NFL Season Predictions 2016

NFL Season Predictions 2016

7 Months gets longer every year.  That's how long it's been since we've had an NFL game (worth watching... the Preseason is still unwatchable).  But fear not fellow NFL fans.  Tomorrow we get to open the season up with a Super Bowl rematch when the Carolina Panthers take on the Denver Broncos on Thursday night.  If you're like me by this time you are probably so football deprived, you'd happily sit and watch a Browns/49ers game from start to finish.  Enjoy that feeling, because chances are by mid-season you will no longer be so eager (unless of course you are a Browns or 49ers fan, in which case you may want to stop reading now because you probably won't like/agree with what I'm about to say about your teams Cough*Spoiler*Cough).  In this post, I'll go over my season predictions for all 32 teams and include my pick to win Super Bowl 51.  It's worth pointing out that this blog isn't for Fantasy football, but is more intended for an audience who actually likes to watch football games where they may not have a vested interest in any one player (a crazy concept I know).  If you play Fantasy Football, I hope everyone's drafts went well and you have a good season (unless you're in one of my leagues, in which case I feel sorry for you because I'm about to open a can on your sorry teams ;) ).  Since you probably skipped reading this section anyway, I'm not going to waste anymore virtual ink with it.  Onward to the picks!

AFC NORTH

One of these days, my prediction that that Browns will be towards the bottom of the NFL in wins will be wrong and I'll have to eat my words here.  However, this hasn't happened yet, and when they keep making stupid decisions like drafting Johnny Manziel, there doesn't seem to be an end in site.  Look, before Cleveland fans start posting angry comments and try to find out where I live, let me say this:  You seem to have decent management in place for the first time in many, many years.  On another note, the Ravens might be the most boring team in terms of news this year.  The most exciting news since free agency is when they cut and then resigned their running back.  People in management there didn't have enough to do I guess.  The most consistent team in the NFL award goes to: The Cincinnati Bengals.  As long as consistency is measured by losing in the same round of the playoffs for the last 5 years.  However, I'm calling that they finally break that streak this year, but not in the way that Bengals fans want.  That's right, I believe they will actually miss the playoffs this year.  It's nothing really against their team per say, I just think other teams in the AFC have done more and look like they're more likely to punch the playoff card this season.  And as far as the Steelers go, a few thoughts: Antonio Brown is the NFL's best wide receiver.  Their defense will be average at best.  It won't matter since their offense has a chance to be the best in the league.

Pittsburgh Steelers       12 - 4

Cincinnati Bengals        10 - 6

Baltimore Ravens          8 - 8

Cleveland Browns         3 - 13

AFC SOUTH

This is the only division of the NFL where I actually think all 4 teams have a genuine shot of winning the division.  Part of that is because I think these teams are all on the upswing.  Of course, the other part is that this division still isn't very good.  Andrew Luck and that offensive line are going to have a bad day every time they have to take on Watt and Clowney.  Really, the only advantage the Colts have is the best QB in the division.  The other teams are better in almost every position.  The Jaguars had a great draft and great Free Agency period.  I still think they're maybe a year out from taking this division, but the arrow is pointing up for them.  After Houston got Brock, everybody's been curious to see what they're going to look like this year with the best defense in the division and the best wide-receiver and running back.  They should be a tough match every time they have to play, but people forgot all to quick that Osweiler had his fair share of mistakes and they benched him in favor of a shell of the once great Peyton Manning.  Obviously it worked out for them, but if he's that good, why didn't Denver keep him?  The Titans simply aren't as talented on either side of the ball as these other teams right now, but hey, if they keep getting the number one pick every year, they're bound to be good eventually right?

Indianapolis Colts          9 - 7

Houston Texans             7 - 9

Jacksonville Jaguars      6 - 10

Tennessee Titans           6 - 10

AFC EAST

No one is as unlucky as the Jets.  Not only did they miss the playoffs after going 10-6 last season, but they are the only opponent in the AFC East who don't have a game against the Patriots while Tom Brady is out.  Life isn't fair.  Oh well, maybe next year.  As far as Tom Brady's suspension goes, the Patriots could lose all 4 games and still win the division.  Actually, that's probably what they'll do.  Except, I don't think they'll lose all 4 games.  I never know what to think of the Bills honestly.  Rex Ryan's teams are always so hit and miss, they're near impossible to predict.  Much like what comes out of Rex Ryan's mouth.  Lastly, we have the Dolphins who's fans always tell me "this is the year".  If by "the year" they're referring to another year of mediocrity, then I would have to agree.  I'm sure they'll come up with a better excuse by the end of the season.

New England Patriots        12 - 4

New York Jets                    10 - 6

Buffalo Bills                         7 - 9

Miami Dolphins                   6 - 10

AFC WEST

I can't remember the last Super Bowl winner to start a less experienced QB.  Either Siemian is that good or his competition was that bad.  I'm betting on the latter.  Either way, the Broncos might be the only team in the league that could go without a QB on the field and still probably win 8 games with that defense.  With that being said, I think this is the year Kansas City takes over this division.  They're a more complete team and I believe they're ready to take the next step.  The Raiders are in the same boat, but are still about a year or two out from really contending with the really good teams.  The Chargers are the definition of a middle of the road team this year.  They've got a decent amount of talent and experience, they'll be a tough game for whoever they play, but they're not realistically going to win the Super Bowl unless a plethora of injuries sweeps over the NFL this season.

Denver Broncos             10 - 6

Kansas City Chiefs        10 - 6

San Diego Chargers        9 - 7

Oakland Raiders             6 - 10

NFC NORTH

Pop-Quiz:  How many losing seasons have the Packers had in the last 24 years?  The answer, to the dismay of all other NFC North teams is an astonishing 2 seasons.  That's a better streak in that amount of time than ALL other teams.  That streak has no end in sight.  The Bears have gotten better on defense, but wow did they look awful in the Pre-Season.  It seems to be another year destined for mediocrity for DA Bears.  Losing Calvin Johnson will either make Matthew Stafford get better as a Quarterback since he can't just throw the ball up to Johnson anymore or it will expose him for who he really is.  Only time will tell.  And finally we get to Minnesota.  Look, I feel really bad for Bridgewater.  He seems like a good kid and that's a bad injury to come back from.  It's not his fault in anyway, but losing him tanks the Vikings season.  Even if Bridgwater was healthy, I didn't see this team replicating it's success from last season anyway.  Their schedule is one of the most brutal in the NFL this year.  At least Teddy got injured on a year they weren't making the playoffs anyway.

Green Bay Packers             13 - 3

Chicago Bears                      7 - 9

Detroit Lions                        5 - 11

Minnesota Vikings               4 - 12

NFC SOUTH

Newton and the Panthers will fall back to Earth this season.  Luckily for them, the other teams in this division are still way behind them in terms of talent and experience.  The Falcons are another great example of a middle-of-the-road team.  They have some really talented players and experience, but they're just not good enough to push into the playoffs.  The Saints offense should put up some major points, but their defense is so bad I don't think anyone would notice if they didn't ever get off the bus.  Winston should continue to progress as a QB this season, but he's still a ways out from being among the top QBs in the league.  Hopefully the new coaching staff doesn't mess up his progression too much.  2 new coaching staffs in 2 years is tough on a young quarterback.

Carolina Panthers               13 - 3

Tampa Bay Buccaneers      7 - 9

Atlanta Falcons                   6 - 10

New Orleans Saints            6 - 10

NFC EAST

Where to start with the NFC East.  The good news is Tony Romo was able to last a whole couple plays before he went down with injury this time.  Maybe if they Dak plays well enough Romo can sit out till the Super Bowl and come out for the last few plays.  Nahh, it's too risky.  The Giants did a good job in Free Agency filling some needs on defense.  I believe they're in for a bounce back year.  No team in the NFL wants to face the Giants come playoff time.  The Eagles will now begin the long process of fixing what Chip Kelly put together (or took apart i suppose).  They begin this while starting a rookie quarterback.  This will not be easy for them.  And lastly for this division, this IS Kurt Cousins make or break year.  He's playing on a franchise tag and if he doesn't play well this year, he will NOT be in Washington next year.  We'll see if he's up to it.

Dallas Cowboys             10 - 6

New York Giants            10 - 6

Washington Redskins      8 - 8

Philadelphia Eagles         6 - 10

NFC WEST

I'll start with the bad.  Their name is the San Francisco 49ers.  Sorry, Niners fans, but you're in for a rough season.  You just picked up a coach that was chased out of Philly after you already have had a run of bad luck with talent leaving or retiring.  This is not exactly the recipe for a winning season.  The Rams may not have got exactly what they wanted with Goff.  You don't give up that much to get a QB who's riding the bench to start the season.  Their defense will keep them competitive, but they'll struggle against the good teams.  That leaves the Cardinals and the Seahawks.  These 2 will fight all season for the division crown but I think in the end the Seahawks home field advantage will be too many games for the Cardinals to keep up.  Don't worry Cardinals fans.  You'll make the playoffs anyway as a wild card.

Seattle Seahawks            12 - 4

Arizona Cardinals             11 - 5

Los Angeles Rams            5 - 11

San Francisco 49ers         3 - 13

Super Bowl Prediction

After feeding all possible football data into the super computer that is my brain I have come out with the Super Bowl 51 matchup and winner.  Here we go:

Green Bay Packers defeat the New England Patriots 31 - 24

I'll see you come playoffs!

NFL Season Predictions 2016

NFL Season Predictions 2016

7 Months gets longer every year.  That's how long it's been since we've had an NFL game (worth watching... the Preseason is still unwatchable).  But fear not fellow NFL fans.  Tomorrow we get to open the season up with a Super Bowl rematch when the Carolina Panthers take on the Denver Broncos on Thursday night.  If you're like me by this time you are probably so football deprived, you'd happily sit and watch a Browns/49ers game from start to finish.  Enjoy that feeling, because chances are by mid-season you will no longer be so eager (unless of course you are a Browns or 49ers fan, in which case you may want to stop reading now because you probably won't like/agree with what I'm about to say about your teams Cough*Spoiler*Cough).  In this post, I'll go over my season predictions for all 32 teams and include my pick to win Super Bowl 51.  It's worth pointing out that this blog isn't for Fantasy football, but is more intended for an audience who actually likes to watch football games where they may not have a vested interest in any one player (a crazy concept I know).  If you play Fantasy Football, I hope everyone's drafts went well and you have a good season (unless you're in one of my leagues, in which case I feel sorry for you because I'm about to open a can on your sorry teams ;) ).  Since you probably skipped reading this section anyway, I'm not going to waste anymore virtual ink with it.  Onward to the picks!

AFC NORTH

One of these days, my prediction that that Browns will be towards the bottom of the NFL in wins will be wrong and I'll have to eat my words here.  However, this hasn't happened yet, and when they keep making stupid decisions like drafting Johnny Manziel, there doesn't seem to be an end in site.  Look, before Cleveland fans start posting angry comments and try to find out where I live, let me say this:  You seem to have decent management in place for the first time in many, many years.  On another note, the Ravens might be the most boring team in terms of news this year.  The most exciting news since free agency is when they cut and then resigned their running back.  People in management there didn't have enough to do I guess.  The most consistent team in the NFL award goes to: The Cincinnati Bengals.  As long as consistency is measured by losing in the same round of the playoffs for the last 5 years.  However, I'm calling that they finally break that streak this year, but not in the way that Bengals fans want.  That's right, I believe they will actually miss the playoffs this year.  It's nothing really against their team per say, I just think other teams in the AFC have done more and look like they're more likely to punch the playoff card this season.  And as far as the Steelers go, a few thoughts: Antonio Brown is the NFL's best wide receiver.  Their defense will be average at best.  It won't matter since their offense has a chance to be the best in the league.

Pittsburgh Steelers       12 - 4

Cincinnati Bengals        10 - 6

Baltimore Ravens          8 - 8

Cleveland Browns         3 - 13

AFC SOUTH

This is the only division of the NFL where I actually think all 4 teams have a genuine shot of winning the division.  Part of that is because I think these teams are all on the upswing.  Of course, the other part is that this division still isn't very good.  Andrew Luck and that offensive line are going to have a bad day every time they have to take on Watt and Clowney.  Really, the only advantage the Colts have is the best QB in the division.  The other teams are better in almost every position.  The Jaguars had a great draft and great Free Agency period.  I still think they're maybe a year out from taking this division, but the arrow is pointing up for them.  After Houston got Brock, everybody's been curious to see what they're going to look like this year with the best defense in the division and the best wide-receiver and running back.  They should be a tough match every time they have to play, but people forgot all to quick that Osweiler had his fair share of mistakes and they benched him in favor of a shell of the once great Peyton Manning.  Obviously it worked out for them, but if he's that good, why didn't Denver keep him?  The Titans simply aren't as talented on either side of the ball as these other teams right now, but hey, if they keep getting the number one pick every year, they're bound to be good eventually right?

Indianapolis Colts          9 - 7

Houston Texans             7 - 9

Jacksonville Jaguars      6 - 10

Tennessee Titans           6 - 10

AFC EAST

No one is as unlucky as the Jets.  Not only did they miss the playoffs after going 10-6 last season, but they are the only opponent in the AFC East who don't have a game against the Patriots while Tom Brady is out.  Life isn't fair.  Oh well, maybe next year.  As far as Tom Brady's suspension goes, the Patriots could lose all 4 games and still win the division.  Actually, that's probably what they'll do.  Except, I don't think they'll lose all 4 games.  I never know what to think of the Bills honestly.  Rex Ryan's teams are always so hit and miss, they're near impossible to predict.  Much like what comes out of Rex Ryan's mouth.  Lastly, we have the Dolphins who's fans always tell me "this is the year".  If by "the year" they're referring to another year of mediocrity, then I would have to agree.  I'm sure they'll come up with a better excuse by the end of the season.

New England Patriots        12 - 4

New York Jets                    10 - 6

Buffalo Bills                         7 - 9

Miami Dolphins                   6 - 10

AFC WEST

I can't remember the last Super Bowl winner to start a less experienced QB.  Either Siemian is that good or his competition was that bad.  I'm betting on the latter.  Either way, the Broncos might be the only team in the league that could go without a QB on the field and still probably win 8 games with that defense.  With that being said, I think this is the year Kansas City takes over this division.  They're a more complete team and I believe they're ready to take the next step.  The Raiders are in the same boat, but are still about a year or two out from really contending with the really good teams.  The Chargers are the definition of a middle of the road team this year.  They've got a decent amount of talent and experience, they'll be a tough game for whoever they play, but they're not realistically going to win the Super Bowl unless a plethora of injuries sweeps over the NFL this season.

Denver Broncos             10 - 6

Kansas City Cheifs        10 - 6

San Diego Chargers        9 - 7

Oakland Raiders             6 - 10

NFC NORTH

Pop-Quiz:  How many losing seasons have the Packers had in the last 24 years?  The answer, to the dismay of all other NFC North teams is an astonishing 2 seasons.  That's a better streak in that amount of time than ALL other teams.  That streak has no end in sight.  The Bears have gotten better on defense, but wow did they look awful in the Pre-Season.  It seems to be another year destined for mediocrity for DA Bears.  Losing Calvin Johnson will either make Matthew Stafford get better as a Quarterback since he can't just throw the ball up to Johnson anymore or it will expose him for who he really is.  Only time will tell.  And finally we get to Minnesota.  Look, I feel really bad for Bridgewater.  He seems like a good kid and that's a bad injury to come back from.  It's not his fault in anyway, but losing him tanks the Vikings season.  Even if Bridgwater was healthy, I didn't see this team replicating it's success from last season anyway.  Their schedule is one of the most brutal in the NFL this year.  At least Teddy got injured on a year they weren't making the playoffs anyway.

Green Bay Packers             13 - 3

Chicago Bears                      7 - 9

Detroit Lions                        5 - 11

Minnesota Vikings               4 - 12

NFC SOUTH

Newton and the Panthers will fall back to Earth this season.  Luckily for them, the other teams in this division are still way behind them in terms of talent and experience.  The Falcons are another great example of a middle-of-the-road team.  They have some really talented players and experience, but they're just not good enough to push into the playoffs.  The Saints offense should put up some major points, but their defense is so bad I don't think anyone would notice if they didn't ever get off the bus.  Winston should continue to progress as a QB this season, but he's still a ways out from being among the top QBs in the league.  Hopefully the new coaching staff doesn't mess up his progression too much.  2 new coaching staffs in 2 years is tough on a young quarterback.

Carolina Panthers               13 - 3

Tampa Bay Buccaneers      7 - 9

Atlanta Falcons                   6 - 10

New Orleans Saints            6 - 10

NFC EAST

Where to start with the NFC East.  The good news is Tony Romo was able to last a whole couple plays before he went down with injury this time.  Maybe if they Dak plays well enough Romo can sit out till the Super Bowl and come out for the last few plays.  Nahh, it's too risky.  The Giants did a good job in Free Agency filling some needs on defense.  I believe they're in for a bounce back year.  No team in the NFL wants to face the Giants come playoff time.  The Eagles will now begin the long process of fixing what Chip Kelly put together (or took apart i suppose).  They begin this while starting a rookie quarterback.  This will not be easy for them.  And lastly for this division, this IS Kurt Cousins make or break year.  He's playing on a franchise tag and if he doesn't play well this year, he will NOT be in Washington next year.  We'll see if he's up to it.

Dallas Cowboys             10 - 6

New York Giants            10 - 6

Washington Redskins      8 - 8

Philadelphia Eagles         6 - 10

NFC WEST

I'll start with the bad.  Their name is the San Francisco 49ers.  Sorry, Niners fans, but you're in for a rough season.  You just picked up a coach that was chased out of Philly after you already have had a run of bad luck with talent leaving or retiring.  This is not exactly the recipe for a winning season.  The Rams may not have got exactly what they wanted with Goff.  You don't give up that much to get a QB who's riding the bench to start the season.  Their defense will keep them competitive, but they'll struggle against the good teams.  That leaves the Cardinals and the Seahawks.  These 2 will fight all season for the division crown but I think in the end the Seahawks home field advantage will be too many games for the Cardinals to keep up.  Don't worry Cardinals fans.  You'll make the playoffs anyway as a wild card.

Seattle Seahawks            12 - 4

Arizona Cardinals             11 - 5

Los Angeles Rams            5 - 11

San Francisco 49ers         3 - 13

Super Bowl Prediction

After feeding all possible football data into the super computer that is my brain I have come out with the Super Bowl 51 matchup and winner.  Here we go:

Green Bay Packers defeat the New England Patriots 31 - 24

I'll see you come playoffs!

NFL Conference Championships 2016

NFL Conference Championships 2016

Carolina Panthers VS Arizona Cardinals

During the Panthers undefeated run, I kept saying that I thought if they played the Cardinals they probably would have lost.  The Cardinals were and still are possibly the most complete team in the NFL.  However, after watching the Cardinals barely squeak by against the injury riddled Packers, I've seen how the Cardinals could lose this game.  On the flip side, the Panthers looked next to unbeatable in the first half of their game against the Seahawks.  And then the second half happened.  Whether they took their foot off the gas, or got too comfortable; either way, the Panthers will lose if that happens in this game.  The Cardinals have too much offensive fire-power to get behind by 31 points.  Both of these teams have some work to do after last week, but in the end, I have to go with the team that has less to fix.

Carolina Panthers win 30 - 27

Denver Broncos VS New England Patriots

What a historic game this will be.  The will more likely than not, be known as the final game that Tom Brady faced off against his nemesis Peyton Manning.  Well... actually, Eli Manning is probably more of his "nemesis", but either way it's 2 hall of fame quarterbacks facing off.  Interesting fact:  Tom Brady has only beat the Broncos in Denver twice.  Historically, he doesn't play very well there.  Luckily for the Patriots, a Brady at 80% is still better than about 25 other starting quarterbacks.  I hope for a good, close game, but something tells me that the Patriots have the upper hand in this one by a significant margin.  The Broncos posses a slightly better defense overall, but the Patriots offense looks leaps and bounds ahead of the Broncos, even without a running game.  In the end, I don't think Peyton Manning has the throwing ability left to make the clutch throws he'll have to make.

New England Patriots win 31 - 24

NFL Divisional Picks 2016

New England Patriots VS Kansas City Chiefs

This is one of the two games this week that I think could go either way.  The Chiefs are currently the hottest team in football but the Patriots have had 2 weeks to prepare.  Those 2 weeks off were crucial to the Patriots who have been riddled with injuries all season.  Gronkowski and Edleman are both active for the first time since week 10.  Jeremy Maclin for the Chiefs is officially a game time decision, but recent reports are expecting him to play.  This game comes down to New England's offense verses Kansas City's defense.  If Tom Brady can get the ball out routinely around the 2.5 second mark, the Patriots win the game.  I predict he will do just that.

New England Patriots win 24 - 20

Arizona Cardinals VS Green Bay Packers

Is Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay offense back?  The offense that Mike Mccarthy claimed at the beginning of the season had the potential to be the "greatest offense the NFL has ever seen".  Things haven't quite panned out for the Packers like they may have hoped, but nevertheless, they're still alive in the chase for Super Bowl 50.  Until after tonight.  The Arizona Cardinals, in my opinion, are the most complete team in the NFL.  They don't have one clear weakness on their entire team.  The good news for the Packers is that they have a few key offensive line pieces coming back that should help protect Aaron Rodgers at least a little better than the last time these teams met.  I don't see the Cardinals getting 8 sacks again, but I think that the Cardinals stellar secondary should produce some coverage sacks on one of the worst offensive lines in football.  If the Packers can establish the run early and run for over 150yds, they may have a chance to pull this one off.  A strong running game is the only way they can win this game and that hasn't exactly been the Packers most consistent aspect.

Arizona Cardinals win 31 - 24

Carolina Panthers VS Seattle Seahawks

This is the most intriguing matchup of the divisional weekend to me.  The former NFC champions facing the 2016 league MVP.  This isn't the Seahawks vs the Panthers.  This is the Seahawks vs Cam Newton.  After an extra week of rest, Marshawn Lynch is ready to go for the first time in weeks.  Seattle's defense hasn't allowed a road touchdown in 5 straight match-ups.  If I'm going through who has the edge in every position, I give Seattle an overwhelming majority of the categories.  Carolina's defense isn't playing at the same level they started the season.  I can think of about 6 different ways Seattle can win this game and I can only think of 1 way Carolina wins: Cam Newton plays at an MVP level.  Which he can do by the way.  To beat Seattle, Newton has to play a nearly flawless game.  In Carolina's biggest game of the season, I don't think Newton can pull this off by himself.

Seattle Seahawks win 20 - 17

Denver Broncos VS Pittsburgh Steelers

I was really looking forward to watching one of the NFL's best secondaries facing off against the NFL's most explosive offense.  With Antonio Brown and DeAngelo Williams both ruled out, that's not what we're going to get.  You have to think that after 2 weeks of rest, Peyton Manning will be ready to go and prove that he can still play this game at a high level.  The one thing that may be in Pittsburgh's favor this game is that, while one of Denver's biggest strengths is their pass rush, Roethlisberger is maybe the hardest quarterback in the NFL to take down.  In the end, I can't see any way that the Steelers can pull off a win in this game without their best offensive weapon in Brown.

Denver Broncos win 31 - 20

NFL Wild Card Picks 2016

NFL Wild Card Picks 2016

Ahhh the Wild Card round.  Originally made to weed out the bad teams that made the playoffs because of bad divisions.  Or maybe it was so the NFL could make a few more million dollars.  I forget which.  This year (as almost always) there are some pretty easy to pick games in my opinion.  Mainly because, more often than not, the team with the better quarterback wins.  Look it up and tell me who the last "average" quarterback to play in the Super Bowl was.  However, anything can happen in the playoffs.  Here's my picks:

Houston Texans VS Kansas City Chiefs

This is one of those rare games where the better quarterback won't really be the deciding factor in my eyes.  Mainly because both of these quarterbacks are more "game managers" than anything else.  Which by the way, is not a bad thing.  A lot of teams would love it if their QB just took care of the football instead of throwing picks and trying to make plays out of nothing.  The Texans have played well in the last half of the season, but we can't overlook the fact that the only reason they're in the playoffs is because their division is probably the worst in the NFL.  So they're the best of the worst.  That's something I guess.  On the other side, the Chiefs have been the 2nd most impressive team in the NFL in the second half of the season (next to the Seahawks... I'll get to them), and are riding a 10-game winning streak into the playoffs.  What's most impressive to me is how they're winning.  A solid running game (with backup RB's by the way), competent quarterback play, and fundamentally sound defense that doesn't miss tackles.  All things that are not greatly affected by bad weather by the way.  Teams are not going to want to play this squad in January.

Kansas City Chiefs win 27 - 17

Cincinnati Bengals VS Pittsburgh Steelers

Some teams just can't catch a break.  Doesn't it seem like every year the Bengals end up having to face a team that's way too good for their seed?  AJ Mccarron has played pretty well in Dalton's absence, but they now face a team that you're not going to beat scoring less than 24 points.  The Steelers are the team in the AFC that no one wants to play.  Even without Bell they have arguably the most explosive offense in the NFL.  I think the Steelers take care of business in Cincinnati and Marvin Lewis's squad has to face yet another 1st round playoff exit.  Whether it's Fair or not, you'd think at some point his time in Ohio would come to a close.

Pittsburgh Steelers win 31 - 24

Minnesota Vikings VS Seattle Seahawks

In my opinion, the Vikings made a bad decision winning last Sunday against the Packers.  Sure they won the NFC North and got a home playoff game, but now they have to face the NFL's hottest team in the Seattle Seahawks who just got finished annihilating the #2 seed Cardinals.  Had they lost, they would have played the Packers again in Green Bay which I believe is a much more favorable matchup for the Vikings.  I picked Seattle to win the Super Bowl this season and right now, that pick is still looking pretty good.  The Seahawks are the NFC's version of the Steelers.  A Wild Card team that nobody wants to play.

Seattle Seahawks win 28 - 17

Washington Redskins VS Green Bay Packers

Credit where credits due: the Redskins have played some great football as of late.  The Packers on the other hand, have not.  I was surprised how the loss of Jordy Nelson has had such a massive effect on the Packers offense.  I understand that he's a fantastic player, but I thought that Aaron Rodgers would be able to carry the offense more than he has been able to.  The eye test for this game says to pick the Redskins.  The recent stats say to pick the Redskins.  All logic points to picking the Redskins to win this game.  I just can't.  I can't see Aaron Rodgers letting the Packers get knocked out in the first round of the playoffs.  He thinks too much of himself to let that happen.

Green Bay Packers win 31 - 28