2018 NFL Divisional Playoff Predictions
After an upset-riddled Wild Card scorecard, fans are in for a real treat this weekend. From the streaking Vikings and Patriots to underdogs like the Titans and Eagles, calling this weekend's slate of matchups interesting and exciting is an understatement.
Falcons at Eagles
After upsetting the Rams last week, Matt Ryan and the Falcons look ready to repeat as the NFC Champions. The Falcons once porous defense has recouped from a early season underperformance and has become as formidable the Vikings. Entering as favorites for this game, the Falcons must show their superiority in the bitter cold weather up north. A win in Philly would be an enormous statement to the NFL. With the recent resurgence of the Falcon offense, the Falcons should be able to finish the game off easily.
On the flip side, all hope for a playoff win in Philly has diminished with the season-ending injury to Carson Wentz. Although the Eagles defense is a very talented one, if would require an enormous defensive effort along with an enormous amount of luck to defeat the defending NFC champs.
Falcons 30, Eagles 12
Titans at Patriots
After upsetting the Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium and historically throwing a touchdown to himself, Marcus Mariota and his Titans squad are rolling into this matchup but do not have enough momentum to bring down the Patriots in Foxboro. The Titans young and porous secondary will allow Tom Brady to tear apart the Titans
After having a bye week, the Patriots must have been excited when they realized that they would be facing the Titans. The Patriots great offense and formidable defense will give the Titans a very tough time. A loss at home to Tennessee is highly unlikely as the Titans serve no chance against the Pats. Expect this game to be a blowout
Patriots 45 Titans 10
Jaguars at Steelers
The Jaguars turned in a poor offensive performance last week at the Bills. But this week, the Jaguars have a major chance to cash in as they face the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Jaguars stomped on the Steelers in Week 5 and should be on major upset alert for this week's playoff matchup. Although Sacksonville, I mean Jacksonville, exhibits one the best defenses in the NFL, Blake Bortles is one of the most inconsistent quarterbacks in the league. Bortles can be either the X-factor for the Jags success or their kryptonite.
The Steelers on the other hand are favorites for the matchup, despite getting drubbed in Week 5. The Steelers have proved to the NFL that they are a force to reckon with and they will not go down hard. With MVP-candidate Antonio Brown playing lights out and Le'veon Bell impressing over the past weeks, the Steelers are looking like an unstoppable force. But, their defense has worsened since Ryan Shazier suffered a season-ending and possibly career-ending injury after a gruesome collision with Bengals receiver Josh Malone. If their defense can close up their holes, this game can be an easy one for the Steelers
Steelers 28 Jaguars 24
Saints at Vikings
Exactly a year ago, the Saints were in a dire situation, sitting at 7-9, with one of the worst defenses in the nation. Now, the Saints, with a win, would be knocking on the door for the Super Bowl. The New Orleans Saints have drastically changed defensively, sporting one of the most formidable defenses. Not only that, but Drew Brees has been playing some of the best football of his career along with spectacular play from the backfield.
At home, the Vikings are almost impossible to beat. Their intelligent and athletic secondary paired with their strong defensive front are a turnover machine. Additionally, the Vikings offense, led by Keenum, Diggs, and Thielen, are one that are hard to stop. Coming into this season, the Vikings were disappointed that Bridgewater wasn't back, but suffered more disappointment when rookie Dalvin Cook suffered a season-ending injury. But today, the Vikings sport one of the best teams in the NFL and are favorites for the NFC Championship