NFL Notebook, Week 17: Playoff predictions, coaching carousel and more

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – AUGUST 09: Trae Waynes #26 of the Minnesota Vikings breaks up a pass intended for Michael Thomas #13 of the New Orleans Saints during the first half of a preseason game at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on August 09, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

NFC Playoff Predictions

I’m more confident in these games than I am in the AFC games, though anything can happen in the playoffs.

Saints def. Vikings

The Saints might be the best team in the NFC and maybe even the best team in football. Where are the holes on this roster? A loss to a rejuvenated Falcons team was ugly, but since that Week 10 loss, New Orleans has averaged 36.2 points per game. That’s second only to Baltimore in that time span.

I’ll give credit to the Vikings. They feature a balanced team where either side of the ball can get the job done. Unfortunately, I can’t see Kirk Cousins going into New Orleans and cooking up a storm. Honestly, I think the only thing standing in the way of a Saints’ Super Bowl ticket is a trip to San Francisco in the NFC Championship.

Seahawks def. Eagles

On paper, this is Seattle’s game to lose. Don’t let their 11-5 record fool you; three of their losses came to New Orleans, Baltimore and San Fransisco, respectively. There’s a reason Russell Wilson has the nickname “Dangeruss”, too. Whether the Seahawks can get healthier or not in time could end up being a huge factor, though.

Speaking of injuries, Philadelphia has resorted to plucking fans from the bleachers and shoving them in some pads. One thing that the Eagles have going for them is home-field advantage. Since Doug Pederson took the reigns in 2016, he hasn’t lost a December or January game at home since December 2017. This could be a close game, though I’ll give the upper-hand to the more talented team.

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