Divisional Round
Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs
The Denver Broncos have home field advantage for the entire playoffs, something Peyton Manning needs if he wants a shot at capturing another Vince Lombardi Trophy. They’ll play the winner of the Kansas City and Houston game next weekend; which we’ve already stated on previous pages how Houston’s lack of a pocket passer will be the fate of that game. Fast-forward to next weekend, and Mile-High Manning will begin what could be his final post-season run as an NFL player. Brock Osweiler, who’s waiting for his number to be called again, will have to take this experience as a learning process in the divisional games. If there was ever a time Manning needed his front-line to protect him, it’s against the Chiefs defense, who were one of the most feared all year. However, at the end of the game, we expect Kansas City to come down to earth, with realized who exactly Alex Smith is – given his past history
MVP Pick: Denver Broncos
Legend Pick: Kansas City Chiefs
New England Patriots vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
The game we’re awaiting the most, is the imminent or possible meeting between the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers. Last month, during their loss to the New York Jets, Bill Belichick purposely gave the game away, just so that Pittsburgh would have no chance of obtaining a Wild Card playoff spot. Unfortunately for them and luckily for fans, that didn’t happen, as the JETS were who we thought they were. With Tom Brady resting us his sore ankle for two weeks, this game will come down to health and run game of the Pittsburgh Steelers. New England isn’t even better on the ground (see: LeGarrette Blount out for the year), finishing third worst among all teams; but will have all will finally have the return of Julian Edelman in spread offense so that Rob Gronkowski won’t see triple coverage.
MVP Pick: New England Patriots
Legend Pick: New England Patriots
Carolina Panthers vs. Green Bay Packers
In the one time these two teams faced each other back in November, Cam Newton was on fire, threw for four touchdowns and kept the Carolina Panthers undefeated at 8-0. Aaron Rodgers was no slouch either. He threw for four touchdowns as well, but in the end, it wasn’t enough to get the W and the Pack went down 37-29 on the road.
We predict the same outcome in Carolina when these two teams face each other in the second round, with the margin of victory being even greater for the Panthers.
MVP Pick: Carolina Panthers
Legend Pick: Carolina Panthers
Arizona Cardinals vs. Seattle Seahawks
These two teams know each other VERY well and we can guarantee it will be a grudgematch from beginning to end. The two split games this season, with the first game in Seattle going to the Cardinals in a close game and the second being a blowout by the Seahawks in Arizona. The second matchup is the most intriguing because Seattle will have to travel South to meet their NFC West division rival and Pete Carroll’s team is not one to bet against in the playoffs.
As red-hot as the Cards were throughout the season, we can’t see them getting past the ‘Hawks at home, but we wouldn’t be surprised if this game went into overtime.