Okay, I haven't been great about keeping my Power Rankings up to date, but now that it's Playoff time the Power Rankings really don't matter anyways... what does matter now is who is going to win the Superbowl? Here's my round by round NFL Playoff Predictions:
Wildcard Round:
AFC:
3. Indianapolis Colts vs. 6. New York Jets: Prediction: This is a hard one to predict, but the Colts are just too banged up. The Jets defense and rushing attack should be able to keep Peyton Manning and the still banged up Indy Colts at bay. Jets: 24-14
4. Kansas City Chiefs vs. 5. Baltimore: Prediction: I really, really want to pick the Chiefs to win this one at the New Arrowhead, they've been amazing at home this year, but I just think the Ravens are too experienced to lose this game. It's going to be a tight fist fight but ultimately the Ravens will win. Ravens 16-10
NFC:
3. Philadelphia Eagles vs. 6. Green Bay Packers: Prediction: I love, love, love the Eagles in this game! Aaron Rodgers has never won a playoff game and I think that trend continues in this one. The Eagles came out unmotivated towards the end of the season, but they won’t have that problem in this game. The best story in the NFL this year has been Michael Vick, and I think that story will continue past the Wildcard round. I think Vick puts up big numbers and the Eagles win a pretty high scoring game. Eagles 31-204. Seattle Seahawks vs. 5. New Orleans Saints: Prediction: It’s a total joke that the Seahawks are even a playoff team, and honestly this game is going to be a joke. The Saints are going to destroy the Seahawks in this game. The Saints are playing tough, hard nosed football and are determined to defend their Superbowl title. Their title defense will not end in Seattle. The Saints will win big. Saints 28-10
Divisional Round:
AFC:
1. New England Patriots vs. 6. New York Jets: Prediction: The Jets will be playing second fiddle in the AFC East to the Patriots by losing to them for a 2nd straight time this season, in Foxboro. New England is just playing too well for the Jets to get past them. I think the Jets defense will help keep them in it, for a while, but the Patriots will pull away late to move on to the AFC Championship Game. Patriots 24-16
2. Pittsburgh Steelers vs. 5. Baltimore Ravens: Prediction: The Steelers just have a knack for beating the Ravens, and they'll continue that trend in this game. Baltimore will fight hard, and will keep it close but Flacco will make 1 too many mistakes late and Big Ben will do just enough to get the Steelers a playoff win at home. Steelers 20-17NFC:
2. Chicago Bears vs. 3. Philadelphia Eagles: Prediction: Cutler loves to throw interceptions and he’ll throw a couple in this game. I think the Eagles will show that they should have been the #2 seed and will pull off the victory on the road. It’s going to be a tough game, but ultimately I think Vick is the better QB and the better QB usually wins. Eagles 24-20
2. Atlanta Falcons vs. 5. New Orleans Saints: Prediction: The Saints proved just a couple of weeks ago that teams can win in Atlanta, and I believe the Saints will win there again. Matt Ryan and the Falcons are a great team, in the making, but they lack the experience the Saints have and I think the Saints will win on mental toughness. Brees doesn’t get rattled, and I think he’ll play just enough better than Ryan to lift the Saints to the NFC Championship game. Saints 20-17Conference Championships:
AFC:
1. New England Patriots vs. 2. Pittsburgh Steelers: Prediction: I think the Patriots vs. Jets game is the real AFC Championship game, this game will just be a bump in the road for the Pats as they'll head to the Superbowl. Pittsburgh will not win this game. They are outcoached and outclassed by the Patriots who know how to win at home in the playoffs. Pittsburgh won't go down without a fight, but they will go down. Prediction: Patriots 24-13.NFC:
3. Philadelphia Eagles vs. 5. New Orleans Saints: Prediction: Philly fans will be soaring heading into this game, and what a game! Vick will be striving for destiny and the Saints will be pushing for a repeat, it would be an amazing match up for the championship game. Once the action on the gridiron hits though I really think the great story that is Michael Vick’s season will come to an agonizing end. Brees will lead the Saints back to the Superbowl by beating the Eagles in Philly. The Saints know how to win these games and the Eagles haven’t quite figured that out yet. Vick will do everything possible to win, but will come up just short. Saints: 23-21Superbowl:
1. New England Patriots vs. 5. New Orleans Saints: Prediction: I believe the Lombardi trophy is going to make a return to the Boston this year. I don’t think anyone beats the Patriots. They’re too confident and Brady is playing too well. The Saints will give it their best shot, but will come up short in a very entertaining Superbowl. Patriots 34-24
If anyone else would like to post their Playoff predictions feel free! It should be a fun run to the Superbowl this year.
