The New England Patriots have the best chance in the NFL to win Super Bowl LII in Minnesota. A win would cement their place as the greatest franchise of all-time.
The New England Patriots are the overwhelming favorites to win Super Bowl LII next February in Minnesota. This is how they’ll get there, and who they’ll face in the big game.
New England gets to play in the first game of the season, with a Thursday night opener against the Kansas City Chiefs at Gillette Stadium. If all goes as planned the Patriots should also be playing in the last NFL game of the season. We all know their regular season schedule, but when you start to talk playoff seeding and possible playoffs opponents things start to get a little fuzzy. In order to figure out who the Patriots could face in the playoffs, I predicted the winner for each and every NFL game for the 2017 season. I’m sure fans of other teams will disagree with some of my picks, but this is my opinion only.
There is no exact system as to how I picked each game. I simply went with a gut feeling. With that, I was able to work in some upsets and surprises throughout the season. This article will focus mostly on the Patriots path to the Super Bowl, but I will take a look at some other teams along the way as well.
For the purpose of predicting each game, the winner will be in bold.
If you want to make your reactions and opinions to this piece known, tweet me @CandCFanSided or @JakChowder!
The NFL season gets underway as the Patriots unveil their Super Bowl LI banner and take on the Kansas City Chiefs. This season, Tom Brady is around for Week 1, and the offense should be able to start their journey towards an amazing season.
Week 1
Kansas City Chiefs @ New England Patriots
Baltimore Ravens @ Cincinnati Bengals
New York Jets @ Buffalo Bills
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cleveland Browns
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Houston Texans
Oakland Raiders @ Tennessee Titans
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Miami Dolphins
Indianapolis Colts @ Los Angeles Rams
Carolina Panthers @ San Francisco 49ers
Atlanta Falcons @ Chicago Bears
Arizona Cardinals @ Detroit Lions
Seattle Seahawks @ Green Bay Packers
Philadelphia Eagles @ Washington Redskins
New York Giants @ Dallas Cowboys
New Orleans Saints @ Minnesota Vikings
Week 1 Analysis
The New England Patriots should easily be able to handle the Chiefs to open the season. The energy within Gillette Stadium should be enough for them, but they’re already going to be hungry and eager to get started.
The biggest threats to take down the Patriots in the AFC, both the Steelers and Raiders open up with wins. Close games should play out between the Ravens and Bengals, and Seahawks and Packers. The Giants should also give the Cowboys a run for their money on the road in Dallas.
Brandin Cooks will return to New Orleans for the first time as an opposing player in Week 2. Hopefully, he can break out with a huge game against his former club to help the Patriots march on with a 2-0 record.
Week 2
(1-0) Texans @ (1-0) Bengals
(0-1) Dolphins @ (0-1) Chargers
(0-1) Titans @ (0-1) Jaguars
(0-1) Jets @ (1-0) Raiders
(0-1) Browns @ (0-1) Ravens
(1-0) Cowboys @ (1-0) Broncos
(0-1) Eagles @ (0-1) Chiefs
(1-0) Cardinals @ (1-0) Colts
(1-0) Bills @ (1-0) Panthers
(1-0) Patriots @ (0-1) Saints
(1-0) Vikings @ (1-0) Steelers
(0-1) Bears @ (1-0) Buccaneers
(1-0) Redskins @ (0-1) Rams
(0-1) 49ers @ (0-1) Seahawks
(1-0) Packers @ (1-0) Falcons
(0-1) Lions @ (0-1) Giants
Week 2 Analysis
The Denver Broncos are not going to be the same team that they have been for the last couple of seasons, and although their defense remains strong Dallas should be able to take them down at Mile High.on.
Meanwhile, the Patriots will take on a weaker Saints team, even with the addition of Adrian Peterson. Tom Brady should be able to pick apart New Orleans’ defense on each possession, and I predict a high-scoring, lopsided affair. Defensively, Malcolm Butler may look to step up against a team that he was willing to join as a restricted free agent this offseason. This game could end with a 38-13 score in my opinion.
Week 3
(1-1) Broncos @ (1-1) Bills
(1-1) Chiefs @ (0-2) Chargers
(0-2) Browns @ (2-0) Colts
(1-1) Dolphins @ (0-2) Jets
(1-1) Texans @ (2-0) Patriots
(1-1) Ravens @ (0-2) Jaguars
(2-0) Steelers @ (0-2) Bears
(2-0) Bengals @ (1-1) Packers
(1-1) Seahawks @ (1-1) Titans
(2-0) Raiders @ (2-0) Redskins
(0-2) Rams @ (0-2) 49ers
(1-1) Giants @ (0-2) Eagles
(2-0) Falcons @ (0-2) Lions
(0-2) Saints @ (2-0) Panthers
(2-0) Buccaneers @ (1-1) Vikings
(2-0) Cowboys @ (1-1) Cardinals
Week 3 Analysis
Houston will bring a strong defensive core into Gillette Stadium once again, but their offense will let them down. New England’s offensive line will have their hands full with J.J. Watt and JaDaveon Clowney, but that’s really all TB12 has to worry about. If Mike Gillislee can provide some hint of a power run game, things will open up in the passing game. This game could be a little closer than most people think, but I believe the defense will come up with a big stop late in the 4th quarter to secure a Patriots win.
Elsewhere, the Colts, Steelers, Raiders, Bucs, and Saints all remain undefeated at 3-0.
Week 4
(3-0) Raiders @ (2-1) Broncos
(2-1) Bengals @ (0-3) Browns
(0-3) Jaguars @ (0-3) Jets
(3-0) Steelers @ (2-1) Ravens
(1-2) Titans @ (1-2) Texans
(0-3) Eagles @ (0-3) Chargers
(1-2) Bills @ (2-1) Falcons
(2-1) Panthers @ (3-0) Patriots
(3-0) Colts @ (2-1) Seahawks
(1-2) Saints @ (2-1) Dolphins
(2-1) Redskins @ (2-1) Chiefs
(0-3) Bears @ (2-1) Packers
(2-1) Giants @ (3-0) Buccaneers
(1-2) 49ers @ (1-2) Cardinals
(0-3) Rams @ (3-0) Cowboys
(1-2) Lions @ (1-2) Vikings
Week 4 Analysis
New England has a bit of an easier matchup with a home game against the Carolina Panthers in week 4. The defense will have to focus on Panthers QB Cam Newton, but if they can set the edge and contain they’ll be alright. Carolina is not quite the same team that they were when they appeared in Super Bowl 50, and I don’t have them projected as a playoff team. They will give the Patriots defense some fits, but New England should end the game on top.
The Raiders will take down the Broncos in Denver while the Bucs get handed their first loss at the hand of the Giants ahead of a week 5 matchup with the Patriots.
Week 5
(1-3) Bills @ (3-1) Bengals
(0-4) Jets @ (0-4) Browns
(2-2) Titans @ (2-2) Dolphins
(2-2) Ravens @ (4-0) Raiders
(1-3) Jaguars @ (4-0) Steelers
(3-1) Chiefs @ (1-3) Texans
(4-0) Patriots @ (3-1) Buccaneers
(1-3) 49ers @ (3-1) Colts
(0-4) Chargers @ (3-1) Giants
(3-1) Packers @ (4-0) Cowboys
(2-2) Cardinals @ (1-3) Eagles
(2-2) Panthers @ (1-3) Lions
(3-1) Seahawks @ (0-4) Rams
(2-2) Vikings @ (0-4) Bears
Week 5 Analysis
There will be three true upsets in week 5, as the Bills defeat the Bengals, the 49ers defeat the Colts, and the Eagles defeat the Cardinals. Though the Panthers will come in with a better record than the Lions, I wouldn’t call that an upset really.
The Cleveland Browns will get their first win of the season over the now worst team in the league, the New York Jets. While New England takes down the rising Tampa Bay Buccaneers to stay undefeated, the Raiders and Steelers keep pace as well. Meanwhile, the Chargers and Bears join the Jets as the only winless teams in the league.
Week 6
(5-0) Steelers @ (4-1) Chiefs
(5-0) Patriots @ (0-5) Jets
(0-5) Chargers @ (5-0) Raiders
(1-4) Browns @ (1-4) Texans
(3-2) Colts @ (3-2) Titans
(2-3) Dolphins @ (3-1) Falcons
(0-5) Rams @ (1-4) Jaguars
(0-5) Bears @ (2-3) Ravens
(4-1) Giants @ (2-2) Broncos
(2-3) Eagles @ (2-3) Panthers
(3-2) Buccaneers @ (2-3) Cardinals
(2-3) 49ers @ (2-2) Redskins
(2-3) Lions @ (2-2) Saints
(4-1) Packers @ (3-2) Vikings
Week 6 Analysis
Tom Brady and the Patriots will get a chance to beat up on an extremely weak opponent in the New York Jets. They will be the worst team in the league, by far, in 2017. The Jets defense will have no way to stop Brady, Gronk, Cooks, Edelman, Allen, Amendola, Hogan, Mitchell, Gillislee, Burkhead, White, and well, you get the point. This game is going to be a blood bath on the MetLife Stadium Field.
Around the NFL, the Chiefs will earn a hard fought win over the Steelers while Tennessee Titans take control of the AFC South with a win over the Colts.
Week 7
(5-1) Chiefs @ (6-0) Raiders
(4-2) Titans @ (1-5) Browns
(3-2) Broncos @ (0-6) Chargers
(1-5) Jaguars @ (3-3) Colts
(0-6) Jets @ (2-4) Dolphins
(3-2) Bengals @ (5-1) Steelers
(4-2) Buccaneers @ (2-3) Bills
(3-3) Ravens @ (3-3) Vikings
(4-1) Falcons @ (6-0) Patriots
(4-1) Cowboys @ (2-4) 49ers
(3-3) Panthers @ (0-6) Bears
(4-1) Seahawks @ (4-2) Giants
(3-2) Saints @ (5-1) Packers
(2-4) Cardinals @ (1-5) Rams
(3-2) Redskins @ (2-4) Eagles
Week 7 Analysis
Ever since the NFL schedule was released, Patriots and Falcons fans have had week 7 circled. The rematch from Super Bowl LI will take place at Gillette Stadium, and New England fans will hope for a better start to the game. They’ll get it, but this should be a close game once again as I’m predicting a 3-6 point win for the Patriots.
Chicago will get their first win of the season at home over the Carolina Panthers, leaving the Jets and Chargers as the only teams with a 0 in the win column.
Week 8
(3-4) Dolphins @ (3-4) Ravens
(4-3) Colts @ (3-3) Bengals
(7-0) Raiders @ (3-3) Bills
(0-7) Chargers @ (7-0) Patriots
(4-2) Broncos @ (5-2) Chiefs
(4-2) Falcons @ (0-7) Jets
(2-4) Texans @ (5-1) Seahawks
(6-1) Steelers @ (2-4) Lions
(4-3) Vikings @ (1-6) Browns
(3-4) Panthers @ (4-3) Buccaneers
(2-5) 49ers @ (2-5) Eagles
(5-1) Cowboys @ (4-2) Redskins
(1-6) Bears @ (3-3) Saints
Week 8 Analysis
The Patriots get an easy matchup before their perfectly placed bye week. The Chargers will come into Gillette Stadium winless, and they’re going to leave that way as well. This is another dominant game for the Patriots as they should defeat Los Angeles by three or more scores.
The Chiefs will again take down the Broncos, but they’ll remain behind the undefeated Raiders in the AFC West. Detroit earns a surprise overtime win over the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Browns claim win number two over the Vikings.
A perfectly placed plan for the New England Patriots! As they sit at 8-0, the team will get a break right in the middle of the season, where they’ll be able to regroup and get set for the remainder of the 2017 season. Still, there are other exciting games for Patriots fans to watch this weekend!
Week 9
(3-4) Bills @ (0-8) Jets
(4-3) Bengals @ (1-6) Jaguars
(4-4) Colts @ (2-5) Texans
(4-4) Ravens @ (5-2) Titans
(8-0) Raiders @ (3-5) Dolphins
(6-2) Chiefs @ (5-2) Cowboys
(4-3) Broncos @ (3-5) Eagles
(3-4) Cardinals @ (2-6) 49ers
(1-6) Rams @ (4-3) Giants
(5-2) Falcons @ (3-5) Panthers
(5-3) Buccaneers @ (3-4) Saints
(5-2) Redskins @ (6-1) Seahawks
(3-4) Lions @ (6-1) Packers
Week 9 Analysis
There are two big games this weekend that I can’t wait to watch, the Chiefs-Cowboys game and the Redskins-Seahawks matchup. Both should be extremely close games that are fun to watch. The Ravens-Titans battle could also be a good one!
In the AFC, the Colts continue their downward slide with a loss to the Houston Texans that places them under .500. The Raiders remain undefeated, and now have the best record in the NFL at 9-0 while the Patriots sit.
Week 10
(6-2) Steelers @ (4-5) Colts
(0-8) Chargers @ (1-7) Jaguars
(5-3) Bengals @ (5-3) Titans
(8-0) Patriots @ (5-3) Broncos
(3-5) Saints @ (4-4) Bills
(0-9) Jets @ (6-3) Buccaneers
(2-6) Browns @ (3-5) Lions
(3-5) Texans @ (1-7) Rams
(3-6) Dolphins @ (3-6) Panthers
(7-1) Seahawks @ (4-4) Cardinals
(5-3) Giants @ (2-7) 49ers
(7-1) Packers @ (2-6) Bears
(6-2) Cowboys @ (6-2) Falcons
(4-4) Vikings @ (5-3) Redskins
Week 10 Analysis
Thank god for the Patriots bye week prior to this tough two-game road trip. The Patriots will head to Denver for a tough matchup against a solid, but not great, Broncos team. Von Miller and the Broncos defense may be able to hold New England to under 30 points, but the Patriots defense can certainly do the same to Denver. This should be a very close game.
Another big matchup to watch will be the Cowboys at Falcons, where Atlanta’s defense should give them a slight edge. The Titans also improve to 6-3, asserting themselves firmly in the AFC playoff picture.
The Los Angeles Chargers get their first win over the Jaguars as well.
Week 11
(6-3) Titans @ (7-2) Steelers
(5-4) Bengals @ (5-4) Broncos
(1-8) Jaguars @ (2-7) Browns
(5-4) Bills @ (1-8) Chargers
(9-0) Patriots @ (9-0) Raiders
(6-3) Chiefs @ (5-4) Giants
(5-4) Ravens @ (8-1) Packers
(5-4) Cardinals @ (4-5) Texans
(4-5) Lions @ (2-7) Bears
(6-3) Redskins @ (3-6) Saints
(1-8) Rams @ (4-5) Vikings
(3-6) Eagles @ (6-3) Cowboys
(7-2) Falcons @ (7-2) Seahawks
Week 11 Analysis
Week 11 will pit the NFL’s last remaining undefeated teams against each other with a matchup in Mexico City. This will surely be the league’s best international game to date. Although Oakland is coming off of their bye week, I still think the Patriots come out on top thanks to their experience with the high-altitude. Coming from Denver, the Patriots could choose to practice in either Denver or Mexico City prior to this game. Either way, they have the edge.
The Eagles will stun their division rival Cowboys, and the Falcons will upset a Seahawks crowd in Seattle. The Broncos improve their chances at claiming a playoff spot with a win over the Bengals at home.
Week 12
(3-7) Browns @ (5-5) Bengals
(6-4) Bills @ (6-4) Chiefs
(6-4) Titans @ (4-6) Colts
(3-7) Dolphins @ (10-0) Patriots
(6-4) Broncos @ (9-1) Raiders
(4-6) Texans @ (6-4) Ravens
(1-9) Chargers @ (6-4) Cowboys
(1-9) Jaguars @ (6-4) Cardinals
(4-6) Panthers @ (0-10) Jets
(8-2) Packers @ (8-2) Steelers
(5-5) Vikings @ (5-5) Lions
(6-4) Giants @ (6-4) Redskins
(7-3) Seahawks @ (3-7) 49ers
(2-8) Bears @ (4-6) Eagles
(7-3) Buccaneers @ (8-2) Falcons
(4-6) Saints @ (1-9) Rams
Week 12 Analysis
A Dolphins team led by Ryan Tannehill is not going to disrupt the Patriots undefeated season. While Ndamukong Suh thinks Miami can take down New England in the AFC East, he’s just flat out wrong. This one won’t even be close. Look for a big game from Mike Gillislee, running right at Suh to shut him up.
Pittsburgh is at home to face the best team in the NFC, and they defeat the Packers in an extremely close game. Tampa Bay continues their quest to dethrone Atlanta in the NFC South with a win to pull even with their records.
Week 13
(11-0) Patriots @ (6-5) Bills
(3-8) Browns @ (1-10) Chargers
(6-5) Broncos @ (3-8) Dolphins
(4-7) Colts @ (1-10) Jaguars
(7-4) Chiefs @ (0-11) Jets
(4-7) Texans @ (7-4) Titans
(9-2) Steelers @ (6-5) Bengals
(7-4) Giants @ (10-1) Raiders
(6-5) Lions @ (7-4) Ravens
(6-5) Redskins @ (7-4) Cowboys
(4-7) 49ers @ (3-8) Bears
(2-9) Rams @ (7-4) Cardinals
(5-6) Vikings @ (8-3) Falcons
(8-3) Buccaneers @ (8-3) Packers
(5-6) Panthers @ (4-7) Saints
(4-7) Eagles @ (7-4) Seahawks
Week 13 Analysis
Buffalo will have a good season in 2017, but New England will drop them to 6-6, still good for 2nd place in the AFC East. It’s a week full of home wins in the NFL with 12 of 16 home teams taking the W. The 1-10 Jags keep the downward spiral going for the Colts with a win at home, Green Bay asserts themselves atop the NFC with a win over Tampa Bay, and the New York Jets just continue to do what they do best, lose.
With just 4 weeks left to play, here are your division leaders: New England, Oakland, Pittsburgh, and Tennessee in the AFC and Green Bay, Tampa Bay, Arizona, and Dallas in the NFC. There are plenty of divisions still up for grabs, and the wildcard spots in both conferences are anyone’s to take.
Week 14
(4-8) Colts @ (6-6) Bills
(0-12) Jets @ (7-5) Broncos
(11-1) Raiders @ (8-4) Chiefs
(8-4) Ravens @ (9-3) Steelers
(12-0) Patriots @ (3-9) Dolphins
(4-8) Bears @ (7-5) Bengals
(9-3) Packers @ (4-8) Browns
(8-4) Titans @ (8-4) Cardinals
(6-6) Redskins @ (1-11) Chargers
(8-4) Seahawks @ (2-10) Jaguars
(4-8) 49ers @ (4-8) Texans
(5-7) Saints @ (9-3) Falcons
(6-6) Lions @ (8-4) Buccaneers
(8-4) Cowboys @ (7-5) Giants
(5-7) Vikings @ (5-7) Panthers
(4-8) Eagles @ (2-10) Rams
Week 14 Analysis
Talks of an undefeated Patriots season heat up as the team improves to 13-0 with a win over the Miami Dolphins. To be honest, if the Patriots are to lose a game, this is the one I’d pick. They seem to struggle on the road in Miami late in the season sometimes, but this year won’t be one of those times. New England is on a mission for a sixth ring, and no one’s going to stand in their way.
The Chiefs prove their no pushover in the AFC with a win over their division rivals the Raiders. In the NFC, New York puts the pressure on Dallas late in the season as they earn a win to pull even in the East with just three weeks left to play.
Week 15
(8-5) Broncos @ (4-9) Colts
(1-12) Chargers @ (9-4) Chiefs
(3-10) Dolphins @ (7-6) Bills
(8-5) Ravens @ (4-9) Browns
(5-8) Texans @ (2-11) Jaguars
(13-0) Patriots @ (10-3) Steelers
(8-5) Titans @ (4-9) 49ers
(0-13) Jets @ (5-8) Saints
(8-5) Bengals @ (5-8) Vikings
(8-5) Cowboys @ (11-2) Raiders
(4-9) Bears @ (6-7) Lions
(5-8) Eagles @ (8-5) Giants
(10-3) Packers @ (6-7) Panthers
(9-4) Cardinals @ (7-6) Redskins
(2-11) Rams @ (9-4) Seahawks
(10-3) Falcons @ (9-4) Buccaneers
Week 15 Analysis
After a tough win in Miami, and some in the media questioning whether or not the PAtriots are for real, New England comes out strong on the road in Pittsburgh to prove they are the best team in the NFL. While the Steelers can hang close for 3 quarters, Brady puts it all away in the 4th for another win.
The New York Jets finally win their first game of the season, while the Rams stun the Seahawks on the road. Dallas punches Oakland in the gut with a close win, sealed by a 4th quarter comeback led by Dak Prescott and Dez Bryant. Tampa Bay again forces themselves to the top of the NFC South with a win over Atlanta at home.
Week 16
(4-10) Colts @ (9-5) Ravens
(3-11) Dolphins @ (10-4) Chiefs
(1-13) Chargers @ (1-13) Jets
(8-6) Bills @ (14-0) Patriots
(10-4) Steelers @ (6-8) Texans
(2-12) Jaguars @ (4-10) 49ers
(4-10) Browns @ (4-10) Bears
(7-7) Lions @ (8-6) Bengals
(9-5) Broncos @ (7-7) Redskins
(3-11) Rams @ (9-5) Titans
(11-3) Raiders @ (5-9) Eagles
(6-8) Vikings @ (11-3) Packers
(9-5) Giants @ (10-4) Cardinals
(9-5) Seahawks @ (9-5) Cowboys
(10-4) Buccaneers @ (6-8) Panthers
(10-4) Falcons @ (5-9) Saints
Week 16 Analysis
Sorry Buffalo, you’re just not good enough to beat the New England Patriots in a meaningful game yet, especially in Gillette Stadium. The NFL playoff picture begins to clear up, as each top team holds their position with a win. The seeding is still in question a bit, but the teams seem to be set. It’ll be interesting to watch the week 17 battles to determine bye weeks.
Meanwhile, the battle of the 1-13 teams goes to the Los Angeles Chargers as they take down the New York Jets. I know what Chargers fans are thinking, “you’re nuts! No way do the Chargers only have two wins!” To that, I say look at their division and their overall schedule. They won’t be good in 2017.
Week 17
(11-4) Chiefs @ (10-5) Broncos
(12-3) Raiders @ (2-13) Chargers
(6-9) Texans @ (4-11) Colts
(8-7) Bills @ (3-12) Dolphins
(1-14) Jets @ (15-0) Patriots
(9-6) Bengals @ (10-5) Ravens
(4-11) Browns @ (11-4) Steelers
(2-13) Jaguars @ (10-5) Titans
(5-10) Saints @ (11-4) Buccaneers
(10-5) Cowboys @ (5-10) Eagles
(6-9) Panthers @ (11-4) Falcons
(7-8) Redskins @ (10-5) Giants
(12-3) Packers @ (7-8) Lions
(5-10) 49ers @ (3-12) Rams
(10-5) Cardinals @ (9-6) Seahawks
(5-10) Bears @ (6-10) Vikings
Week 17 Analysis
The quest for a 16-0 season once again ends with a team from New York, but this time it’s the Jets and New England gets to play at home in Gillette Stadium. Imagine how loud that stadium will be as the Patriots again go for a perfect season! They’ll get it, but we all know that only a Super Bowl title matters. So, the Patriots will shift their focus in their bye week to whoever their next opponent will be.
Denver, fighting for a spot in the playoffs, defeats the Chiefs at home, but they’ll still need help to get in. The Ravens are still in play for the AFC North title, but with the Steelers win over the Browns they lock it up. Tampa Bay and Atlanta both win and have identical records, but the tie breaker goes to the Buccaneers and we have a new NFC South champion. Similarly, in the NFC East both the Cowboys and Giants finish at 11-5. New York wins the tie breaker and the division, but both get into the playoffs.
Playoff Seeding
AFC
- New England Patriots (16-0)
- Oakland Raiders (13-3)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)
- Tennessee Titans (11-5)
- Kansas City Chiefs (11-5)
- Baltimore Ravens (11-5)
NFC
Green Bay Packers (13-3)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (12-4)
New York Giants (11-5)
Arizona Cardinals (10-6)
Atlanta Falcons (12-4)
Dallas Cowboys (11-5)
Playoffs! It’s go-time for the 12 teams that made the cut in the NFL as they all try to make their way to Super Bowl LII in Minnesota!
Wild Card Playoffs
AFC
#6 Baltimore Ravens @ #3 Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers take down their division rival Ravens at home in the wildcard round. LeVeon Bell tears through the Baltimore defense all day long, and though Baltimore can hang in there for the first half, their defense is too tired down the stretch to hold a lead. That means the Patriots would wind up playing the winner of the next game between Kansas City and Tennessee.
#5 Kansas City Chiefs @ #4 Tennessee Titans
Tennessee is a feel good story, and people are excited to see them back in the playoffs once again. Their home playoff game though will be spoiled by the “underdog” Chiefs, who are clearly the better team. Marcus Mariota will play well for the Titans though, giving them hope for 2018.
NFC
#6 Dallas Cowboys @ #3 New York Giants
A Cowboys-Giants playoff game is perfect for the NFL as even fans of other teams are going to tune in to watch this battle. Eli Manning is going to pull out the win with the help of OBJ and Brandon Marshall, while their defense does just enough to slow down Ezekiel Elliot and the Cowboys.
#5 Atlanta Falcons @ #4 Arizona Cardinals
Surprise, surprise! The Atlanta Falcons won’t even make it out of the first round this season as Patrick Peterson and the Cardinals defense owns the night. The dirty birds’ offense never takes flight, and Arizona earns an amazing playoff win to get into the Divisional Round.
Divisional Playoffs
AFC
#5 Kansas City Chiefs @ #1 New England Patriots
New England finally gets to take the field in the playoffs, and once again their facing the Kansas City Chiefs. A rematch from seasons past and week 1, the result ends in similar fashion, with New England on top. Kansas City needs to learn that you can’t win consistently with a mediocre QB at the helm. The GOAT gets it done once again. On to the next one.
#3 Pittsburgh Steelers @ #2 Oakland Raiders
The Oakland Raiders played well enough to earn a bye week and home field advantage in this round. Those both pay off and help the Raiders take down the Steelers in the Bay. This will set up a rematch from the 2001 playoffs and the tuck rule game, something Oakland fans have long been waiting for.
NFC
#4 Arizona Cardinals @ #1 Green Bay Packers
Arizona falls in the frozen tundra to Green Bay. The Packers are still able to fly around in the blistering cold and snowfall, while Carson Palmer struggles to command the Cardinals offense.
#3 New York Giants @ #2 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay had an amazing season and it is nice to see them earn a home playoff game, but they don’t yet have the necessary experience to take down an opponent like the Giants. The NFC Championship game will pit two legendary franchises against one another in Green Bay.
Conference Championships
#2 Oakland Raiders @ #1 New England Patriots
I hope this game is played in the snow. Games seem more fun that way, and the replays from 2001 will seem so much more intense. The Raiders will look for revenge as their young core aims to punch their way to their first Super Bowl. Not this time Derek Carr! While Oakland’s offense should play well, and they do have Khalil Mack on defense, they don’t have the weapons to keep up with New England. This could be a big game for someone who didn’t produce as much in the regular season, like Danny Amendola again or Dion Lewis. Dwayne Allen could also be a huge factor in double TE sets for the Patriots. Let’s call this one 34-24 New England and another trip to the Super Bowl for the Brady Bunch.
#3 New York Giants @ #1 Green Bay Packers
While fans have long been clamoring for a Green Bay and New England Super Bowl, another game with the Giants will draw just as much interest. Eli Manning will work some crazy magic once again as someone makes a terrible play for the Packers to cost them the game. Aaron Rodgers does all he can to get the W, but his teammates let him down once again.
Super Bowl LII
#3 New York Giants @ #1 New England Patriots
We all know what happened the last two times these teams met in the Super Bowl. Both times, New York was able to stun New England, and once it ended a perfect season. This time, I believe Tom Brady gets his revenge and the Patriots complete a perfect 19-0 season!
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I don’t think the Giants defense is as good as it was in 2007 or 2011, and the Patriots should be able to put up at least 30 points. Malcolm Butler and Stephon Gilmore can’t completely stop Odell Beckham Jr. and Brandon Marshall, but they do enough to slow them down and to force New York to find other options. Hopefully, Trey Flowers finds a way to pressure Eli, this time wrapping him up so that he can’t make any ridiculous throws. I’m going to call this a 32-21 victory for Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.
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I’m sure plenty of you disagree with how I see the NFL season playing out, so let me hear it. Tom Brady will be the SUper Bowl LII MVP and he will earn his sixth ring. Tweet me @CandCFanSided or @JakChowder if you want to talk about this upcoming season. We can debate this all day long!