I like the Colts, ‘Boys, Ravens, and Bears.
(Submitted Jan 4)
The NFL Playoffs are set to kick off, and it will be an exciting weekend of pro football!
Indianapolis Colts vs. Houston Texans
Indianapolis was not expected to be in the playoffs this year–even in the organization’s eyes. The Texans started (0-3), and just about everybody wrote them off (I did), but the team went 11-2 the rest of the way. It will be the third meeting of the year–with each team winning on the other’s turf and with a total of six points separating them.
Courtesy: Bleacher Report
Key players for the Texans include Hopkins, who is a nightmare for every defense, and Watson, who’s a dual threat that causes problems for the front seven and secondary. Colts’ defensive players to watch are ROY candidate, Leonard, who can flat out play! On offense, of course, there is Luck. He has come back strong from injury, throwing for over 3k yards and 39 TDs. He has help from the rising star and first-time Pro Bowler Ebron, who is a virtual touchdown machine.
The Colts’ vertical threat is Hilton, who has had a big year and can open up the offense for likes of rookie Mack, who also has had a big year for the Colts. But, on the other side of the ball, the Texans have two of the best pass rushers in the game, including Mathieu, who makes plays time and time again.
Both offenses are good. Both defenses are solid, too. That’s why I think this game will come down to who makes the fewest turnovers and commits the fewest penalties. The game will come down to a field goal, and that gives Indy an advantage–the oldest man in the league, a walking legend, named Vinatieri.
Colts 31, Texans 28
Dallas Cowboys vs. Seattle Seahawks
Saturday’s nightcap will showcase the 4th seed and NFC East Division Champ, Dallas Cowboys, vs. the surprising and scary Seattle Seahawks. These clubs had only met once before in the Playoffs–back in 2009 when Tony Romo muffed the ball during a field goal attempt.
Courtesy: WAOW.com
This year, both teams started slowly but finished better. The key for Dallas was trading for Amari Cooper. The Seahawks discovered a running game with Carson and Davis.
In this game, a key for Dallas will be controlling the clock (as they always do), being in the top five in TOP. The ‘Boys defense is strong with Vander Esch and Smith, and Lawrence will put pressure on Wilson. Look for Dak to play better than he has in recent weeks, and that will include throwing to Zeke out of the backfield.
The Seahawks defense is scrappy with Wagner leading the way. But ‘Hawks defense can look vulnerable at times, as it did last Sunday against the Cardinals–a poor team that scored twenty-four points. On the offensive side, Wilson and the running game is #1 in the league.
The way I see it, this game will come down to which team controls the line. I predict Dallas will do just that.
Cowboys 28, Seahawks 24
Los Angeles Charges vs. Baltimore Ravens
For me, this game is the most exciting match-up of the weekend. Why? Defense and creative offenses. In Rivers, LAC has an all-time great at QB. He has had a career year, and the Chargers are undefeated on the road.
Lamar! (photo, Baltimore Sun)
The running game is solid for both teams, too. The Ravens are in the Top 2. In Gordon, the Chargers have a Top 5 RB. The Ravens’ stud, QB Jackson, seems primed for greatness, and I like the way the Ravens create many looks for him in the read-option. That strategy opens up the field.
The Chargers’ defense is versatile–both in the front seven and in the backfield. I like Bosa, Ingram, and James. Bosa and Ingram will need to contain the run game, while James will need to make big plays in what will be his first playoff game.
How will this game turn out? Baltimore’s defense is tops in the NFL, and that will pay dividends in a game that includes two, prime Super Bowl contenders.
Ravens 27 Chargers 24
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Chicago Bears
The Bears haven’t been in the Playoffs since 2010, while the Eagles are defending champs. Just like last year, Foles has ignited Philly. This year he woke up WR Jeffery, who has been getting way more targets. But the Eagles will have their hands full of Bears’ defenders with Mack leading the way.
Khalil Mack: A Monster of the Midway (photo, Twitter)
On the coaching side, Chicago’s Matt Nagy is going up against Doug Peterson. Both are Andy Reid disciples, and they know how to move offenses up and down the field.
I think this game will come down to the defense making plays and the offense not making enough. I’ll bet on Chicago’s D to prevail.
The Foles magic ends here for the Eagles. The Monsters win by a TD.
Bears 24, Eagles 17
