NFL Playoffs: Postseason Results and Predictions

With eight teams left, football is bound to get even more exciting this FebruaryAlex Stewart The Santa Clara January 11, 2017AFC Division GamesNew England Patriots vs. Tennessee TitansThe Titans pulled off a miraculous (and somewhat controversial) win last weekend against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs were up 21-3 going into the second half of the Wild Card game. After TE Travis Kelce got knocked out of the game due to a concussion, QB Marcus Mariota and RB Derrick Henry took over, leading the Titans to a 22-21 win. As for their matchup against the Patriots, the Titans offer a formidable defense, along with a big play potential offense. However, that won’t be enough to make the greatest QB of all time in Tom Brady sweat more than a quarter or so, and the Patriots will roll to a 31-19 win.Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Jacksonville JaguarsThe Jaguars battled out a playoff win in a game that belonged in 1977 when you look at the final score: 10-3. “Sacksonville” shut down a mediocre, and injury hobbled Buffalo Bills offense, and will look to pose the same threat to the Steelers. As for Pittsburgh, they will have to wait and see how much they can expect from MVP candidate WR Antonio Brown, who is still rehabbing a calf injury. Either way, they still pose an incredibly potent offense and a formidable defense to match. The Steelers will have to shake off some bye-week rust to start the game but should roll to a solid win over the Jaguars by a score of 27-17.NFC Division GamesMinnesota Vikings vs. New Orleans SaintsThe Saints held on for the win in an incredibly entertaining game versus the Panthers. Drew Brees looks as elite as ever and wants to show to the world that he deserves serious consideration for the title of greatest player to ever throw the pigskin. Minnesota will have something to say about that, however, as they have one of the most feared defenses in the NFL. This will be one of the closest games of the playoffs, and the experience of Drew Brees, along with the loads of talent on the Saints roster, gives them the edge over the Vikings 20-17.Philadelphia Eagles vs. Atlanta FalconsAll Eagles fans will be on the edge of their seats as they hope to overcome the loss of MVP candidate QB Carson Wentz, and still finish the year raising the famous trophy. The red-hot Atlanta Falcons are coming off a convincing win over Coach-of-the-Year candidate Sean McVay’s Rams. This will be a classic shootout affair, with Nick Foles tapping into his past success along with Atlanta’s loads of talent leading to numerous touchdowns. The Eagles will score last, however, and advance to the next round with a win over the Falcons by a score of 38-34.AFC Championship GamePittsburgh Steelers vs. New England PatriotsHere we go again: Hall of Fame quarterback, elite coaches, above average defenses, numerous famous names on both sides and another chapter in the Steelers-Patriots rivalry. This game will be one for the ages. Controversial plays, top-of-the-line performances from both quarterbacks and key defensive turnovers will be in abundance.Expect social media to be ablaze after this game when the Patriots scrape out a 24-23 win over the Steelers. People will liken it to the Week 15 matchup that ended with the Patriots winning after an overturned Pittsburgh touchdown. This win will further cement Tom Brady as the greatest quarterback to ever play the game.NFC Championship GamePhiladelphia Eagles vs. New Orleans SaintsSorry, Eagles fans; this isn’t your year. The reason is simply the difference of quarterback play. Drew Brees, the two electric running backs in Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara, a formidable defense led by Marshon Lattimore and ample playoff experience will give them a solid edge over the Eagles with a 33-21 win.Super Bowl LIINew England Patriots vs. New Orleans SaintsSuper Bowl 52 has an all-time classic quarterback matchup. Two of the best quarterbacks in the history of the NFL will take the field late in their careers, looking to cement themselves as the best ever.Both teams sport an above-average defense, with their front sevens and secondaries looking to force the opposition to make mistakes. On the offensive end, the Saints are arguably more complete than the Patriots because of the running backs in the black and gold. Although the talented defense and the complete offense would seem to give the Saints the edge in this game, the Patriots have arguably the best quarterback and head coach to ever exist.The Patriots will write another fantastic chapter in their dynasty with this 38-33 win over the Saints, but the rest of America will rejoice knowing that with a 40-plus Tom Brady, a frustrated Bill Belichick and assistant coaches leaving to greener pastures, the Patriots dynasty is coming to an end.Contact Alex Stewart at astewart@scu.edu or call (408) 554-4852.