NFL Playoff Predictions

The NFL playoffs are upon us, and I wouldn't be surprised if there's a repeat of the above picture come February.

NFC

1. Seattle Seahawks (12-4)

2. Green Bay Packers (12-4)

3. Dallas Cowboys (12-4)

4. Carolina Panthers (7-8-1)

5. Arizona Cardinals (11-5)

6. Detroit Lions (11-5)

AFC

1. New England Patriots (12-4)

2. Denver Broncos (12-4)

3. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5)

4. Indianapolis Colts (11-5)

5. Cincinnati Bengals (10-5-1)

6. Baltimore Ravens (10-6)

NFC Wild Card Round

Arizona Cardinals @ Carolina Panthers

The Panthers were able to win the NFC South with a losing record but they've won four in a row and Cam Newton looked pretty solid in last Sunday's win over the Falcons. Meanwhile, the Cardinals have stumbled into the playoffs after an 11-3 start. They're on their third quarterback in Ryan Lindley, and they've had other injuries all over the place on offense as well. As crazy as it sounds for the 7-8-1 Panthers to win a playoff game, I do think that they win this one at home. Cam's looked good lately and the Cards are reeling. Panthers over Cardinals, 20-17.

Detroit Lions @ Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys are finally back in the playoffs after a terrific season. The Lions were one game away from winning the NFC North, but still had a solid season at 11-5. The story of the game will be the Lions' great D-Line vs the Cowboys' awesome O-Line. If Demarco Murray has room to run, I don't think this game will be close. Tony Romo and Dez Bryant are too powerful of a combo as it is, so if Murray runs wild, there's no way the Lions win. It doesn't take a football genius to realize that but it's true. On the other side for the Lions, the question will be whether or not Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson can create enough offense to combat the Cowboys' deadly attack. I'm taking the Cowboys in this one, the Lions D won't have enough to stop Dallas. Cowboys over Lions, 34-20. 

AFC Wild Card Round

Cincinnati Bengals @ Indianapolis Colts

These are two teams that have shown signs of greatness, but also have looked terrible in some games. Andrew Luck is a gamer, but throws a lot of picks because he passes so much. Meanwhile, Andy Dalton is kind of a clock management quarterback who has a strong running game, but he hasn't won a playoff game yet. I like the Colts at home in this one. Dalton won't get that first playoff win under his belt. Luck and his receivers are too much for the Bengals D in Indy. Colts over Bengals, 30-24. 

Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Divisional matchups in the playoffs are always exciting. The two teams split their two regular season games and both were blow outs. I think Ben Roethlisberger has way too many weapons -- even without Leveon Bell -- for the Ravens to handle. Big Ben had his best season this year, and I don't think the Ravens have the personnel on defense to combat it. Steelers over Ravens, 38-24. 

NFC Divisional Round

Carolina Panthers @ Seattle Seahawks

This one's gonna be a rout. The Seahawks are rolling and the Panthers won't be able to carry their momentum into Seattle. Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch will be too much for Carolina. Seahawks over Panthers, 41-14. 

Dallas Cowboys @ Green Bay Packers

Gonna be a house divider. I'm obviously a Packers fan, and so are two of my brothers. But my dad is a Cowboys fan. Dallas has had a great year, but their season will come to an end in Lambeau. Aaron Rodgers will have had two weeks off and should be closer to 100%. He has too many weapons to work with for the Cowboys to defend. The Cowboys should be able to put up their fair share of points, but Green Bay will put up more. Packers over Cowboys, 41-28. 

AFC Divisional Round

Indianapolis Colts @ New England Patriots

The Patriots have been pretty much dominant since their 2-2 start, and that domination included a blow out win over the Colts in Indianapolis. This game might be a little bit closer, but not by much. Brady, Gronk and company will be ready to go. Patriots over Colts, 38-21. 

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Denver Broncos

Peyton Manning has looked nothing better than a mediocre quarterback the last few weeks. If he's not on top of his game, there's no way the Broncos can ride CJ Anderson through the playoffs. I would think Leveon Bell will be back by next week, but even without him Big Ben will be able to take down the Broncos in Denver. Steelers over Broncos, 34-31. 

NFC Championship Round

Green Bay Packers @ Seattle Seahawks

Seattle scares me a lot. They're on an absolute tear right now, and they already beat Green Bay in Seattle week one. However, the Packers have gone 11-2 since their 1-2 start and I think they're ready to make a big statement on the road against the defending champions. The Green Bay defense has vastly improved since their week one performance against Seattle, and I think they'll be able to reasonably contain Marshawn Lynch. Russell Wilson will make some plays, but Aaron Rodgers, Eddie Lacy, Jordy Nelson, and Randall Cobb will make more. Packers over Seahawks, 28-24. 

AFC Championship Round

Pittsburgh Steelers @ New England Patriots

The Steelers are the biggest threat to take down the Pats, but it won't happen at Gillette. The Patriots are simply too strong. Tom Brady will be on the top of his game, and LeGarrette Blount will have a big game against the team that dropped him earlier in the year. The Steelers will put up some points, but it won't be enough. Patriots over Steelers, 34-27. 

Super Bowl XLIX

Green Bay Packers vs. New England Patriots

(In Glendale, Arizona)

Another house divider. My two older brothers are Packers fans and my younger bro is a Pats fan. The Packers already took down the Pats earlier in the season. And I don't think things will change. The Packers offense will fire on all cylinders. Eddie Lacy will have a big day. And the Packers defense will make a play late in the game to lock things up. Packers over Patriots, 35-31. 

Biased, yes, but the Packers are really good and I think it's their year. Rodgers had an MVP season, and he needs to cap it off with another Super Bowl victory. I got my brother chirping in my ear as I write this because he thinks I don't make any bold predictions, but this was my Super Bowl pick from day one of this season. And I'm sticking to it.