NFL picks and predictions: Standings, playoffs and Super Bowl LII
In each of the last two seasons, the Steelers, Patriots and Chiefs have advanced to the AFC Divisional round. I expect the trio to be there again, this time joined by the Titans.
Kansas City gets the nod to advance to its first AFC Championship Game since 1993, but just like then, they lose on the road, in the cold, to an AFC East foe. For the eighth time since 2001, the Patriots will advance to the Super Bowl.
In the NFC, the Packers and Seahawks will take advantage of easy schedules to earn first-round byes. The result is home-field for each in the Divisional round, meaning another collision course in the NFC title game. Unlike 2014, which saw Seattle pull a miracle against Green Bay at home, the Packers will take care of business to reach their second Super Bowl with Aaron Rodgers at the controls.
On Super Sunday, we’ll have the two finest quarterbacks in the game finally square off against each other. The difference? Coaching and secondary play, two things decidedly in New England’s favor. If Rodgers can have a virtuoso performance, Titletown may have another trophy to celebrate. If not, it’s likely another championship for Brady and Co., cementing their legacy as the greatest dynasty of all time.
Playoff predictions
AFC
1. New England Patriots (14-2)
2. Kansas City Chiefs (11-5)
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)
4. Tennessee Titans (10-6)
5. Oakland Raiders (9-7)
6. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7)
NFC
1. Green Bay Packers (13-3)
2. Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
3. Atlanta Falcons (11-5)
4. Dallas Cowboys (10-6)
5. Carolina Panthers (11-5)
6. Arizona Cardinals (11-5)
AFC playoff tree
WC: Pittsburgh 34, Cincinnati 24
WC: Tennessee 23, Oakland 21
DIV: New England 30, Tennessee 21
DIV: Kansas City 23, Pittsburgh 20
AFCCG: New England 27, Kansas City 17
NFC playoff tree
WC: Atlanta 31, Arizona 23
WC: Carolina 19, Dallas 17
DIV: Green Bay 30, Carolina 21
DIV: Seattle 24, Atlanta 20
NFCCG: Green Bay 24, Seattle 23
Super Bowl: New England 28, Green Bay 24