Playoff Prediction Thread

[HumanCockroach]

Thought it would be cool to see how people felt not just about Seattle, but everyone else in the NFL... So here's my picks..

Seattle vs. Minnesota: Seattle 24 Minnesota 13

I don't think this will be a blow out, and honestly guys like Silver professing before they have played a single snap that Seattle will be the last team standing makes me nervous as hell... That said, despite the added bullseye, I like this match up quite a bit. My feeling is that even with a "healthy" Minnesota defense the Vikings will have trouble generating Much offense.

Wilson 220 yards passing 2 TD 1 pick

Lynch 132 yards 1 TD

Sherman 2 picks

Bennett 2.5 sacks

Irvin 2 sacks and one int.


Pittsburgh vs Cincinnati : Pittsburgh 32 Cincy 10

If Dalton was playing this pick might be seriously different, but he's not. Ultimately this had more to do with my lack of faith in McCarron at QB than some overwhelming confidence in Pittsburgh..

McCarron 164 yards passing 3 interceptions

Brown 184 yards receiving and 3 TDs

KC vs Houston : KC 17 Houston 20

I think the run ends early for KC. I don't have a concrete reason, but I do believe KC had trouble handling the pressure that Houston will apply. Look for Watt to have an enormous game here. Smith plays well but comes up short multiple times in the Redzone.

Smith 246 1 TD 1 Int

Watt 3 sacks, 1 pick six, forced fumble and 4 batted balls.

GB vs Washington : GB 31 Washington 17

I know the consensus but simply disagree. I believe the turnover machine still lurks inside Cousins and is merely waiting for someone like Mathews to free him from his cage. Washington's pass rush is. "Spotty" they are poor against the run, and despite having better outside weapons, I don't see Cousins having the time to find them. Add to it that Washington hasn't beaten a team with a better than .500 record and I see this one turning south in DC pretty quickly.

Rodgers 276 3 TDs 0 ints

Mathews 2.5 sacks, 4 hurries and a fumble recovery

Cousins 264 1 td 4 ints ( 1 a pick six early in the game)..

[obiken]

Seattle 21 Minny 13 I don't thing we should play Marshawn, Human. We win either way. They are average with a QB that is not been playoff tested. We are a Major Contender, who if it wasn't for the cold would win by 17 or more.

Pittsburg 31 Cincy 21
I just don't think AD is ready; It could be a blow out if AJM starts turning the ball over.

KC 28 Houston 17 I just think Houston is the 2nd weakest team in the playoffs and the Chiefs at home are on a roll.

GB 24 Skins 10 I just have faith in the Packer Vets than in the Skins; No doubt all the experts on this site, ESPN, FOX, ect think the Packers are imploding. Toughest game for me to call.

[Hawk Sista]

I had great (brilliant, really) commentary all typed up and I "timed out." Boo

To sum up:

Hawks win a too close for comfort sloppy freeze-fest (13-6)

KC's D is too much for mediocre Texans (17-14)

Green Bay's been soooo iffy, but whiny-ass a-rod leads a 4th Q comeback on crappy turf to eeeek out a win on a questionable call, but now it's fair and makes sense to the Basset Hound looking whiner and they win by 3 or less in a low scoring game.

Cinci's McCarron impresses against a suspect stealer D and a way too Big Ben who nearly collapses in the midst of Ohio's hatred for him. It'll be too cold/rainy/windy for the fat rapist to hook up enough w/ one of the league's best WR trios. Too bad. Trios were his thing.

Go Hawks

[RiverDog]

Thought it would be cool to see how people felt not just about Seattle, but everyone else in the NFL... So here's my picks..

Seattle vs. Minnesota: Seattle 24 Minnesota 13

I don't think this will be a blow out, and honestly guys like Silver professing before they have played a single snap that Seattle will be the last team standing makes me nervous as hell... That said, despite the added bullseye, I like this match up quite a bit. My feeling is that even with a "healthy" Minnesota defense the Vikings will have trouble generating Much offense.

Wilson 220 yards passing 2 TD 1 pick

Lynch 132 yards 1 TD

Sherman 2 picks

Bennett 2.5 sacks

Irvin 2 sacks and one int.


Pittsburgh vs Cincinnati : Pittsburgh 32 Cincy 10

If Dalton was playing this pick might be seriously different, but he's not. Ultimately this had more to do with my lack of faith in McCarron at QB than some overwhelming confidence in Pittsburgh..

McCarron 164 yards passing 3 interceptions

Brown 184 yards receiving and 3 TDs

KC vs Houston : KC 17 Houston 20

I think the run ends early for KC. I don't have a concrete reason, but I do believe KC had trouble handling the pressure that Houston will apply. Look for Watt to have an enormous game here. Smith plays well but comes up short multiple times in the Redzone.

Smith 246 1 TD 1 Int

Watt 3 sacks, 1 pick six, forced fumble and 4 batted balls.

GB vs Washington : GB 31 Washington 17

I know the consensus but simply disagree. I believe the turnover machine still lurks inside Cousins and is merely waiting for someone like Mathews to free him from his cage. Washington's pass rush is. "Spotty" they are poor against the run, and despite having better outside weapons, I don't see Cousins having the time to find them. Add to it that Washington hasn't beaten a team with a better than .500 record and I see this one turning south in DC pretty quickly.

Rodgers 276 3 TDs 0 ints

Mathews 2.5 sacks, 4 hurries and a fumble recovery

Cousins 264 1 td 4 ints ( 1 a pick six early in the game)..

Do you really think Beast gets enough carries to amass 132 yards? I don't. I think he gets a little over half that amount, around 70 or 75 yards. I also think Wilson puts up 300 yards passing, around 50 rushing, with no picks.

Here's my predictions:

Hawks 24, Vikings 10
Chitsburg 28, Cincy 24

Redskins 31, Packers 21
Chiefs 24, Houston 20

[c_hawkbob]

On NFLN this morning:

Coming up next Midhael Silver's not making friends; he's making predictions! He tells us why the 11 teams not named the Seahawks in this year's playoffs are straight waisting their time ...

[burrrton]

Saw that last night, Bob. Hope our team doesn't start "believing the press clippings" like Arizona did last week...

I bet Arizona is glad they ended up with the 2-seed- gives two other teams a chance to knock us off before they have to face us.

[Hawk Sista]

I really want the Packers to lose. This way, if I pick them and the win... I was right. If they lose - I still win.

[RiverDog]

Hope our team doesn't start "believing the press clippings" like Arizona did last week...

I don't that's going to happen. One of the advantages of playing so poorly in the first part of the season is that it teaches our team a lesson, that they are not invincible, and that they must bring their 'A' game against each and every opponent.

[HumanCockroach]

Do you really think Beast gets enough carries to amass 132 yards?

I don't remember saying he would have a specific number of carries?

Enjoy "Breast Mode part III"

( by the way, I think Micheals chips in a long run as well)...

It wouldn't shock me to see Wilson able to deliver the ball accurately and on time, but someone has to catch it right? That is where I see issues, not with Wilson's ability to play in that weather, but receivers ability to haul them in....

Ultimately, I don't care HOW they win, so long as when that final whistle blows, Seattle has at least one more point.

[HumanCockroach]

Coming up next Midhael Silver's not making friends; he's making predictions! He tells us why the 11 teams not named the Seahawks in this year's playoffs are straight waisting their time ...

Yeah, I mentioned how nervous that makes me in my first post. Stupid media. Shut it.

[Zorn76]

Seahawks, 24-13.

Tyler Lockett punt and kick returns will make a huge difference in this game, giving us shorter fields to operate from and score. Heavy running on both sides (weather influenced) means a lower scoring game. We'll contain AP, and Minny has a duel threat offense to defend with Lynch back and RW on a roll. Bridgewater gets a tough draw for his 1st ever playoff game. Seattle also finished 5-3 away this year, including the blowout vs Vikes a month ago.

Cincy, 23-20.

A home team finally wins between these guys, with Bengals winning turnover battle.

Houston, 24-23.

The Chiefs beat the Texans in week 1, and are on a well publicized 10 game win streak. But I think KC has peaked too early, and this is precisely the kind of game that the franchise blows historically.

GB, 27-24.

The Packers are terrible, Rodgers clearly is in a funk, and Cousins has had an awesome season.
Naturally, this all comes crashing down on Sunday. Kirk has taken good care of the ball this year, but I think he forces some unnecessary throws that allow GB to keep this one close, with Aaron momentarily regaining some old playoff form.

[HumanCockroach]

http://gamesided.com/2016/01/06/madden- ... layoffs/2/

Interesting. This just popped up on my Facebook feed. A LOT of what I said in the Arizona Seattle thread according to Madden ( take that for what it's worth) is discussed here... ( the whole Seattle vs GB in the Championship game with Seattle Dismantling them, Arizona losing to GB, and Seattle stomping Carolina with Seattle exposing a suspect secondary) weird.

[Hawktawk]

Redskins are hot with a brash,cocky QB who has broken team records and a ballsy up and coming high energy coach. They have way more offensive weapons. Green Bay looks like burned out coach and a bunch of tired veteran players who lost their pharmacist.
Redskins 31- GB 17-
Vikes are coming in as confident as possible.The last bad game they played was Seattle. The first game should be thrown out the window for the most part. But Seattle is better at QB,Defense, and ST and probably even at RB. I hate the weather but I'm not going to overestimate its effect either.Record setting performances have occurred in bad weather.
Hawks 27-Vikes 13-

I'm changing an earlier Steelers pick here.McCarron was forced into the game by Dalton's stupidity on this field vs this opponent. He threw 2 picks including a pick 6 but he also threw for 280 yards and 2 TDs. He hasn't thrown a pick since.He will be an instant hero in Cinn. Bye Bye Dalton.
Steelers 24-Bengals-35-

KC is a dominant team on both sides of the ball winning by an average margin of 15 points per game during their 10 game win streak. Smith has been deadly efficient.The D is nasty. They might be the most complete team in the AFC.
But the Texans have JJ Swat and occasionally Clowney (day to day)and have somehow played 4 QB's into the playoffs. KC has a huge monkey on their back having not won a playoff game in over 20 years.I am pulling for Andy Reid and Alex Smith. Wouldn't that be redemption?
KC 24-Texans 10-

[Seahawks4Ever]

Green Bay is on the road and will not defeat Washington.

KC worked to hard to just end up one and done. The Texans are just happy to be in the play offs.

Marvin Lewis has been building toward this moment, the moment his Bengals pass the Steelers. This could be the Steelers last trip to the dance for a while.

Seattle is just too hungry to let a young Viking team advance in the play offs. We are a team on a mission!

[RiverDog]

I don't remember saying he would have a specific number of carries?

Enjoy "Breast Mode part III"

( by the way, I think Micheals chips in a long run as well)...

It wouldn't shock me to see Wilson able to deliver the ball accurately and on time, but someone has to catch it right? That is where I see issues, not with Wilson's ability to play in that weather, but receivers ability to haul them in....

Ultimately, I don't care HOW they win, so long as when that final whistle blows, Seattle has at least one more point.

I didn't say that you said Beast would get a specific number of carries. What I was asking you was do you think he'd get enough carries to get the yardage you indicated, a 130 yards. That would almost certainly mean he'd have to get 20+ carries, and I don't think he gets near that many. He hasn't played in nearly two months and Michael played amazingly well last Sunday.

[HumanCockroach]

Like I said, I don't believe the "quantity" of carries will be the deciding factor in how he gets his yards. It's amazing what a 65 yard single carry can do to a yardage total. One or two big carries could get him to that total with less than 15 carries... We'll see come Sunday.

[obiken]

I had great (brilliant, really) commentary all typed up and I "timed out." Boo

To sum up:

Hawks win a too close for comfort sloppy freeze-fest (13-6)

KC's D is too much for mediocre Texans (17-14)

Green Bay's been soooo iffy, but whiny-ass a-rod leads a 4th Q comeback on crappy turf to eeeek out a win on a questionable call, but now it's fair and makes sense to the Basset Hound looking whiner and they win by 3 or less in a low scoring game.

Cinci's McCarron impresses against a suspect stealer D and a way too Big Ben who nearly collapses in the midst of Ohio's hatred for him. [b]It'll be too cold/rainy/windy for the fat rapist to hook up[/b] enough w/ one of the league's best WR trios. Too bad. Trios were his thing.

Go Hawks

Don't mince words HS what do you really think of him!!

[obiken]

Geez 27-0, The Texans are even worse than I thought. Hoyer is done. I still cant believe some of you picked the Texans!

[HumanCockroach]

Chiefs have certainly played a complete game. Hoyer hasn't played well, that said he hasn't gotten much help. Receivers have to catch the ball when it hits them in the numbers...

[obiken]

Chiefs have certainly played a complete game. Hoyer hasn't played well, that said he hasn't gotten much help. Receivers have to catch the ball when it hits them in the numbers...

No doubt Huey, its been a really bad game for them. I just felt going in that the Texans were the worst team in the Playoffs, and the only reason they made it was due to winning the division.

[HumanCockroach]

Like I said, I don't believe the "quantity" of carries will be the deciding factor in how he gets his yards. It's amazing what a 65 yard single carry can do to a yardage total. One or two big carries could get him to that total with less than 15 carries... We'll see come Sunday.

Damn it.

[NorthHawk]

The only prediction I will make on the Seahawks game is it will be determined by turnovers and Field Goals/Extra Points.
I think it will be a fairly close game as the elements tend to even out the talent gap.

[EmeraldBullet]

Who fumbles could be the difference in the game. Could be. I feel this game will be either really close or we blow them out again. I don't see the Vikes blowing us out. We have a better Defense, a better special teams, and a better passing game. They have AP but we have the best run D there is to be had. If we do what we do against the vikes run game, and can cover the TE (something we have struggled with this season) we should be golden. As long as we don't fumble 2+ times.

[obiken]

The only prediction I will make on the Seahawks game is it will be determined by turnovers and Field Goals/Extra Points.
I think it will be a fairly close game as the elements tend to even out the talent gap.

And the winner for the crystal ball award Northy!!

[HumanCockroach]

75% not to bad. Anyone still thinking that GB prediction was crazy? Totally whiffed on the Houston game, but got three of 4 of the winners... ( yes I know the scores weren't spot on)...

But 3 out of 4 seems solid....

[obiken]

75% not to bad. Anyone still thinking that GB prediction was crazy? Totally whiffed on the Houston game, but got three of for of the winners... ( yes I know the scores weren't spot on)...

But 3 out of 4 seems solid....

I got them all right but the scores in Seattle and Pitts were a lot closer. I just never bought into the Skins or the Texans.

[Hawk Sista]

I was gonna point that out, Obi. 4 for 4 - well done. Had burfect & Jones not lost their minds (and had their been better control/coaching in the last 90 seconds, I'd have been 100 percent. 75 is good enuff.

Grats, Obi.

[obiken]

I was gonna point that out, Obi. 4 for 4 - well done. Had burfect & Jones not lost their minds (and had their been better control/coaching in the last 90 seconds, I'd have been 100 percent. 75 is good enuff.

Grats, Obi.

Thanks Buddy!!

I eliminated the Texans the Skins right off the bat. Then it was a matter of luck that goodness for wide left!!!

[Hawk Sista]

That's the biggest thing there. Wide Left. Whew!!!

[RiverDog]

I had the same winning percentage as Minnesota's kicker: 3 for 4.

[HumanCockroach]

I tried to tell you about Washington RD. Should have listened. Teams don't not beat a winning team for two full seasons and then magically win one in the playoffs. I can't think of one, can you?

[Seahawks4Ever]

I was 2-2. I missed on the Bengals and the Redskins.

I should have been 3-4 because the Bengals should have won, oh well. I flat out blew the Packer game. The Packers over came their late season swoon and Washington played like they were just happy to be there.

Now, next week;

Seattle over Carolina could I pick any differently???

Packers over Cardinals I had thought it would be the Redskins going to the desert to lose in the 2nd. round. Instead it will be the Packers knocking out the Cards setting up a repeat of last years NFC Championship between Seattle and Green Bay this time in the frozen tundra.

Denver over Pittsburgh Even with Manning on his last legs the Stealers are hurtin for certain with Big Ben having a dislocated shoulder.

N.E. over K.C. Kansas City had a great run but the Patriots are healthy and at home. This will set up a AFC Championship for the ages with one more battle between Manning and Brady.

[RiverDog]

I tried to tell you about Washington RD. Should have listened. Teams don't not beat a winning team for two full seasons and then magically win one in the playoffs. I can't think of one, can you?

Well, there isn't much in terms of repercussions from my not listening to you, except of course, to stand in front of the class and admit that you were right and I was wrong like I pledged I'd do.

[Hawktawk]

Well....Never mind. My Skins pick looked good for a quarter then Mr Rodgers arrived in the neighborhood. I guess Kellen Moore hanging 435 and 3 TDs on that defense a week ago should have been a clue...

Bengals got Stealered but they did much of the damage to themselves. What do you do with Marvin Lewis, Mr October?
KC might be the most balanced team in the AFC. I didn't expect that much of a blowout though. And hey what is in with Bryan Hoyer? I could see leaving Manning or Brady out there if they are struggling but what has Hoyer EVER done in this league to get as many chances as he gets? 5 turnovers and no points all on him and he never got yanked???

And then my Hawks. I said repeatedly I hated the weather forecast but I still had a 13 point win predicted. If the weather had been decent I think Seattle might have hung up another 30. There were plays on the field that werent able to be made. Its a win we will take it.

So here are my picks
KC at NE
NE 21-KC19. Too much Brady and Gronk although the last time these teams played in KC NE got beaten severely. A KC win would not shock me.
Stealers at Denver.
Denver 27-Pittsburgh 24- Interesting QB match up. Weekend at Peytons gets the start. The guy has no arm left, no mobility. The decision has created a 50/50 reaction. I think its foolish but the balance is the health of Ben. The game could end with Ostweiiler and Jones behind respective centers.I have to go with the home field-and the far superior defense.
Pack at AZ
AZ 31-Pack 21- Pack will be better but not good enough.
Hawks at Carolina
Seahawks 32-Carolina 16. We are going to see the return of Bad Cam slumped on the bench with a towel over his head after 3 turnovers. Wilson will show who the real MVP is..Carolina is the team whizzing down their leg. Seattle is angry coming into this game.

[HumanCockroach]

Well, there isn't much in terms of repercussions from my not listening to you, except of course, to stand in front of the class and admit that you were right and I was wrong like I pledged I'd do.

Could have been worse. Could have gone with your idea...

[HumanCockroach]

As for my picks this week, have to wait until closer to the weekend, injuries sway outcomes and I like to give them their due.... That said I feel real, real, real positive regarding the team nearest and dearest my heart. Truth is, Carolina parlayed that win in to "swag" and "confidence" that being said someone FINALLY got threw to Bevel and Carroll that you do NOT take the foot of the gas until it is either out of control or the final whistle... Thanks Carolina, Cincy etc who helped teach them that lesson... Go Hawks!

[Zorn76]

2-2.

KC gets 1st playoff win since I was in college, lol. Good for them. I had them choking.

Cincy...just one more chapter in their franchise's ineptitude. Ugly game, uglier sportsmanship on both sides. I had them winning at home.

GB - picked them to win, since playoff experience does matter. You could see/feel the momentum change very quickly in that one.

I also don't trust Cousins. I think Washington is making a mistake if they bank on him to be their QB long term. Great statistical season, but mentally he's questionable. He's Phillip Rivers lite in that regard.

And, of course, you know who. Boy, we caught a break there at the end.

[obiken]

Seattle 27 Panthers 24 Close game but I think we pull it out.

Denver 30 Pitts 27 IF Manning plays, IF NOT its Pitts by 10

KC and the Sunshine band is over NE by 14 Brady, Gronk, and Billi just too much. 28-14

Cards by 17 34 GB 17. Cards just have too many weapons and their rested.

[Hawkstar]

Seattle 27 Panthers 24 Close game but I think we pull it out.

Denver 30 Pitts 27 IF Manning plays, IF NOT its Pitts by 10

KC and the Sunshine band is over NE by 14 Brady, Gronk, and Billi just too much. 28-14

Cards by 17 34 GB 17. Cards just have too many weapons and their rested.

I read you KC / NE prediction as ... KC over NE by 14 ~ I loved the Bold predictions!

Here goes:

Denver 27 - Pitt 17 ~ Of course a lot depends on Big Ben being able to throw the ball down field.
NE 31 - KC 14 ~ Awesome turnaround by the Chiefs, but the Brady Bunch at home is to much for the Smit to deal with.
AZ 34 - GB 21 ~ GB D can't contain Palmer and Crew
SEA 27 - CAR 17 - Kryptonite.

[c_hawkbob]

KC and the Sunshine band is over NE by 14 Brady, Gronk, and Billi just too much. 28-14

I read you KC / NE prediction as ... KC over NE by 14 ~ I loved the Bold predictions!

I believe there to be a punctuation issue, try: " KC and the Sunshine band is over[,] NE by 14[.] Brady, Gronk, and Billi just too much. 28-14".