Now, we’re going to run through the playoffs as well. According to the projections, here were the seedings:
1) New England 13-3 2) Pittsburgh 11-5 3) Kansas City 11-5 4) Tennessee 10-6 5) Cincinnati 9-7
6) Oakland 9-7
Wildcard Round
# 6 Oakland (9-7) at # 3 Kansas City (11-5)
Does a healthy Derek Carr spell postseason success for the Raiders?
Although Oakland’s 9-7 record may have been a little disappointing, they still enter the playoffs as a potential force. In fact, Vegas bettors are putting their money on the young Raiders, with the game line nearing a “pick ’em” by kickoff.
As soon as that ball kicks off though, it becomes apparent that Kansas City has been underrated. They’re well-coached in all facets of the game, including Dave Toub on special teams. In fact, De’Anthony Thomas takes his first return to the house for a TD! Toub’s generated a lot of potential 2018 coaching buzz this season, and his work today is a clear difference maker in this game. The Chiefs win, 27-20.
# 5 Cincinnati (9-7) at # 4 Tennessee (10-6)
Like Oakland, young Tennessee enters the weekend as a media darling and a potential future force in the AFC. They’re a franchise on the rise, with QB Marcus Mariota developing more and more chemistry with WR Corey Davis.
On the other hand, no one’s particularly excited about this Cincinnati squad — especially when the playoffs roll around. But this isn’t the same ol’ story for Marvin Lewis and Andy Dalton this year. Dalton’s coming off a strong season (28 TDs, 13 ints) and starting to develop his own chemistry with younger targets like John Ross and Joe Mixon on the team.
Of course, it’s veteran target A.J. Green that proves to be the difference today. Green follows up a great season (1338 yards, 11 TDs) with another monster game. The Titans simply have no answer for him: Green racks up 127 yards and a TD in the upset victory! The Bengals finally break their playoff curse: 28-23.
Divisional Round
# 5 Cincinnati (10-7) at # 1 New England (13-3)
After a big playoff win, can Cincinnati keep this momentum going? Can they shock the world?
No, they can’t. Bill Belichick and Josh McDaniels will be ready for them, game planning a way to take advantage of some mismatches and some slower linebackers. Tom Brady picks the Bengals apart, controlling the pace, the clock, and the entire game. By the time the whistle sounds, it’s a blowout. New England wins, 30-13.
# 3 Kansas City (12-5) at # 2 Pittsburgh (11-5)
Before the game, Andy Reid and his coaching staff are starting to receive a lot of credit and attention. Not only is Dave Toub emerging as a head coaching candidate, but so is OC Matt Nagy. The Chiefs have gamely opened up their offense this season, and so far Alex Smith is proven up to the task.
In fact, the Chiefs go toe to toe with the juggernaut Pittsburgh Steeler on the road. The two trade punches and scores, leading to a razor-tight game. In the end, the difference maker turns out to be RB Le’Veon Bell. He chugs along for 16 carries, 68 rushing yards, along with 71 and a TD in the receiving game. The Steelers pull out the close win, 28-27!
AFC championship
# 2 Pittsburgh (12-5) at # 1 New England (14-3)
Our title game is a rematch of last year’s when New England smacked down Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers. While this hasn’t been Tom Brady’s best season ever (32 TDs, 8 int), he’s still the favorite to repeat. Not only is their offense humming, but their defense is top ten as well. Their sturdy run defense, in particular, remains a strength of the team.
Knowing this, Todd Haley and the Steelers open up their offense as much as possible, splitting out Le’Veon Bell wide on numerous occasions. Pats CB Stephon Gilmore (who’s had a strong year) bites for a pump fake, leading to a 53 yard TD to Martavis Bryant! Big play right there. The deep threat Bryant is a dimension the Steelers didn’t have last season, and he’s proving a crucial piece tonight.
When the dust settles, it’s Big Ben and the Steelers who emerge with the upset victory, 30-24! Mike Tomlin and Roethlisberger will be moving on to the Super Bowl!
- TAGS
- AFC Playoffs
- AFC Predictions
- NFL playoffs
