Let's face it, usually the Wildcard round is kind of a snore. Even when the visiting (wildcard) teams win, the competitiveness just isn't there. This year was so much different. The Falcons completely flipped the script on the LA Rams. Gurley couldn't get going and Goff was constantly frustrated. Kudos to Dan Quinn, that was one helluva game plan. Marcus Mariota, in the rarest of football events, threw a touchdown pass to himself. But the bigger event gets lost in that moment. Mariota took charge of the game and Lebeau's defense stymied the Chiefs. Tennessee, more than might be recognized, owned KC. As much credit is due the 'Sacksonville' defense, the Jaguars weakest link won that game for them. Buffalo was defeated by Blake Bortles running for more yards than he threw. Finally, the Saints - Panthers game was one of the very best of the year. The two-headed rushing monster from New Orleans was stopped, and Drew Brees didn't care. Once again, he proved himself one the most epic quarterbacks of all time. Carolina put it on him to won that game, and he did. That is football is we love to see.
I went 2 and 2 on my picks last week, once again proving that I shouldn't be picking Saturday games. Still, I am compelled to do so ... so:
NFC:
Atlanta (6) at Philadelphia (1)
The Eagles should be lauded and feared in the coming years with Carson Wentz under center. With Nick Foles, they are about as scary as a guy in a fuzzy bear suit. Their defensive front is one of, if not the, best in all of pro football. But the telling stat is this, Nick Foles as a starter this year has a 20 quarterback rating on any throw more than 20 yards down the field. It is no wonder at all that they are underdogs going into the weekend. Matt Ryan is confident, and the Atlanta defense is surprisingly good since the beginning of December. Fletcher Cox can hold DeVonta Freeman and Devin Coleman in check, for a while. But when the ineffective Philly offense leaves the D on the field for more than 20 minutes of game time? The Falcons advance.
Atlanta - 28, Philadelphia - 17
New Orleans (4) at Minnesota (2)
I love these Saints. I really do. This might be the upset of the week, considering that they are playing essentially indoors. But let's be clear. The Vikings are the best team in football right now. They are strong on defense and unstoppable on ball control offense. Case Keenam is looking franchise. Still, Drew Brees is a certain HOFer. If an upset will truly happen in these playoffs, this might be the one. It will most certainly be the game to watch.
New Orleans - 27, Minnesota - 30
AFC:
Tennessee (5) at New England (1)
Who fricking cares. Only two teams in the Belichick/Brady era have won at Foxborough in January. The Ravens (twice) and the inexplicable 2010 Jets. I hate the Patriots. Everyone hates the Patriots, outside of of Massachusetts and the extreme North east. This is the "if" game. If the Titans can stop Gronk. If the Titans can move the ball on the ground. If Dick Labeau's defense can sack and harass Brady. If If If. I, and most everyone else, hope for an upset, but ...
Tennessee - 13, Hatriots - 37
Jacksonville (3) at Pittsburgh (2)
The AFC is almost boring in its predictability these playoffs. Bortles won't run for almost 100 yards. Bortle's won't throw with accuracy. Pittsburgh wins.
Jacksonville - 9, Pittsburgh - 28
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