DIVISIONAL PLAYOFF PREVIEW
Eight of the Thirty-two NFL teams remain alive in the 2016 season. This weekend, we have four interesting games to watch, a big upgrade from a Wild Card Weekend that was largely unimpressive.
Game 1: Seattle Seahawks @ Atlanta Falcons
Can Matt Ryan win a big playoff game over an experienced, tough opponent? We'll soon find out. I don't put much stock into Seattle's big win at home against a beat up Lions squad last week, and I feel that Seattle is a bit overvalued coming into this one.
Atlanta will win if: Their offense clicks and Seattle's doesn't do anything amazing. Atlanta can purely outscore this Seattle team (especially with no Earl Thomas). If they take care of the ball and put up points, Atlanta will advance.
Seattle will win if: Their defense steps up. This is an elite offense they have to go face, and their pass defense must come out ready to play. If they can come up with some key stops, they can pull off the upset.
SouthSide Predicition: Atlanta 34, Seattle 28.
Game 2: Houston Texans @ New England
The Patriots come into this one massive favorites, and for good reason. In week 3, the Texans came to Foxboro and lost 27-0 to the Pat's third string QB, Jacoby Brissett. Now going against Tom Brady in the playoffs, they face a massive challenge.
New England will win if: They don't beat themselves. They are clearly the superior team. This should be over at the half.
Houston will win if: They dominate the turnover battle, and the Patriots come out flat. Brock needs to play the game of his life at QB.
SouthSide Prediction: New England 35, Houston 10.
Game 3: Pittsburgh Steelers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This is an interesting game, as I believe that the Steelers have the three best players on the field Sunday night in Big Ben, Antonio Brown, and Leveon Bell. However,I give the Chiefs the edge in coaching and overall roster. Playing the game at Arrowhead is a massive advantage for KC, but I think the "Killer B's" can outlast a pesky KC team.
Kansas City will win if: They can keep Antonio Brown in check. He's one of the most explosive players in the NFL, if not THE most explosive, and he can single handily turn a game around. If KC doesn't let him run wild, they will win.
Pittsburgh will win if: Antonio Brown runs wild (notice a pattern here?) AND they win the special teams battle. If the offense is clicking and Tyreek Hill can't take over the game with monster returns, the Steelers will have a date with the Patriots in Foxboro next Sunday.
SouthSide Prediction: Pittsburg 24, Kansas City 21.
Game 4: Green Bay Packers @ Dallas Cowboys
This is the game of the week. The red hot Packers come in with Rodgers playing some of the best football of his life. But, losing Jordy Nelson is huge, and I think it makes the difference in the game. Dak and Zeke are playing playoff football for the first time, but the big stage is nothing new for them, as they hail from former #1 in the nation Mississippi State and National Champion Ohio State. Dallas should squeak by Green Bay, but don't hold me to it.
Dallas will win if: They dominate time of possession (and bat down any hail mary attempts). Keep the ball out of Rodgers hands, and you'll beat the Packers. Feed Zeke!
Green Bay will win if: Randall Cobb plays great. He needs to fill the hole that Jordy is leaving. If Cobb comes up with a great game, Aaron Rodgers will outscore this Dallas Cowboy team.
SouthSide Prediction: Dallas 27, Green Bay 26. (don't hold me to it).
We'll be back next Saturday with Championship Weekend previews.