The playoffs are here. After 17 weeks of entertaining football, twelve of the 32 NFL teams have advanced with all of them sharing one common goal, the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Here are the twelve teams that made the playoffs:
AFC: NFC: 1. Ravens* 1. 49ers*
2. Chiefs* 2. Packers*
3. Patriots 3. Saints
4. Texans 4. Eagles
5. Bills 5. Seahawks
6. Titans 6. Vikings
* = first round bye(will not play wild-card weekend)
Texans vs. Bills(Saturday @ 4:35)
In the first game of the new decade, the fourth seeded Texans will play the fifth seeded Bills. Both teams had stellar regular seasons, but both also displayed serious flaws that separate them from the elite in their conference. I believe that Buffalo's dominant defense will prevail over the offensive firepower that the Texans hold. Despite his erratic play in recent weeks, Josh Allen will hit on enough throws to keep the Bills in the game and the defense will handle the rest.
Storyline to watch: Tre'Davious White on Deandre Hopkins. Tre White has established himself as a shutdown corner this year, and could get first team all pro consideration. Hopkins is one of the best receivers in the game, and, if White can restrict him, then Houston will have trouble doing anything on offense.
Prediction: Bills 17, Texans 13
Patriots vs. Titans(Saturday @ 8:15)
The New England Patriots are playing a wild card game. That sentence has not been used in nearly a decade, but, after a horrendous collapse versus Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Dolphins, New England choked their first round bye to the Chiefs. Unfortunately for them, this means that they play a red hot Titans team that has been excellent of late. Since taking over the starting job, Ryan Tannehill has looked like an elite quarterback. Derrick Henry can make a claim at being a top 3 running back in the league and led the league in rushing yards in the regular season. Despite being in a bit of a slump, the Patriots are still a formidable opponent, and, in Foxboro, this game will be quite interesting.
Storyline to watch: Julian Edelman. The star wide receiver on the Pats has been a bit banged up recently and, if he isn't healthy, it is hard to see the Patriots winning this game. Midseason acquisition Mohamed Sanu has struggled to get separation, rookie N'Keal Harry is still quite raw, and Phillip Dorsett simply does not have the deep threat ability as others on the Pats have in earlier years(Brandin Cooks, Chris Hogan, etc.). Edelman's presence will open up the field for the Patriots and will provide the spark the Pats need to beat Tennessee.
Prediction: Pats 24, Titans 21
Saints vs. Vikings(Sunday @ 1:05)
The last time these two teams met, it delivered one of the greatest postseason games of all time culminating in the Minneapolis Miracle. On Sunday, it will be New Orleans that hosts the Vikings, and they will have all the advantage they need. New Orleans simply has too much talent for the Vikings and it will be prevalent from the start.
Storyline to watch: Kirk Cousins. The 84 million dollar quarterback has famously been known not to rise to the occasion when it matters, and, in his first playoff game, it will be very interesting to watch whether or not he can deliver.
Prediction: Saints 34, Vikings 23
Eagles vs. Seahawks(Sunday @ 4:25)
Injury Bowl! Both of these teams have been bit by the injury bug quite badly in recent weeks. Philly lost star guard Brandon Brooks, receiver Alshon Jeffery, and running backs Jordan Howard and Miles Sanders to various injury(although both are questionable to play on Sunday). Meanwhile, the Seahawks have lost their top three running backs(Chris Carson, Rashad Penny, and CJ Prosoise) to season ending injury prompting them to bring back Marshawn Lynch from retirement. This game will come down to what both teams have left, and it looks like Seattle has the leg up there.
Storyline to watch: The Seattle Run Game. Seattle's offense revolves around their run game, and, when it gets going, it sparks everyone else too. Against the 49ers on Sunday, they relied on Lynch and rookie Travis Homer to get things going, and the results were not good. If those two backs play well, Seattle will wrap this game up easily. Even without them, Russell Wilson's talent can overwhelm the weak Philly secondary.
Prediction: Seahawks 20, Eagles 13
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