NFC Divisional
4. Green Bay Packers (11-6) @ 1. Dallas Cowboys (13-3)
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones would literally sell his soul to the devil himself if it meant a trip to the Super Bowl. It’s what Jones lives for. He craves it. He wants it. He foams at the mouth for it.
Could you imagine? Two weeks of Dallas Cowboys football leading up to the big game?
Jones would have to be physically placed in a straitjacket.
Unfortunately, the result of his team’s first home playoff game in quite some time will leave Mr. Jones upset.
It won’t be a Dallas disaster. While we expect Tony Romo to make a second-half cameo, it’ll ultimately be the suspect defense that does dooms their chances. Sean Lee, while a stud, can’t do everything.
We’ll take the Packers in the upset. It’ll just be one of those games that catches up with a team who sported a record better than its true talent. Yes, the Boys offensive line is, by far, the best unit in the league. But Dak Prescott‘s careful ways and the squad’s average defense will fail them when the money matters most.
Packers 30, Cowboys 20
3. Seattle Seahawks (11-5-1) @ 2. Atlanta Falcons (11-5)
Has there been a team who’s flown under the radar more than the Atlanta Falcons? No chance.
Matt Ryan, who could very easily come away with the league’s MVP this season, is finally back in the playoffs for the first time since 2012. Much like that 2012 season — that saw Atlanta carry a first round BYE — they’ll falter at home.
Seattle’s grittiness will turn out to be the x-factor. Guys like Bobby Wagner, Richard Sherman, Kam Chancellor, and, especially Russell Wilson, are just special-type players who make plays when it matters most.
Earl Thomas‘s absence is huge. He’s the best centerfielder in the game. We just cannot choose the fresh Falcons over the battle-tested Hawks.
