SEATTLE SEAHAWKS @ ATLANTA FALCONS
The Atlanta Falcons and their league leading offense guided the team to an 11-5 record earning them a 2nd place finish in the NFC. The triple threat of Ryan-Freeman-Jones guided the team to a 3rd ranked passing attack and 5th ranked rushing attack. However the major flaw for this team lies in the bottom 5 team defense. They’ll have to be able to spread the ball around the offensive assets and apply pressure to Wilson and that weak offensive line on the other side of the ball.
The Seattle Seahawks are not the dominant force we’ve seen in years past. They have the worst offensive line in the league and suffered a critical injury on defense in Earl Thomas. Despite this, they are still here in the playoffs. Russell Wilson has returned to his elite playoff form and the 3rd ranked defense effectively shut down the Detroit Lions last week. The key for them is to establish a run game on offense which will allow for Wilson to make plays down the field.
My prediction: Atlanta wins 27-24
HOUSTON TEXANS @ NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
The New England Patriots are poised for another Super Bowl run seen as the favourites to win it all. The team had the #1 defense at preventing points and 3rd best offense generating points. Tom Brady had the best TD-INT ratio of his career as he is in serious talk to be the MVP and power runner LeGarrette Blount amassed 18 touchdowns on the campaign. This is widely seen an easy matchup where the Pats just have to show up, but coach Bill Belichick will ensure his team is firing on all cylinders for the game.
The Houston Texans limped into the playoffs with a QB controversy and a paltry 9-7 record. Brock Osweiler had a terrible ratio of 15 touchdowns to 16 interceptions. Lamar Miller was a consistent force in the rushing attack all year long and the defense guided the team to the 2nd fewest yards allowed in the league. The defense needs to carry that momentum to the tough atmosphere of New England. The offense must limit turnovers, get Miller going and get the ball to the electric Deandre Hopkins if they want to move forward.
My prediction: New England wins 26-10
PITTSBURGH STEELERS @ KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
The Kansas City Chiefs have won 10 of their last 12 and look to take the next step towards the coveted Super Bowl. The defense gave up heavy yardage but only had the 7th fewest points allowed in the league. Hill has broken out as one of the league’s most dynamic playmakers putting up 12 touchdowns; 6 receiving, 3 rushing and 3 returns. To succeed, the Chiefs’ defense must bring it all to resist against Le’Veon Bell who went off last week.
The Pittsburgh Steelers boast the league’s best triple threat we’ve seen in a while. Antonio Brown is considered by many to be the best WR in football and Le’Veon Bell is a unanimous top 3 RB with some saying he is the best. They are led by Ben Roethlisberger who has won a couple of Super Bowls in his career so far. The defense finished 10th in points allowed signalling their improvement. The Steelers must find ways to control Tyreek Hill’s impact on offense and special teams.
My prediction: Pittsburgh wins 28-20
GREEN BAY PACKERS @ DALLAS COWBOYS
The Dallas Cowboys have bounced back from a horrendous 2015 to an NFL best 13-3 record driven by standout rookies Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliot. The real hero of this team lies within their offensive line, lauded as the best offensive line in the league while paving large running lanes and protecting their QB. The defense has become a strength for the team now with the #1 rushing defense and 5th in total points allowed. To win this game, the Cowboys will really need to shore up that paltry secondary to handle Aaron Rodgers.
The Green Bay Packers are the hottest team in the NFL right now. After a 4 week losing streak in the middle of the season, they have won 7 straight. Rodgers had an MVP caliber season followed by a 362 yard, 4 touchdown performance in the first round of the playoffs. The defense was 8th against the run but 31st against the pass this season. The X factor for them is receiver Randall Cobb who broke out with 116 yards and 3 TDs last week. The defense needs to bottle up Dallas receivers like they did against the Giants.
My Prediction: Dallas wins 34-28
Disclaimer: The viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, viewpoints and ideas of DARPAN Magazine.
