Falcons vs. Eagles

The Eagles lost their MVP candidate and haven’t looked the same since. Their left tackle is out, and the Falcons have pretty good edge rushers. Nick Foles is the starting quarterback and hasn’t exactly set the world on fire since replacing Carson Wentz. The Eagles also got shutout by the Cowboys in week 17 who had absolutely nothing to play for.

All that being said, can you really trust the Falcons? The Falcons are healthier, have a better QB, and I believe more all-around talent than the Eagles. But, I still think the Falcons are not over the biggest collapse in Super Bowl history. 5 weeks ago, we didn’t even know if Atlanta was a playoff team, and now they are favored on the road against the NFC’s #1 seed. Yes, Wentz’s injury plays a big part in that, but I don’t believe we can trust the Falcons to win in the deep into the playoffs until they win the big one.

Prediction: Eagles 27, Falcons 21

Titans vs. Patriots

Best-case scenario for journalists and sports talk hosts would be for the Patriots to lose to the Titans. That is a guaranteed week of content to use for a show, podcast, or column. The talk about Brady vs. Belichick is probably enough to write a book at this point.

But best-case scenario doesn’t matter. The Patriots are going to win, and it’s going to look relatively easy.

Tom Brady could throw a few interceptions and the Pats would still be okay. All they would have to do to stay in the game is get Gronk in space. The Titans have no answer for Gronkowski. No team does. If he gets a few catches to start the game off, the Titans will have to adjust and that will open the running game up for Dion Lewis, Rex Burkhead, and co.

The Pats still have Brandin Cooks at receiver and are getting Chris Hogan back for the game. They have too many weapons for the Titans to handle and the Titans on offense don’t have the firepower to compete. Marcus Mariota has been mediocre most of the year, so the fact that the Titans can run the ball well is negated by the fact that Mariota probably will not capitalize in the red zone.

Prediction: Patriots 31, Titans 14

Jaguars vs. Steelers

This is an interesting game. The last time Jacksonville came to Pittsburgh, Ben Roethlisberger threw 5 interceptions, and 2 pick-6’s. The Steelers scored 9 points. Roethlisberger wanted this game to prove the last game was a fluke.

The problem is, I don’t think it was.

Jacksonville’s defense is as good as advertised, and they match up well with the Steelers. They have 2 great corners in Bouye and Ramsey to match up with JuJu Smith-Shuster and Antonio Brown (who is probably not 100%). The Jaguars pass rush is out of this world. And the Steelers have been overlooking their competition all year.

They are concerned about the Patriots, but they are playing a team that will punch them in the mouth, and that is not afraid of their very talented team.

The problem is Blake Bortles. Can he do just enough to get the Jaguars over the hump? The defense will keep the game close, he just needs to make a couple plays to get his offense into the end zone. I think he can. The Steelers defense gave up big plays to Brett Hundley. This is entirely possible.

This is the right set of circumstances for Jacksonville to win another playoff game. Their opponent is over looking them, they have already beaten their opponent this year, and they just look and feel like the hungrier team at the moment.

Prediction: Jaguars 20, Steelers 17

Saints vs. Vikings

The Vikings’ defense is great. The Saints’ offense is great. The Vikings’ offense is good. The Saints’ defense is good. So what happens?

When in doubt, trust the better quarterback.

Drew Brees will be the deciding factor in this game. Brees and coach Sean Payton have been working together for several years, and that type of chemistry and trust shows up in a playoff game. Payton is not afraid to take chances, as evidenced by his decision to go for the win on 4th down against Carolina last week. Players see that, and appreciate the confidence their coach has in them after decisions like that.

This could be and usually low scoring game, because the Vikings have the personnel to stop the Saints’ passing and running game. Xavier Rhodes at corner and Linval Joseph at defensive tackle are some of the best players in the game. Also safety Harrison Smith and linebacker Anthony Barr. Michael Thomas, Willie Snead, and Alvin Kamara will have problems getting free all day.

In the end, that experience and expertise that Brees brings to the game will win out. And the defense can make enough plays to stop Case Keenum, especially if they could do it to Cam Newton.

Prediction: Saints 21, Vikings 17