The NFL is down to its elite eight. The Divisional round is arguably the best football weekend of the year, and this group of games shouldn’t disappoint.
All lines via OddsShark.com
Atlanta Falcons (-3) at Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles (13-3) were dominant all year … until Carson Wentz tore his ACL. With Nick Foles at the helm, Philadelphia limped to the finish line, struggling to muster points. All of this is why the Falcons (10-6) are the first team in NFL history to be favored over a No. 1 seed in the Divisional round.
Atlanta isn’t without warts, but this is a very good roster getting hot at the right time. Unless Matt Ryan throws interceptions, or Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman fumble the ball away, the Falcons are going to their second NFC Championship Game in as many years.
Pick: Atlanta 23, Philadelphia 13
Tennessee Titans at New England Patriots (-13.5)
This is going to be a killing. The Patriots (13-3) are well-rested and ready to prove all the doubters wrong after that ESPN piece detailing their likely demise. Tom Brady will be laser-focused, Bill Belichick will be trying to score 75 points, and the defense isn’t going to be challenged by Marcus Mariota and Co.
The Titans (9-7) pulled off a huge upset/comeback over the Kansas City Chiefs, but the magical run ends here. Tennessee’s only hope is to sack Brady (fifth-best in the league with 45), cause turnovers and run Derrick Henry into the end zone a few times. Good luck.
Pick: New England 38, Tennessee 20
Jacksonville Jaguars at Pittsburgh Steelers (-7.5)
In Week 5, the Jaguars (110-6) blew out the Steelers (13-3) at Heinz Field, winning 30-9. Plenty of Jacksonville fans believe that could happen again based on the fact it happened once, forgetting that Blake Bortles threw for 95 yards, and that Ben Roethlisberger tossed five interceptions.
In other words, that ain’t happening again.
The Jaguars have an incredible defense led by the corner duo of A.J. Bouye and Jalen Ramsey, but the run has been available against it all year. Pittsburgh will pound the ball with Le’Veon Bell to set up the play-action pass. It won’t be pretty, but it will be more than enough against a Bortles-led offense that unless Leonard Fournette has a career day, is dead on arrival.
Pick: Pittsburgh 22, Jacksonville 16
New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings (-5)
This is the best game of the weekend, and might be the best game we see thoughout the playoffs. The Saints (11-5) and Vikings (12-4) are both tremendous in their own rights, with New Orleans featuring a dynamic offense and Minnesota displaying a punishing defense.
However, they can both play on the other side of the ball as well, making this such an intriguing matchup. In fact, the bout of Case Keenum and his charges against the Saints’ defense might very well be the difference.
In a game that is a coin-flip, I took the better quarterback and the veteran head coach.
Pick: New Orleans 24, Minnesota 23
Last Week: 3-1
Season: 169-91