NFL 2014-15 Playoff Predictions: Will the Seattle Seahawks repeat?
WILD CARD ROUND
Oct 27, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) makes a catch and runs into the end zone for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
NFC
Dallas Cowboys (3) vs. Detroit Lions (6)
One of the main storylines surrounding this game is Ndamukong Suh’s dirty play that led to his suspension for this game. Mainstream media has generally overlooked Suh’s on-field impact, analyzing the play itself that got Suh suspended. Anyway, none of that matters now since his suspension got overturned — that’s a laughable move by the NFL, since he deserved that suspension. Nonetheless, Suh’s impact on the field is huge: Dallas, with its top-tier offensive line and running back, would’ve had no trouble running the ball against a shorthanded Lions’ front seven. Now, Suh is back, and the Cowboys have to deal with him.
With that said, the Cowboys are the hottest team in football and Tony Romo is on fire. Dallas, although it was a .500 team at home this season, should be able to take care of business against Detroit. Winner: Dallas.
Carolina Panthers (4) vs. Arizona Cardinals (5)
Carolina is rolling while Arizona is reeling. Carolina has won its last four games to win the division and it had held opponents to 12 points per game over that span. The defense is looking like the Panthers’ defense of last season and Cam Newton looks comfortable throwing the ball. Meanwhile, Arizona has lost four of six to end the season and has serious issues at quarterback. Winner: Carolina.
AFC
Pittsburgh Steelers (3) vs. Baltimore Ravens (6)
This game probably comes down to Le’Veon Bell’s health. If he’s healthy, the Steelers coast to victory; if he isn’t, it’ll be anyone’s game. A lot of matchups favor Pittsburgh: Jimmy Smith isn’t there to cover Antonio Brown — Will Hill on Brown seems like a mismatch. Ben Roethlisberger has been playing terrific football and the Steelers’ defense, however shorthanded it might be, has also been performing well. Baltimore had a bit of trouble with Cleveland last weekend and lost to Houston two weeks ago — Pittsburgh is significantly better than both teams. Winner: Pittsburgh.
Indianapolis Colts (4) vs. Cincinnati Bengals (5)
The last time the Bengals went to Indianapolis, the Colts crushed Cincinnati 27-0. I expect a much closer game this time. The Colts’ defense won’t be able to completely shut down the Bengals’ offense again — A.J. Green, (provided that he’s healthy), Jeremy Hill, and Giovani Bernard are too much to stop. With that said, I like Andrew Luck against Cincinnati’s defense better than Andy Dalton against Indianapolis’s defense. Dalton has been a bit inaccurate as of late. Luck is simply a better quarterback, and those matchups should decide the game. Winner: Indianapolis.
Next: Divisional Round