NFL Playoff Predictions: 15 Divisional Round Surprises You Can Bet the House On
If you're an NFL fan, this week shouldn't disappoint.
You have a classic underdog (Seattle), a heated rivalry (Pittsburgh-Baltimore), a great quarterback matchup (Aaron Rodgers vs. Matt Ryan), the Mouth vs. the Hoodie (Rex Ryan facing Bill Belichick) and Tom Brady aiming to just do what he does.
The AFC division round games obviously highlight this weekend's schedule. It will be the third meeting between the Ravens and Steelers, who split the first two games and whose rivalry is regarded as one of the best—and most violent—in the NFL. This will also be the first time for the Jets and Patriots to play since New England's 45-3 victory on Dec.6.
We've got a whole week to break down the games, and time for predictions as well. Here are 15 surprises you'll see this weekend:
15. Seattle Will Have More First Downs Than Points
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The Seahawks will find a way to move the ball, but no way they score against a Bears defense that ranks in the top 10 in total defense, and is allowing just over 90 yards rushing and nearly 18 points per game.
14. Rex Ryan Won't Pop Off
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At least in front of a TV camera or microcassette recorder. There are reports that the Jets coach did fire his team up before their game with Indianapolis by showing a compilation video which showed critics blasting the team and its coach.
You know Ryan and the Jets will be confident, but expect them to play it safe and go generic this week when talking about the Patriots. No need to give their rivals any extra motivation.
13. Jay Cutler Will Be Sacked Only Twice
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And the Bears quarterback will have a monster game.
Cutler threw for 3,274 yards during the regular season and helped Chicago to wins over the Jets, Eagles and Green Bay. Now he'll avenge an Oct. 17 loss to the Seahawks and knock them out of the playoffs.
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12. Pittsburgh and Baltimore Won't Crack 20 Combined Points
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But each team will score off a defensive touchdown. These teams will take their chances and try to stretch the field and attempt big plays, but this will come down to their typical smashmouth, violent, grind-it-out games like they usually play.
11. Roddy White Will Be Clamped Down, But...
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...Matt Ryan will connect with tight end Tony Gonzalez, who will play the hero for Atlanta and help them edge out the Packers. Expect White to finish with about 75 yards receiving and no touchdowns, while Gonzalez will crack 100.
10. Your Best Bet for an Upset Is...
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Green Bay.
You've got to like Chicago and New England in the other games, and Pittsburgh-Baltimore is a tossup. But the Packers have a great quarterback and a talented defense that held the Eagles trio of Michael Vick, DeSean Jackson and LeSean McCoy to one touchdown.
9. The Patriots Will Still Win Big
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By 42 points? Probably not.
Expect the rematch with the Jets to be much more competitive, but for New England to pull away and win by two touchdowns in the end.
The Patriots are nearly unbeatable at home, and will have plenty of motivation as the playoffs start.
8. Michael Turner Will Be Shut Down
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Green Bay's defense has allowed only six rushing touchdowns this season and held the Eagles to 82 yards rushing and one touchdown in Sunday's 21-16 victory.
In their first meeting, Turner finished with 110 yards and one touchdown in Atlanta's 20-17 win. Hard to see that happening again, especially since the two teams have already played.
7. Devin Hester Won't Score on a Return
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The Seahawks won't have it easy at Soldier Field, but you have to figure they will key in on the Bears receiver and make sure he doesn't burn them.
Hester is the game's most electrifying return man and got some praise last week from legendary Bear Gale Sayers, who said Hester deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.
6. Over Three Will Be Fined
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If you thought the last Pittsburgh-Baltimore game got physical, expect this to be turned up a few more notches for the playoffs. Two Baltimore players were fined after the last game, but don't be shocked if that increases for this game.
It's an old-school game, and fans love it, even if they don't root for either team.
5. The Most Obnoxious, Cliched Storyline Will Be...
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Expect New England players to play down their role as Super Bowl favorites, and for Tom Brady to keep saying "they haven't accomplished anything."
This will almost be matched by the Seahawks embracing their role as underdogs, and Pete Carroll enjoying more camera time.
4. Green Bay and Atlanta Will Go Down to the Wire
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Expect it to be more entertaining than the Patriots-Jets rematch, as well as the Ravens-Steelers matchup. Matt Bryant's 47 yard field goal with nine seconds left gave Atlanta the victory in their last victory at the Georgia Dome, and it should come down to another late play again.
3. Bill Belichick Will Shut Down Sanchez
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Expect Mark Sanchez to have a miserable day against the Patriots defense and coach Bill Belichick. The Patriots coach will confuse the Jets quarterback and frustrate him all day in Foxboro.
It's one thing to pull out tight wins against inferior teams during the regular season, and beat a sub-par Indianapolis team last week, but it's hard to see him doing that against the NFL's best.
2. Green Bay Won't Rush for Over 120 Yards
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The Packers had 138 yards rushing in Sunday's win over Philadelphia, but will now face an Atlanta defense that is allowing nearly 106 yards rushing per game. Green Bay has some decent rushers, but no one who is a gamebreaker who can take over an entire game.
1. Your Winners...
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In the AFC, go with Baltimore and New England. The NFC will be Atlanta and Chicago.
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