Road to the SuperBowl: Divisional Round
https://thesportresort.blogspot.com/2014/01/road-to-superbowl-divisional-round.html
Brendan Vogel:
NFC Divisional Round Playoff Matchup Analysis and Predictions
Saints @ Seahawks-
The Saints come into Seattle hoping to avenge their 34-7 thrashing that took place in week 13 but they are going to have a hard time doing so. Seattle boasts arguably the best secondary in the league anchored by cornerback Richard Sherman, the leagues leader in interceptions. The Saints offense revolves around Drew Brees being able to throw the ball down the field, which is something he was not able to do in their previous matchup (0-8 in attempts 15 yards or more downfield). Especially now that it looks like running back Pierre Thomas will miss another game due to a chest injury, the Saints have to be able to attack the Seahawks through the air. The only way that the Saints will be able to play with Seattle is if their defense can stop the dynamic duo of Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch. The Saints were able to hold the NFL’s leading rusher LeSean McCoy to 77 yards on 21 carries. A very admirable stat and something that many NFL defenses had been unable to do against McCoy all season. Can the Saint’s defense play better than Seattle’s? I think that they can have a much better game than the first time around but unless Drew Brees can muster a little magic of old the Saints road to glory stops in Seattle.
THE PICK: Seahawks 24 – Saints 17
49ers @ Panthers
This game features the most athletic quarterback matchup in NFL playoff history with dual threats Colin Kaepernick and Cam Newton set for what might be the most competitive game of the postseason thus far. Their week ten matchup was a grueling battle that ended up in a 10-9 victory for Carolina. Kaepernick was nothing short of horrific in that matchup posting a measly 7.7 QBR. That Panthers defense racked up six sacks and constantly left Kaepernick confused and frustrated with their various blitzes and unique coverage schemes. The clear key matchup for this game is going to be how the 49ers offensive line is able to deal with the Panther’s front seven this time around. If they can keep Kaepernick upright and give him time to read the defense then their offense should see much more success. Newton didn’t fair much better only completing 50% of his passes and he was also sacked four times. This game is looking like it will be another defensive battle and don’t expect an offensive shootout.
THE PICK: Panthers 17 – Niners 14
AFC Divisional Round Playoff Matchup Analysis and Predictions
Colts @ Patriots
The golden boy of old faces the savior of Indy in a classic playoff matchup. Does Tom Brady have enough left in the tank to will a team that lacks the talent of the old teams to the AFC Championship? Or will Andrew Luck lead the underdog Colts to the promise land after their remarkable come from behind victory against the Chiefs. There are a lot of factors to think about when looking at both of these teams. Both have less than stellar receiving corps that can thank their elite quarterbacks for making them look much better than they are. Neither defense will "wow" you with athleticism or playmakers. This game is building up to be one of those games where which ever teams quarterback has the better game will end up on the winning end. Tom Brady is just 3-5 in the playoffs since 2008 but that doesn’t take away the fact that he still has the mastermind of Bill Belichick on his sideline. The Colts cant fall far behind again in the second half and expect to comeback like they did against an unproven Chiefs team. That being said, Andrew Luck has something very special about him and this could be the statement game of his career. Then again, outside of T.Y. Hilton what offense options does Luck have to work with?
THE PICK: Patriots 31 – Colts 21
Chargers @ Broncos
Peyton Manning is having arguably his best season ever despite him being closer to 40 than 30. A season of filled with breaking records set by teams like the 1999 Rams suggests that this team should have an offense that is literally unstoppable. Don’t tell San Diego that though. As the Chargers proved they can beat the Broncos and they wont back down from anyone this postseason. Phillip Rivers is one of the most passionate players and leaders in the NFL. The key part of this game will be how effective San Diego will be running the football on the Denver defense. The Chargers have run for an average of 170.2 yards during the current five-game win streak and are 10-2 when rushing for more than 102, compared to 0-5 when they don't. It's unclear how much Mathews will be able to contribute, though, after leaving last weekend's game with a lingering ankle injury. With that said Peyton Manning has lost his last three postseason games and is 4-6 all time against the Chargers. Meanwhile Rivers has posted a 6-2 record all time against the Broncos with a 99.1 QBR. The Chargers are the 6th seed in the AFC and everyone knows just how hot those teams have been recently. It might sound crazy but I don't think the 6th seed magic has run it's course yet.
THE PICK: Chargers 38 – Broncos 35
Saints @ Seahawks-
The Saints come into Seattle hoping to avenge their 34-7 thrashing that took place in week 13 but they are going to have a hard time doing so. Seattle boasts arguably the best secondary in the league anchored by cornerback Richard Sherman, the leagues leader in interceptions. The Saints offense revolves around Drew Brees being able to throw the ball down the field, which is something he was not able to do in their previous matchup (0-8 in attempts 15 yards or more downfield). Especially now that it looks like running back Pierre Thomas will miss another game due to a chest injury, the Saints have to be able to attack the Seahawks through the air. The only way that the Saints will be able to play with Seattle is if their defense can stop the dynamic duo of Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch. The Saints were able to hold the NFL’s leading rusher LeSean McCoy to 77 yards on 21 carries. A very admirable stat and something that many NFL defenses had been unable to do against McCoy all season. Can the Saint’s defense play better than Seattle’s? I think that they can have a much better game than the first time around but unless Drew Brees can muster a little magic of old the Saints road to glory stops in Seattle.
THE PICK: Seahawks 24 – Saints 17
49ers @ Panthers
This game features the most athletic quarterback matchup in NFL playoff history with dual threats Colin Kaepernick and Cam Newton set for what might be the most competitive game of the postseason thus far. Their week ten matchup was a grueling battle that ended up in a 10-9 victory for Carolina. Kaepernick was nothing short of horrific in that matchup posting a measly 7.7 QBR. That Panthers defense racked up six sacks and constantly left Kaepernick confused and frustrated with their various blitzes and unique coverage schemes. The clear key matchup for this game is going to be how the 49ers offensive line is able to deal with the Panther’s front seven this time around. If they can keep Kaepernick upright and give him time to read the defense then their offense should see much more success. Newton didn’t fair much better only completing 50% of his passes and he was also sacked four times. This game is looking like it will be another defensive battle and don’t expect an offensive shootout.
THE PICK: Panthers 17 – Niners 14
AFC Divisional Round Playoff Matchup Analysis and Predictions
Colts @ Patriots
The golden boy of old faces the savior of Indy in a classic playoff matchup. Does Tom Brady have enough left in the tank to will a team that lacks the talent of the old teams to the AFC Championship? Or will Andrew Luck lead the underdog Colts to the promise land after their remarkable come from behind victory against the Chiefs. There are a lot of factors to think about when looking at both of these teams. Both have less than stellar receiving corps that can thank their elite quarterbacks for making them look much better than they are. Neither defense will "wow" you with athleticism or playmakers. This game is building up to be one of those games where which ever teams quarterback has the better game will end up on the winning end. Tom Brady is just 3-5 in the playoffs since 2008 but that doesn’t take away the fact that he still has the mastermind of Bill Belichick on his sideline. The Colts cant fall far behind again in the second half and expect to comeback like they did against an unproven Chiefs team. That being said, Andrew Luck has something very special about him and this could be the statement game of his career. Then again, outside of T.Y. Hilton what offense options does Luck have to work with?
THE PICK: Patriots 31 – Colts 21
Chargers @ Broncos
Peyton Manning is having arguably his best season ever despite him being closer to 40 than 30. A season of filled with breaking records set by teams like the 1999 Rams suggests that this team should have an offense that is literally unstoppable. Don’t tell San Diego that though. As the Chargers proved they can beat the Broncos and they wont back down from anyone this postseason. Phillip Rivers is one of the most passionate players and leaders in the NFL. The key part of this game will be how effective San Diego will be running the football on the Denver defense. The Chargers have run for an average of 170.2 yards during the current five-game win streak and are 10-2 when rushing for more than 102, compared to 0-5 when they don't. It's unclear how much Mathews will be able to contribute, though, after leaving last weekend's game with a lingering ankle injury. With that said Peyton Manning has lost his last three postseason games and is 4-6 all time against the Chargers. Meanwhile Rivers has posted a 6-2 record all time against the Broncos with a 99.1 QBR. The Chargers are the 6th seed in the AFC and everyone knows just how hot those teams have been recently. It might sound crazy but I don't think the 6th seed magic has run it's course yet.
THE PICK: Chargers 38 – Broncos 35
Photos courtesy of :
thefootbawlblog.com
sfbay.ca
rantsports.com
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