This article is a continuation of a combined effort between One and me. Check out those articles here: AFC and NFC.
In case you don't want to read, here's a recap of how everything went down.
AFC Winners:
North: Steelers
West: Chargers*
South: Texans
East: Patriots*
Wild Cards: Chiefs and Ravens
NFC Winners:
North: Vikings
West: Rams*
South: Saints*
East: Eagles
Wild Cards: Falcons and Packers
Playoff Matchups, AFC:
Chiefs at Steelers
Ravens at Houston
Playoff Matchups, NFC:
Falcons at Vikings
Packers at Eagles
How's it all going to play out? This is how:
Wild Card Games
The Steelers will beat the Chiefs because the Chiefs historically can't win in the playoffs and that will not change this year. Now with a first time starter and bad clock management by Andy Reid, they will lose a close game 28-23.
The Texans will beat the Ravens this year and finally put an end to Joe Flacco's starting QB tenure in Baltimore. It will be about time and the world will be better for it. This will be an ugly game, 10-3 final.
The NFC Conference final that everyone expected last year will come to fruition this year. The Falcons will take on the Vikings and sneak away with a close victory. The Vikings defense is incredible, but their offense may not be enough to keep up with the Falcons despite a triumphant game from Stefon Diggs. Final score: 35-31.
The Packers and Eagles will be the best game of the Wild Card Weekend as Aaron Rodgers does Aaron Rodgers heroics leading the Packers to a massive upset against the Eagles in Philly. This game could go into overtime and the Packers will need every bit of brilliance from Rodgers to pull this one out. Philly will be upset and riot in the streets, but at least they won the Superbowl last year. Better to have one than none right? 28-24.
Divisional Games:
Steelers at Chargers: I like the Chargers in this one. Most of their early season injuries will be over with, and by now they'll be humming on all cylinders. I think the Chargers dominate Steelers in Los Angeles, 34-17.
Patriots will no doubt take care of business against the Texans. The Patriots, having faced the Texans already in Week 1, have a game plan against the Texans and seeing the Patriots twice in a season is never good for an opposing team. This game will not be too exciting either as the Patriots control the tempo and run the ball down the Texans throat. Patriots win 24-6.
The NFC will be much more exciting than the AFC fortunately. The Rams will play an exciting game against the Packers, and although the game will not be that close, will feature a ton of scoring with tons of highlights. Rams win 42-31.
In the next game, the Saints will play a classic in the battle of Dome teams against the Falcons. Except next to no defense and tons of scoring. Saints win 42-40.
Conference Championship
Chargers at Patriots. I struggled to figure out who wins this game, but what came down to my final decision of how rare it is to make it back-to back-to back Superbowl appearances. I just don't think the Patriots have the energy to make it back again and the Chargers upset the Patriots at home in an ugly victory. Tom Brady does all he can, throwing for over 300 yards, but his defense just can't get a stop when they need it. Chargers make the Superbowl with a 21-18 win and a last second field goal victory as the Chargers finally have karma on their side and win a close game.
Rams and Saints is going to be a great game and what it finally comes down to in this game is the experience of Drew Brees over Jared Goff. Alvin Kamara will also have great game and propel them to a win. Saints 28, Rams 25.
The Superbowl
This is the game that will finally decide who won the Drew Brees trade. It will also be the final game that Drew Brees and Sean Payton play together as a team as well when they beat the Chargers (Payton will retire, Brees will continue to play). It'll be in a Dome which will give an advantage to the Saints, plus being in the south will give the Saints a massive homefield advantage. Some would argue this may actually be better for the Chargers since they don't have any home games this year, but I believe that the Saints will pull off this victory and have a parade in New Orleans. Saints 34, Chargers 24.
In case you're wondering, this is exactly how the season is going to play out. Isn't it nice? If you're protesting games or you're a Bills fan, it's nice to know that this will be a good season for you to miss out on since you know what's going to happen. Anyway, thanks for reading and, for those of you actually watching, be sure to enjoy every moment of the season. It always ends sooner than we want it to.
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