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NFL Playoffs: Divisional Round Preview, Predictions

Robby Sabo
NFL Playoffs: Divisional Round Preview, Predictions 5
Dec 26, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) walks with wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) before the game against the Detroit Lions at AT&T Stadium. Dallas won 42-21. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) defends a pass intended for Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) during the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Atlanta, 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

#3 Seattle Seahawks (11-5-1) @ #2 Atlanta Falcons (11-5)

  • NFC Divisional, Saturday, 4:35 p.m. ET, FOX
  • Falcons -5

To begin the weekend, Russell Wilson and his Seattle Seahawks will travel to Atlanta to take on Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons. Admittedly, it’s a tricky one.

On one hand are the Seahawks, a battle-tested squad who possess a stomach always ready for war. The other team, the Falcons, are the young up-and-comers who impressed to the point during the regular season that many believe Matt Ryan and company will finally break those postseason heartbreaks.

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The trickier thing is picking the Seahawks with their best defensive player lost of the season (Earl Thomas). Also tricky is the fact that Wilson didn’t play well a week ago. It was his receivers who bailed him out.

If Seattle’s offensive line doesn’t get Wilson killed by Brooks Reed and Vic Beasley, we’ll stick with our choice of the Seahawks barely upsetting the snakebitten Falcons. Don’t forget, while Pete Carroll’s team has been streaky, they went into New England earlier in the season and knocked off the mighty Pats.

We’ll take the gutty Seahawks to stun the Falcons in an OT thriller.

Seahawks 24 (+5), Falcons 21, OT

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Robby Sabo
Robby Sabo

Robby Sabo is a co-founder, CEO and credentialed New York Jets content creator for Jets X-Factor - Jet X, which includes Sabo's Sessions (in-depth film breakdowns) and Sabo with the Jets. Host: Underdog Jets Podcast with Wayne Chrebet and Sabo Radio. Member: Pro Football Writers of America. Coach: Port Jervis (NY) High School. Washed up strong safety and 400M runner. SEO: XL Media. Founder: Elite Sports NY - ESNY (Sold in 2020). SEO: XL Media.

Email: robby.sabo[at]jetsxfactor.com