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NFL playoffs round two preview and predictions

We’re down to the final eight teams in the NFL playoffs with this weekend’s games set to narrow the field down to four teams.

Last week I went three for four on my predictions and was real close on a couple of scores, so you can trust me...maybe.

Wildcard Round Results

Prediction Actual result
Oakland 23 - Houston 21 Houston 27 - Oakland 14
Seattle 24 - Detroit 9 Seattle 26 - Detroit 6
Pittsburgh 33 - Miami 13 Pittsburgh 30 - Miami 12
Green Bay 34 - New York 30 Green Bay 38 - New York 13


NFC

(2nd) Atlanta Falcons vs. (3rd) Seattle Seahawks - Saturday @ 1:35 p.m.


These two teams faced off in the divisional round during Russell Wilson's rookie season with the Falcons winning that one 30-28.

The Seahawks have gone to a pair of Super Bowls since then, winning one of them, so they'll be feeling a bit more confident this time around.

Atlanta was the NFL's highest powered offense this season and will look to carry that firepower over into the playoffs.

If the Seahawks defense can hold the Falcons offense in check, the Hawks have a great chance to advance to the next round.

For the Falcons, a fast start will be key to try and limit the Seahawks' ability to run the ball.

Prediction: Seattle wins 27-20

(1st) Dallas Cowboys vs. (4th) Green Bay Packers - Sunday @ 1:40 p.m.

It seems like forever since we've seen the big boys play for the Cowboys.

Not only did they have a bye in the first round of the playoffs, but they rested their starters in week 17 and for large parts of their week 16 game as well.

Rust would be the one thing holding them back, but you'd have to assume a team led by two young superstars in Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott will be fired up and ready to go.

On the other hand, the Green Bay Packers are the hottest team in the league having won seven straight games.

Aaron Rodgers is having his way with defenses and even though the Cowboys defense held their own this year, they'll be in tough against A-A-Ron.

The Packers' best receiver, Jordy Nelson, won't play which is good news for the Cowboys, but Rodgers didn't seem to miss him too much last week when he threw three touchdowns to Randall Cobb and another to Davante Adams.

If Ezekiel Elliott can continue his incredible play the Cowboys should still be favoured at home, but I'm finding it tough to bet against the best quarterback in the world in this one.

Prediction: Green Bay wins 31-27

AFC

(1st) New England Patriots vs. (4th) Houston Texans - Saturday @ 5:15 p.m

#Patriots vs. Texans. #OneMore

A photo posted by New England Patriots (@patriots) on


Okay I just said Aaron Rodgers is the best quarterback in the world, but you could make the argument for Tom Brady as well.

On the other hand, there's no doubt that Brock Osweiler is the worst quarterback left in these NFL playoffs.

Osweiler and the Texans will be in tough against the New England Patriots who seem to be on a mission this year after the 'Deflategate' mess that they had to deal with over the last two seasons.

The Texans had the best defense in the league this year, but it's hard to see even that stopping Brady and the boys.

Unless that Texans' defense comes up with the most incredible performance in NFL history, there's no way they'll be advancing a step closer to the Super Bowl, which is in Houston this year.

Prediction: New England wins 38-10

(2nd) Kansas City Chiefs vs. (3rd) Pittsburgh Steelers - Sunday @ 10:05 a.m.

@steelers or @chiefs? Who ya got? #PITvsKC #NFLPlayoffs

A photo posted by NFL (@nfl) on


For me, this was the hardest game to predict.

The Steelers walked all over the Chiefs, 43-14, when these two teams met back in October, but don't expect this game to be anything like that.

They're both two of the league's hottest teams, right up there with the Packers, and it's a classic offense vs. defense matchup.

Pittsburgh's big three of Ben Roethlisberger, Le'Veon Bell and Antonio Brown are always a threat, but Kansas City has the big names on defense to stop them.

This game may very well come down to home field advantage as Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City is one of the league's loudest stadiums.

It could also come down to a big play by one of the league's fastest players, the Chief's Tyreek Hill, who has evolved into one of the most dangerous playmakers in the NFL.

Prediction: Kansas City wins 22-19 in overtime



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