DawgTalkers.net Forums The Archives 2018 NFL Season NFL Post Season 2018 Divisional Round of 2018 Playoffs.--Analysis and Predictions

This is my favorite weekend of the year. Four games w/quality teams. I like this week even more than the Conference Championship Week and the Super Bowl.

You can analyze the games and make predictions on this thread.

Here are the match-ups:



(6) Indianapolis Colts at (1) Kansas City Chiefs

Saturday, Jan. 12 | 4:35 p.m. ET | NBC


(4) Dallas Cowboys at (2) Los Angeles Rams

Saturday, Jan. 12 | 8:15 p.m. ET | Fox


(5) Los Angeles Chargers at (2) New England Patriots

Sunday, Jan. 13 | 1:05 p.m. ET | CBS


(6) Philadelphia Eagles at (1) New Orleans Saints

Sunday, Jan. 13 | 4:40 p.m. ET | Fox

I'll be back later to analyze each contest.

Colts
Cowboys
Chargers
Eagles

Chiefs
Cowboys
Chargers
Saints

(6) Indianapolis Colts at (1) Kansas City Chiefs - This may be a closer game than people think but I gotta go with the Chiefs. Though it is Chokey Reid....


(4) Dallas Cowboys at (2) Los Angeles Rams - Dallas is playing hard and LA. is showing some cracks. Tough one to pick. I guess I'll go with Rams at home.


(5) Los Angeles Chargers at (2) New England Patriots - This is another one where Chargers have been playing hard and NE is showing cracks. Still have to go with Bill & Brady at home.


(6) Philadelphia Eagles at (1) New Orleans Saints - Saints.

J/C

I think Indy is going to shock the world and knock off the Chiefs. Colts looked that impressive this last weekend.

Cowboys vs. Rams, to me this is the game that's the most interesting. What Goff shows up, can Donald and RAms line contain Zeke? Can Dak step up if they do? If Goff is on, can they hold them in check? I think this is the hardest game to pick given the way Goff had been playing recently, but I have to go with the Rams at home.

Eagles and Saints - I gotta go with Philly on this one. The Saints have been inconsistent the last few games, and I was not that impressed with them when we played them early in the year. Pitt held their offense (albeit on the road) and their D is horrid. IDk, I guess I am a believer in the Foles magic, that...and I think if DC is out next HC, you will hear the hiring shortly after they are eliminated.

Edit: I missed Chargers and NE. I have to go with the chargers. I think Rivers finally beats good ole tom, and gets that stink off his back. NE is not the NE of past year.

Indianapolis Colts at Kansas City Chiefs - Chiefs
Dallas Cowboys at Los Angeles Rams - Rams
Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots - Patriots
Philadelphia Eagles at New Orleans Saints - Saints

Having said that, I won't be shocked who wins any of these games with the exception of Philadelphia. It would make my weekend if the Patriots lost. Screw them.

COLTS
RAMS
PATS
EAGLES

Chiefs
Cowboys
Chargers
Saints

Colts
Rams
Chargers
Saints...........This is more who I want vs. who I actually think will win.

In the playoff's, who I want usually loses.

Here's what I hope

Chiefs
Rams
Chargers
Saints

Colts/Texans

Man the Colts look really really good. Defensively they are getting it done, and they have really done an outstanding job of protecting Luck. They look like that team right now that could sneak into the SB. If I am in Vegas, I'd put a little something on a future with them.

Seahawks/Cowboys

Did not see the game, but give the Cowboys credit for not just tossing away the last game of the year. I know they sat Elliot, but I think the staff knew they couldn't just toss away valuable live reps, and just walk into a game with the Seahawks and expect to win. I'm sure they were raked of the coals for it, but it paid off.

Chargers/Ravens

Haha. Good for you Baltimore. Is it ok to say Lamar Jackson may not be that good? If he doesn't develop an actual passing game, he'll be on the bench and out of the league. You can't just run like you did against the Browns. Year two for LJ might be real tough, now that defenses will have a handful of games to come up with scheme to make sure he can't beat you with his legs. Also, good for Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates. Would love to see those guys finally get one.

Eagles/Bears

Lot of talk about the Eagles possibly trading Wentz. I don't think there is anything wrong with him as an NFL qb, I just think Foles is a better fit for that team. He just is. The Bears will have to live with that finish for a long time but wow what a moment. I get that fans are mad at Parkey, because he's been bad all year, but there is literally no talk of their top rated defense getting tourched in the final minutes. Make a stop. Bears fans are mostly good people, but man they don't ever want to criticize their defense. It's like they have to keep them up on this pedestal. Just like the Super Bowl. Everyone blames Rex Grossman, because he's an easy target, but literally I have never heard any Bears fan mention that their defense gave up almost 200 on the ground. And it wasn't like the defense was tired. It was the Super Bowl with tons of tv timeouts, not to mention the Bears had a lead for the entire first half. Grossman didn't throw either of his 2 picks until the 4th quarter when they were down two scores. It might be illegal in the state of Illinois to criticize the Bears defense.

Colts @ Chiefs: Saturday at 4:35. KC is favored by 6.

This game features two of the leagues best QBs. Mahomes will probably win the MVP and Luck is the favorite to win the Comeback player of the year. Both QBs threw for a ton of TDs and yards. However, both threw too many interceptions. More on that later.

KC is the favorite, but Andy Reid has a history of choking in the playoffs. Also, Berry might not play and that would be a huge loss for KC's defense. Ware has been banged up, as well.

The Chiefs can rush the passer and get a lot of sacks, but Indy's OL has been very good at protecting Luck. Furthermore, Luck has the ability t avoid rushers and make plays w/his arm and legs. We saw that in action against the Texans.

KC has as many weapons as any team in the league, but Indy's defense has been playing very well. I wonder if KC's secondary can cover the Colt's receivers?

I think this game is determined by turnovers. I don't know which team will win the turnover battle, but I do think that the winner of that battle will also win the war.

I'm picking Indy to cover the spread.

Just like this past weekend, these games are tough to choose. And I'm not football-savvy enough to get into match ups, breaking down weaknesses versus strengths of the other team all that crap.

I'm going with KC at Arrowhead. I know they've been vulnerable in home playoff games but I have to go with the Chiefs. 23-20, KC.

I think Rivers and the Chargers bring the Patriots' dynasty to an end. They looked good against Balti and they'll beat the Pats, 27-19.

Rams beat the Cowboys, 25-23.

Saints beat Eagles 29-17.

"All that crap..."

LOL bro.

Haha, I'm not an expert but I appreciate those who are.

Chiefs 37
Colts 31

Saints 26
Eagles 17

Patriots 27
Chargers 24

Rams 23
Cowboys 19

Colts
Saints
Pats
Cowboys

Colts/Chiefs - I'm a believer in the Colts they are clicking on all gears right now. But Arrowhead is going to be loud cold and nasty. I want to say the Colts edge it out right here. But I wouldn't be surprised if KC wins. So COLTS but barely.

Saints/Eagles - The Foles magic carpet ride comes to New Orleans. I feel like Chicago is the more hostile environment. For the Saints to win they're going to have to outpace the Eagles. That's where the Saints are strongest. I want the Eagles to win. But I'm going with the SAINTS

Patriots/Chargers - If there was one team who I felt was the most focused right now it'd be the Chargers. Very even keel and a very well balanced team. I've seen them fight back from being down early. I've seen them grab ahold and take over games. The Pats are probably the most well coached team. But their weapons are limited. I don't see them disrupting the stability the Chargers have. Belicheck gets outcoached here. CHARGERS win

Rams/Cowboys - I think Wade might have the keys to crack the Cowboys. Depends on what Suh and Donald do exactly. They cleaned up some of their shakiness. And they seem far better a team. They also have the advantage of having more time to gameplan for the Cowboys. They better look at what Indy did to them because that game was a disaster for them. RAMS.

Nice job!

(4) Dallas Cowboys at (2) Los Angeles Rams

Saturday, Jan. 12 | 8:15 p.m. ET | Fox

Rams are -7


The Rams are at home, but as only LA can do, I heard that Dallas fans will fill half of that stadium.

This match-up is interesting because the Rams have a very talented offense and the Cowboys are really strong on defense.

The coaching match-up is noteworthy because most think McVay is an offensive genius and that Garrett is a dummy. However, McVay lost his only playoff game last year and his offense was throttled in some late-season games while Garrett finally woke up and started giving Zeke the ball in both as a rusher and receiver.

The Rams D is really bad despite all the money they spent. They are dreadful against the run and Zeke can run it. So can Dak.

Gurley is a very good back but has been shelved by an injury in recent weeks. I think Zeke will out-perform him. With that said, both guys are excellent backs. Right now, they are my number 1 and 2 backs w/Barkley nipping on their heels.

I think this game should be closer than many say. I don't trust Goff. He was horrible against Chicago and not so hot against the Eagles. He seems to get rattled. I think that Dak is not a very accurate deep intermediate and deep ball passer, but I think he is a winner.

I think Dallas covers.

No real analysis ... just picks.

Rams
Pats
Saints
Colts

I think losing the Cooper Kupp [WR] hurt them in the games they lost. The biggest thing I noticed that Goff really struggled in those losses. He played one of the worst games I ever saw when they lost to the Bears.

It will be interesting to see how they do today.

Cold weather was a factor in that rams/bears game. LA boys definitely did not like playing in the cold. However Goff has not look good since before the Lions game. Detroit laid out how to beat the Rams offense and most teams have picked up on it since. Stop the run, pressure up the middle.

Chiefs
Cowboys
Chargers
Saints

Take the points in all the games.

Just a point of information for Greater Cleveland residents with cable TV; WJW Channel 8 (FOX) and Spectrum Cable have settled their dispute, and the games on FOX will be viewable here this weekend.

Right. Because all Rams players are from Los Angeles. Temperature is such an overrated thing to me. Wind and rain? Sure. Cold...nah. I don't buy it.

Chiefs
Rams
Pats
Saints

I'm rooting for Chiefs, Cowboys, Chargers and Saints.

i want he colts, but think the Chiefs win one today

j/c:

Analysis aside..........I am so excited for these games today. They are both very interesting and attractive match-ups. It's snowing in Kansas City, which should aide both defenses because it's hard to rush the passer and follow receivers on a slick field. Snow is an advantage to the offense, whereas wind is a disadvantage for offenses.

Man, these two games have the potential to be unreal. I can't wait until 4:35 and burrow down in the man cave w/some brews, grub, and some great NFL Playoff Football, baby!!!

(6) Indianapolis Colts at (1) Kansas City Chiefs

Saturday, Jan. 12 | 4:35 p.m. ET | NBC

The Colts have had a good run, but today they will go down. I've been picking against the points all year and now is when I'll just pick who I think will win. Mahomes deserves to go on to the big game and today he'll take another step in that direction. The show down of the QB's will make it a great game though.


(4) Dallas Cowboys at (2) Los Angeles Rams

Saturday, Jan. 12 | 8:15 p.m. ET | Fox

With time to rest, Jared Goff will look just fine. Sure Zeke is a great RB and Dak can run too, but they can't keep up with the high powered scoring O of the Rams. Rams win going away. There may be a lot of cowboys fans there, but they won't be playing.


(5) Los Angeles Chargers at (2) New England Patriots

Sunday, Jan. 13 | 1:05 p.m. ET | CBS

I really don't care for the Pats. I'm ready to just watch them fade into the sunset already. And that day will be coming soon. But it won't be tomorrow. I'm not willing to go against BB and Brady for one of the feel good stories of the season. Unlike you, I've never really cared for Rivers. I'm not saying he isn't a good QB, because he is. But history dictates that when it comes playoff time, he just can't get his team over the top. Advantage Pats.


(6) Philadelphia Eagles at (1) New Orleans Saints

Sunday, Jan. 13 | 4:40 p.m. ET | Fox

I have to go with Brees here even if I'm rooting for the Eagles. I just don't see that Philly D holding the Saints O in check. For me this was the toughest game to pick.

I went 3-4 last week but sometimes it's better to be lucky than good. I can only hope my luck holds out for another week.

GC. Thought.

Next year would be 25 years, since the Browns would have won a playoff game to reach the divisional, (this weeks round), ,(the final eight), of the playoffs. (1994/1995 season)

And when were they in the AFC championship game last? 5 years earlier?

They really need to get their ducks in a row, because

It's time for a change!

It's not this, but it's raining a ton (for LA) here in LA.

KC in a close one as Tight Ends rule the day.

DALLAS in an upset as Elliott runs wild.

PATRIOTS by 10 in a game that is much closer than the score indicates.

SAINTS in a blowout as Drew Brees is near perfect and Foles looks like a backup.

Ok - tell it to all the dome teams and teams from good weather than come north and play in the cold - below freezing (ie. teens with wind chill). Yeah, it does not matter. How many times have the Brees led Saints come North to get their heads handed to them in the cold. How many times did Peyton Manning win in Foxboro in the playoffs in the cold. Cold matters - weather matters - especially for teams which are more pass oriented.

A litte latebut.

L.A. over Dallas, Elliot gets contained and Prescott has to win from the pocket at which he will fail.

Pats over the Chargers, Belichick will show that they are still the gate keepers of the AFC.

Saints over the Eagles, Foles won't replicate his magic from last year.

Chiefs and Colts is over but I never thought the colts had a prayer.

There used to be a talkshow host that would come to a prediction week like this, and post something like this.

Chargers over the Ravens, uhh

Colts over the Texans,

Eagles over the Bears, but it'll be close and uhh

Cowboys over the Seahawks.

All in an effort to get people to call in and protest, his whole show was fake/farce, trying to look for new listeners which would take his totally outlandish and outrageous nonsense as if it were true,
Phil Handy I think was his name,
It was comedic genius , but shows like that never last, (he was always interviewing fake guests which were him doing voices)

But I remember, I remember, he'd give NFL predictions, ... for the week that already played.