The playoffs are already at the Conference Championships. The battle of the AFC and the NFC. So far it has been a ride for the record-books, and the Chiefs defense showed up for the first time, “America’s Team” choked in the playoffs again, New England thumped the Chargers, and the Saints were able to defeat the feisty Nick Foles. First a recap of Net’s picks from last week.
1. Indianapolis Colts (6) @ Kansas City Chiefs (1) - Prediction: Colts 38, Chiefs 35 ✘
2. Dallas Cowboys (4) @ Los Angeles Rams (2) - Prediction: Rams 30, Cowboys 17 ✔
3. Los Angeles Chargers (5) @ New England Patriots (2) - Prediction: Patriots 31, Chargers 30 ✔
4. Philadelphia Eagles (6) @ New Orleans Saints (1) - Prediction: Saints 43, Eagles 31 ✔
3-1. This was a good week. With that, Net is now 6-2 with postseason picks. Now that the Chiefs, Rams, Patriots and Saints are the only four teams left contending for a Super Bowl, the Conference Championships are between the one and two seeds in both conferences. This means viewers can look forward to some exciting matchups:
1. Los Angeles Rams (2) @ New Orleans Saints (1)
2. New England Patriots (2) @ Kansas City Chiefs (1)
Matchup 1 - Los Angeles Rams (2) @ New Orleans Saints (1), Sun 3:05 ET
The Battle of the NFC is a game everyone all been asking for. Two high flying offenses with subpar defenses take on each other. Net can’t wait for this game, and so should you. This game could potentially be better than the Chiefs Rams game a couple weeks ago, and most definitely will be a shootout between the young and talented Jared Goff and the veteran superstar, Drew Brees.
The Saints were able to hold playoff Foles to fourteen points in one quarter, and were able to walk away with the win. With a top three offense and top ten defense, the Saints are clearly the best team in the league. Drew Brees is playing on another level, and is complemented by Sean Payton’s incredible coaching. The defense is also playing well, and manage to ‘bend but not break.’ I’d also like to point out the Saints’ special teams, who were able to turn the game around last week with a fake punt. Taysom Hill and co. are quite impressive, and easily have a top special team. I don’t see any flaws with this team, besides having slow starts. To top off their dominance, the Saints have home field advantage against the Rams, and you don’t want to play against the odds in the Superdome.
The Rams are a good team, who have been underrated so far in the postseason. Several analysts picked the Cowboys over the Rams, and that was just a terrible pick. Sean McVay has already established himself as one of the best coaches in the league, while the Rams’ offense has shown that they are simply unstoppable (except for the Bears game). Jared Goff isn’t a weakness (like others say), he’s a strength. He’s proven that he’s an elite QB. The only problem with Goff is his decision making when he gets severely pressured. Also, the Rams defense is decent in the playoffs. Despite being a below average defense in the regular season, the addition of Aqib Talib has finally solidified the defense.
This game could go either way, as both offenses and head coaches are dead even in comparison. It’s easily one of the best matchups this entire year, and will be a game worth the hype. Net has to give it to the Saints though, because they have a superior defense and special team. Despite the Rams success over recent years, Drew Brees should be able to close out a tight shootout between both teams, leading New Orleans to their first Super Bowl since 2010.
Prediction: Saints 42, Rams 41
Matchup 2 - New England Patriots (2) @ Kansas City Chiefs (1), Sun 6:40 ET
The second matchup this year is a rematch of Week 6. Patrick “Showtime” Mahomes will be playing for the Chiefs’ first Super Bowl appearance since 1970, while Brady and Belichick will attempt to send the Patriots to their ninth Super Bowl appearance this century. The AFC championship is a game won’t be as good as the NFC championship, but you should still look forward to it.
The Patriots destroyed the Chargers last week, in a game that was expected to be close. Brady and Bill proved Net’s statement: The Patriots are a different team in the playoffs. They are dominant, and able to get it done. Despite having an underwhelming regular season, the Patriots offensive and defensive strength were clearly on display in the divisional game. The only major flaw with the Patriots is their performance in away games. The Patriots are used to playing at Gillette, and therefore won’t be able to play as well in Kansas City.
Despite easily beating Indianapolis, which was a, if not the best, well-rounded team in the play-offs, there are still many doubts with the Chiefs. Patrick Mahomes’ first game in the postseason wasn’t impressive whatsoever; in fact, it was his second worst in his career. Even though he’s playing in Arrowhead, I don’t see a top notch performance coming from him next week. On top of this, the Chiefs’ defense is still in the bottom of the league - don’t let their performance last week make you think otherwise. Brady will easily pick them apart, and the Patriots’ offense will easily score. Lastly, Andy Reid is 2-4 in the playoffs and 1-2 at home. He’s shown that he isn’t a playoff coach, despite having home field advantage.
The Chiefs, to Net, aren’t a playoff caliber team - they were able to put up good numbers under Andy Reid’s high flying offense and Mahomes’ stellar season, but lack a defense and can’t handle the true pressure in the playoffs. Bill Belichick’s postseason success shows why he’s the greatest coach of all time, and he’ll easily be able to outduel Andy Reid. This game shouldn’t be close, but Mahomes’ sheer talent will make it somewhat competitive.
Prediction: Patriots 34, Chiefs 28
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