Here are my predictions for the second round of the playoffs.
The Seahawks defeated the Falcons 26-24 earlier this year.
SEATTLE (3) VS ATLANTA (2)
Matt Ryan and the Falcons boost one of the top offenses in NFL history (scored the eighth-most points in a season) and I don’t think that they will stop. Ryan and Julio Jones have been tremendous all year. The running game with Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman has given the Falcons a great balance. But going up against the Seahawks defense will be tough. If the pressure gets to Ryan early, it could be a tough game for them.
The Seahawks beat the Falcons earlier this season at home. But now they are on the road, which has not been one of the team’s strongest suits this year. Russell Wilson is still playing well but there are times poor playcalling and bad execution can lead to some short drives. Thomas Rawls was huge last week for the Seahawks and in order for the Seahawks to win, he has to step up and do it again. Seattle can’t afford to make this a one-dimension attack. They can carve up the Atlanta secondary, but they need to balance the attack to have a chance.
Matty Ice, who is 1-4 in the playoffs, has a team that is capable of taking down the Seahawks and that is what will happen.
FALCONS WIN 27-17
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The Texans beat the Patriots earlier this season. Tom Brady was still suspended.
HOUSTON (4) VS NEW ENGLAND (1)
Unless Brock Osweiler plays out of his mind and DeAndre Hopkins goes wild, I don’t see the Texans winning this. The Texans are so inexperienced at so many positions that it is going to be hard to see them match up against the Patriots. After losing to New England earlier this year, the Patriots are rested and have Tom Brady under center this time. It gets tougher. Expect a quick start for New England and an easy defeat.
PATRIOTS WIN 34-10
But at the end of the day... 