoff teams return. A Falcons squad who lacks the same firepower on offense as last year, a Chiefs team that has been a rollercoaster all year, the Steelers whose best offensive player is still injured, and of course the Patriots, except they come into the playoffs with a sense of drama surrounding them amidst the rumors of tension between Owner Robert Kraft, Head Coach Bill Belichick, and Tom Brady. This year's playoffs will be different for sure, so let's dive into the predictions.
Wild Card Weekend
(3)Rams OVER (6)Falcons
- The Falcons offense hasn't been as electric as it was last year, with QB Matt Ryan coming down to Earth. Going up against this year's highest scoring offense with the best running back in football right now is too much for the Falcons to overcome.
(4)Saints OVER (5)Panthers
- The Saints have the most complete offense in the NFC featuring a potent running game and an elite Quarterback. Not to mention their fast, young defense lead by All-Pro Cameron Jordan and Pro Bowl CB Marshon Lattimore. While the Panthers still have former MVP, Cam Newton, they simply won't be able to match the Saints' all around talent.
(6)Bills OVER (3)Jaguars
- Yes, the Jags have the best defense in the league. The stats and eye test back it up. Yet, somehow, the depleted 49ers were able to put up 44 on this defense just two weeks ago. 44 POINTS. This defense can be exposed with the right scheme, and 44 points isn't necessary, the Jags offense has been brutal as of late. QB Blake Bortles is back to being Blake Bortles, Rookie RB Leonard Fournette hasn't been himself after suffering a quad injury in Week 14, and the receiving corps is still lacking playmakers all around. The Bills will be able to put some on the board with star RB LeSean McCoy, which will defeat Jacksonville in the opening round
(4)Chiefs OVER (5)Titans
- The Chiefs are hitting their offensive stride as of late with star Rookie RB Kareem Hunt regaining his early season form, and the passing game remains strong with QB Alex Smith, WR Tyreek Hill and Pro Bowl TE Travis Kelce. The Titans "ground and pound" playstyle isn't looking great with RB Demarco Murray taking a massive step back from his elite 2016-2017 campaign. The passing game is still struggling with QB Marcus Mariota fighting off injuries, and the lack of any stud pass catchers other than TE Delanie Walker hurts. Both teams offer pedestrian defenses, but the Chiefs experience and talented offense will guide them to victory.
Divisional Round
(4)Saints OVER (1)Eagles
- The Eagles have the pieces of defense to slow down the Saints offense, but with the loss of star QB Carson Wentz, their offense won't be able to put up the points to compete with the high-powered Saints.
(2)Vikings OVER (3)Rams
- The Vikings boast a great defense, a solid offensive line, and weapons in the receiving game. They have arguably the best all-around team in football. QB Case Keenum has been one of the best stories of the year with his great play as a backup. The talented Vikings defense will be able to contain RB Todd Gurley and slow down the Rams offense leading to a Divisional Round victory.
(1)Patriots OVER (6)Bills
- This one comes down to experience. The Pats seem to have this home Divisional game every year, and the Bills haven't been in the playoffs in 17 years. Not to mention, the Pats have a massive advantage at QB with the greatest ever on their side versus Tyrod Taylor, who was benched for a guy who threw 5 picks in 14 attempted passes. That says enough. The Pats got this one.
(2)Steelers OVER (4) Chiefs
- These are two teams who look very similar. Both have explosive offenses with playmakers everywhere, and they are solid but not great on defense. But in what could be a down-to-the-wire game, the Steelers will pull this one out with the massive advantage at Heinz Field, and with the playoff experience and success of QB Big Ben Roethlisberger.
Conference Championship
(4)Saints OVER (2)Vikings
- Here is where the lack of experience for Vikings QB Case Keenum will hurt them. Matched up against Super Bowl-Winning QB Drew Brees and the Saints signature running game featuring Pro Bowl RBs Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram, Keenum won't be able to put enough points on the board against an offense who can score on anyone.
(1)Patriots OVER (2)Steelers
- These are two teams that know each other quite well. After the Pats' controversial Week 15 victory, the Steelers will come out with a lot of firepower. However, even though the Steelers have an improved defense, they will be faced with the massive of stopping Tom Brady in the playoffs, at home, a task completed by very few. Brady and the Pats will be heading to Minnesota for another Super Bowl appearance.
Super Bowl
(4) Saints OVER (1)Patriots
- The Pats defense has been iffy all year, and the Saints will expose their issues on the biggest stage. Drew Brees can always win a game on his own, but now with the emergence of the best running game in the NFL, the Saints have too much for the Pats mediocre defense. Although Tom Brady is always a threat to take over games like this, he's facing an emerging defense that can take away most of his favorite pass-catchers, plus the other guy under center has won it before, it's the Saints' year.
Twitter- @ckhater23
Wild Card Weekend
(3)Rams OVER (6)Falcons
- The Falcons offense hasn't been as electric as it was last year, with QB Matt Ryan coming down to Earth. Going up against this year's highest scoring offense with the best running back in football right now is too much for the Falcons to overcome.
(4)Saints OVER (5)Panthers
- The Saints have the most complete offense in the NFC featuring a potent running game and an elite Quarterback. Not to mention their fast, young defense lead by All-Pro Cameron Jordan and Pro Bowl CB Marshon Lattimore. While the Panthers still have former MVP, Cam Newton, they simply won't be able to match the Saints' all around talent.
(6)Bills OVER (3)Jaguars
- Yes, the Jags have the best defense in the league. The stats and eye test back it up. Yet, somehow, the depleted 49ers were able to put up 44 on this defense just two weeks ago. 44 POINTS. This defense can be exposed with the right scheme, and 44 points isn't necessary, the Jags offense has been brutal as of late. QB Blake Bortles is back to being Blake Bortles, Rookie RB Leonard Fournette hasn't been himself after suffering a quad injury in Week 14, and the receiving corps is still lacking playmakers all around. The Bills will be able to put some on the board with star RB LeSean McCoy, which will defeat Jacksonville in the opening round
(4)Chiefs OVER (5)Titans
- The Chiefs are hitting their offensive stride as of late with star Rookie RB Kareem Hunt regaining his early season form, and the passing game remains strong with QB Alex Smith, WR Tyreek Hill and Pro Bowl TE Travis Kelce. The Titans "ground and pound" playstyle isn't looking great with RB Demarco Murray taking a massive step back from his elite 2016-2017 campaign. The passing game is still struggling with QB Marcus Mariota fighting off injuries, and the lack of any stud pass catchers other than TE Delanie Walker hurts. Both teams offer pedestrian defenses, but the Chiefs experience and talented offense will guide them to victory.
Divisional Round
(4)Saints OVER (1)Eagles
- The Eagles have the pieces of defense to slow down the Saints offense, but with the loss of star QB Carson Wentz, their offense won't be able to put up the points to compete with the high-powered Saints.
(2)Vikings OVER (3)Rams
- The Vikings boast a great defense, a solid offensive line, and weapons in the receiving game. They have arguably the best all-around team in football. QB Case Keenum has been one of the best stories of the year with his great play as a backup. The talented Vikings defense will be able to contain RB Todd Gurley and slow down the Rams offense leading to a Divisional Round victory.
(1)Patriots OVER (6)Bills
- This one comes down to experience. The Pats seem to have this home Divisional game every year, and the Bills haven't been in the playoffs in 17 years. Not to mention, the Pats have a massive advantage at QB with the greatest ever on their side versus Tyrod Taylor, who was benched for a guy who threw 5 picks in 14 attempted passes. That says enough. The Pats got this one.
(2)Steelers OVER (4) Chiefs
- These are two teams who look very similar. Both have explosive offenses with playmakers everywhere, and they are solid but not great on defense. But in what could be a down-to-the-wire game, the Steelers will pull this one out with the massive advantage at Heinz Field, and with the playoff experience and success of QB Big Ben Roethlisberger.
Conference Championship
(4)Saints OVER (2)Vikings
- Here is where the lack of experience for Vikings QB Case Keenum will hurt them. Matched up against Super Bowl-Winning QB Drew Brees and the Saints signature running game featuring Pro Bowl RBs Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram, Keenum won't be able to put enough points on the board against an offense who can score on anyone.
(1)Patriots OVER (2)Steelers
- These are two teams that know each other quite well. After the Pats' controversial Week 15 victory, the Steelers will come out with a lot of firepower. However, even though the Steelers have an improved defense, they will be faced with the massive of stopping Tom Brady in the playoffs, at home, a task completed by very few. Brady and the Pats will be heading to Minnesota for another Super Bowl appearance.
Super Bowl
(4) Saints OVER (1)Patriots
- The Pats defense has been iffy all year, and the Saints will expose their issues on the biggest stage. Drew Brees can always win a game on his own, but now with the emergence of the best running game in the NFL, the Saints have too much for the Pats mediocre defense. Although Tom Brady is always a threat to take over games like this, he's facing an emerging defense that can take away most of his favorite pass-catchers, plus the other guy under center has won it before, it's the Saints' year.
Twitter- @ckhater23
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