After 256 games, the NFL Playoffs are set to kick off this Saturday. Something things went exactly as planned. The Seahawks and Broncos both won their divisions and won first round byes. Some things went as expected, but in a very different way. The Patriots won their division, but in much grander fasion than I predicted. Some things were downright unexpected. The ZP: Left Fielder predicted a Bears division win. Need we say more?
But, now that the chips have fallen where they will, it is time for the real hard work. The Left Fielder tackles the playoffs, from Wild Card Weekend to Super Bowl Sunday.
Wild Card:
Cardinals at Panthers
The Panthers are trending up at exactly the right time, while the Cardinals are limping at best. Arizona has been the season’s feel-good story, but that can only go so far, as a fourth string quarterback won’t be enough to cut it. I’m a big Cam Newton fan, and he will put this team on his back.
Ravens at Steelers
If Le’Veon Bell is out, it may change the result of the game. But a Ravens team that loses in Houston and is tied with the Browns at half-time isn’t one destined for a long playoff run, and I think the days of the Steel Curtain are beginning to look more familiar in Pittsburgh. A rivarly match-up in the playoffs is always a treat, though.
Lions at Cowboys
The Lions were a lot of fun to watch this year, and often won in resilient fashion. That being said, nobody can match the flash of the Cowboys this year, who have found a three-headed dragon on offense in the form of Romo, Murray, and Bryant. Even the Lions’ dominant defense won’t be able to slow ‘dem Boys.
Bengals at Colts
I’ve gone back and forth a lot on this one. I love both teams, as I now have educational roots in each place. I think Andrew Luck is the best quarterback in the NFL’s future. I think Andy Dalton is one of the least appreciated players in the game. That being said, I was all ready to give a slight edge to the Bengals, but without AJ Green, I don't think that's possible. Colts win by default.
Divisional Round:
Panthers at Seahawks
Does anybody remember the matchup for the Seahawks and Panthers in the middle of the year? Well, it was the beginning of a bad slide for Carolina and the last straw for a Seahawks team that was about to turn on the jets. This is going to be another turning point, except the Panthers will be going home embarressed, and the Seahawks will be tuning up for a long run. Will Marshawn Lynch lead this team back to the promised land? “Thanks for asking.”
Colts at Patriots
The Patriots were not kind to the Colts in Week 11. This won't be any different. The Patriots are showing just how dominant they are as a franchise, and the Colts look like they don't want to succeed. This won't be close, and it probably won't even be fun to watch.
Cowboys at Packers
The Packers appear unbeatable at home. The Cowboys are absolutely dominant on the road. Who wins out? I’m probably making a heart pick, rather than a head pick here, but Big D can ball, and I want to see the Packers go down at Lambeau. Aaron Rogers will have an unstopable day, but so will Romo, as the Cowboys win a high-scoring shootout.
Steelers at Broncos
Everyone has jumped off the Broncos bandwagon in the last few weeks. Yet, the team’s defense is playing better than ever before, and the running game is clicking in a way that should scare, well, everybody. Peyton will be Peyton, and will force Big Ben to play at a high level, which he has proven incabable of doing four quarters in a row this year, let alone four weeks.
AFC Championship Game:
Broncos at Patriots
We’ve been biding our time for this game. This is, really, what everyone wants, and will be the talk of Sportscenter all week. It will be unbearable.
The Patriots were embarressed on the road last year. The Broncos were embarressed at home this year. The slate should be clean for the Manning-Brady Bowl.
I think these teams are as evenly matched as theyve ever been before, and it will make for a thriller. Two Hall of Fame Quarterbacks. Two much-improved secondaries. Two running games with no name recognition but gritt.
That being said, we will return to what I’ve said every week for much of the year: Never, EVER bet against Peyton. I don’t care how many picks he threw against the Bengals in Week 16. Don’t. Bet. Against. Peyton.
NFC Championship Game:
Cowboys at Seahawks
This year’s most intriguing team against the defending Super Bowl champs. That’s what football is all about.
The Seahawks defense will slow Romo and Co. down a little, and the Cowboys defense will be able to manage against a Seahawks offense that is efficient at best. This will be a chess match, and is, for all intents and purposes, a hard one to call.
The cards will fall in favor of the Seahawks, though, based on playoff experience, toughness, and overall a will to win.
Super Bowl:
Broncos vs. Seahawks
A Super Bowl rematch is what many expected heading into this year, although it is impossible to anticipate how we got here. The Broncos have planned all offseason and all regular season for this matchup, and you can bet they will come out angry, looking for a revenge. Meanwhile, the Seahawks have proven that, despite some early season hiccups, they are not going to succomb to the post-championship hangover.
This will be a much better game to watch, and will come down to the wire. The Broncos proved in the regular season that they can play with this team.
I’m going with the Broncos for two reasons. Reason #1: If they got here, they will have had to beat the Patriots, who I think are their biggest test. Once they’ve done that, they will be raring to go. Reason #2: I don’t see this squad allowing themselves to watch Seattle hoist the trophy against the again. This will a revenge grudge-match, and Peyton will get his second ring.
Now comes the fun part. Grab some friends and the remote. It’s almost Game Day.
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