A Look Ahead to the Divisional Round
On Saturday, the first slew of NFL Divisional round matchups begin. We’ve got a hot pot of football gumbo on our hands. So why don’t we grab a big ol’ spoon and dig in?
First, things kick off in Atlanta with the Battle of the Birds at 4:35 EST.
Last week, the Seahawks tamed the Lions 26-6. This week they travel across the country to meet Matt Ryan’s Falcons. The line for the game is Atlanta by 3.5 to 5 points. Last time these two teams got together, the Seahawks upset the Falcons 26-24. So it’s safe to say this game could go either way. But then again, that was months ago. Systems have been tweaked. Injuries sustained–specifically for Seattle, losing Earl Thomas has left them vulnerable downfield. Which isn’t a good sign against a pass-heavy offense like the Falcons.
The burden will fall on Russell Wilson to step his game up if the Seahawks wish to keep pace. But if Matt Ryan can spread the field and open up the run game, the Falcons have a chance to control the clock and ultimately the final score. Falcons running back Devonta Freeman knows his work is cut out for him.
“We just have to go out and do what we do: make plays and execute,” Freeman said. “We know they’re a tough defense, a tough group of guys. They’re all over the ball and stuff. We just have to figure out ways to make plays.” But if they do figure it out, chances are the game belongs to Atlanta.
ZOEY’S PREDICTION: 24 – 31 FALCONS
Next up, playing at 8:15 EST after the Battle of the Birds are the Texans against New England.
Tom Brady and the Gang are listed as 15-point favorites in this game–the widest spread in the playoffs. Which isn’t to diminish the efforts of Brock Osweiler and the Texans; they deserve at least two cookies. It’s just that Tom Brady is playing like a superhuman, literally. He’s 39 years old. He’s got to be a lock for MVP. And physically he’s more fit than he was at 29 years old.
Seriously, the guy’s a tank and a determined winner. He came out throwing a 133 point QB rating the first games after his suspension. Who’s not to say he’ll come out stronger than that from his playoff bye. Reports say he’s been in Foxborough all week long tuning his arm and perfecting his mechanics. Not to make this preview a Tom Brady gush piece, but let’s face it: all eyes will be on him when the coin hits the turf.
ZOEY’S PREDICTION: 18 – 34 PATRIOTS
Then on Sunday, things kick off at 4:40 pm EST with the Packers at Cowboys.
Due to the Icepocalypse currently descending upon Kansas City, the NFL switched the Pittsburgh-KC game with this NFC showdown. Currently, the line favors the Cowboys by 4.5 points. But time and experience favor Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. Since Week 12, they’ve won seven games and all but one of those games by a touchdown. There’s no doubting it: momentum is behind Green Bay right now. Aaron Rodgers seems to have the power of God shining on him right now, completing Hail Mary’s, dancing in the pocket and hitting receivers like it’s easy, tossing three to five touchdowns a game. Hence why the line is as thin as it is.
Sure, the Cowboys have been dominant all season long. But the odds are against Cowboys rookie QB Dak Prescott. Granted, he and fellow rookie Ezekiel Elliott have defied all odds this season, playing like veterans the whole time. But the fact remains that no rookie quarterback has ever been truly successful in long term of the playoffs. However, if Dallas’ dynamic duo can shrug the pressure and play as per their usual, we might have a heck of a competition on our hands.
ZOEY’S PREDICTION: 31 – 34 PACKERS
Then finally, at 8:20 pm EST in the Land of Ice, the Chiefs host the Pittsburgh Steelers.
This one promises to be the nail biter everyone’s looking for. And the betting line reflects that. The Chiefs are one-point favorites in this one–not much breathing room. Last time these teams faced off, the Steelers gave the Chiefs an atomic wedgie. But both squads have changed drastically since that meeting.
The Chiefs have received a massive boost from their not-so-secret weapon, Tyreek Hill. His presence has completely transformed Kansas City’s offense, opening up the field for Alex Smith and keeping defenses guessing. Meanwhile, defensively the Chiefs are sporting two of the top DBs in the game with Marcus Peters and Eric Berry. They’ll have a healthy Justin Houston on the outside, as well. This is one of the best defenses in the league. There’s a reason they’re contending for the Super Bowl.
On the other side, we’ve got a hot Steelers squad. Their primary source of fuel comes from the Big Three, Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown, and Le’Veon Bell. Last week these guys exploded all over a sputtering Miami squad. By the end of the game, the Dolphins’ locker room looked more like a scene from the controversial documentary, The Cove, than it looked like an actual locker room. Now, hot on a streak of important wins, the Steelers head to Kansas City looking to keep it up.
With a road record of 5-3, the Steelers are going to have to muster some secret magic if they hope to excel at Arrowhead. It’s going to be loud. It’s going to be cold, complete with freezing rain and sleet. The hits are going to be harder. The football will feel like a heavy rock. These conditions will challenge both teams to be at their very best.
Chiefs wide receiver Jeremy Maclin will return to full strength against Pittsburgh. His presence has been spotty throughout the year but he hopes to make a strong impact for his team. This week he had this to say about the Chiefs’ chances: “I think we’ve got a good chance,’’ Maclin said. “With the work that we’ve put into this and what we’ve been through with the highs and the lows, I think we’re battle-tested. We’ve got a great locker room and we’ve got great coaches, so I like our chances against pretty much anybody.”
