Didn't see one of these yet. My predictions: Chiefs 24 Pats 20 - true, the Pats will be healthier in this game than they have been in a while, but they also are going to be facing a ferocious D. As much as the Pats have a great playoff resume, there is a significant recent history of them falling flat at home against a strong D. Chiefs will be able to pressure Brady and cover well. On offense, Alex Smith will do just enough and avoid the mistakes. Reid finally gets his big playoff win over Belicheck. Cards 34 Packers 24 - much closer than the last time these teams met, but I can't in good consciences pick against this strong Cards team at home against a suspect Packers team. Packers will show this time and not embarrass themselves, but the talent discrepancy between these teams is noticeable. The Cards have too much. While I think their season is likely to end next week, they will not be a 1 and done. Seahawks 28 Panthers 24 - this is the game of the weekend and very possibly could decide the SB champion. It has that type of feel. Seahawks were extremely fortunate to survive last week, but in milder conditions expect a very different team, particularly on offense. Wilson is far more accustomed to performing in these big games than Cam. I think the Panthers fairy-tale season ends here. Cam will show well, but the Seahawks are just a little bit better all across the board. Broncos 20 Steelers 13 - unfortunately the Steelers injuries really put a damper on this game. I have absolutely no confidence in Peyton to play well, even against a bad Steelers pass D, but I don't think he will need to play well for the Broncos to win. They can force Ben into turnovers and capitalize just enough. This could be a very ugly and turnover-filled football game, definitely the least appetizing watch of the weekend.
BEST WEEKEND IN FOOTBALL!!!!!!!! Chiefs v Patriots is going to be an awesome game. I can't wait to see that pass rush demolish Tommy Boy.
OP, that's pretty much exactly what i'm predicting too. hope you are right on all counts! (especially the Pats losing)
Chiefs 23 Pats 20 6 sacks lead to Brady's dislocated knee (hey I can dream!) Broncos 27 Steelers 24 Steelers never quit but outmanned Cards 34 Packers 20 Cards are best team in the NFL Seahawks 17 Panthers 14 Shutting Cam Newton's big mouth
I agree, this almost always is the best weekend in football. Unfortunate for us that we have so rarely been a participant in it.
I like Bronco's Cards & Seahawks. Keepimg it real I wouldn't bet against the Pats, Coaching, QB and homefield all go to them.
Historically the rest of the playoffs start to give the favorites an edge: Pats win by touchdown Denver by 10 or more Panthers by 2 field goals Arizona by 14 or more My real preference is all new teams out there (KC , Carolina and the Cards) but Bill B has like a 13-3 record vs teams that clobbered the Pats the first time
If, and only if, the Pats are healhty at TE and WR positions, there will be no pass rush whatsoever. Do people forget that fast? The Pats O-line was insultingly bad to start the season, but they spread 5 out on every play and Brady didn't get touched. Throwing the ball in less than 2 seconds negates pass rush, no matter how terrible the O-line is. Now if he has to stand there for 5 seconds while some guy I have never heard of is trying to get open... that's another thing altogether. I'll vote "they are healthy and Maclin is not" . 33-17, Pats. All the home teams advance. Denver and Arizona will murder both visiting teams. Steelers are too banged up and only thing that will save them is Manning throwing 3 picks. That is always a possibility at this time of year.
Chiefs have a really good shot but I think they'll have to play close to a perfect game to win. Their pass rush against the Pats oline is the biggest x-factor though. And Kelce is going to have to be the most dominant offensive player on the field. If they hit Brady early and get him out of his comfort zone they will have a shot at the end to win it.
I fuckin hate this team with a passion! I normally don't wish injury on anyone but Brady breaking a leg right now would be awesome!
