NFL Playoffs: First Round Bracket Predictions – Chiefs Bengals Packers Saints
It’s that time again – the best time of the year. Hockey is in full swing, the NBA is rolling along, pitchers and catchers report in a few months, and the NFL playoffs are here to take us to baseball. Throw in some college bowl games (I’ll be at the Sugar Bowl later) and NCAA basketball, and it truly is a wonderful time to be a sports fan. Here are our NFL Playoffs predictions for 2014:
Kansas City Chiefs (+3) over Indianapolis Colts
I know the Chiefs are banged up, but I don’t think the Colts have the weapons to win a playoff game. I recognize that a new commitment to the run has led them past Reggie Wayne’s injury, but I don’t see them moving the ball on KC. Throw in Andy Reid’s offensive game planning, Alex Smiths’ decision making, and the consistency we expect from the Chiefs (despite an inconsistent end to the season), and I think the Chiefs orchestrate a first round escape. I’m also going to take the points just in case.
Chiefs 27 – Colts 24
Cincinnati Bengals (-6.5) over San Diego Chargers
I don’t trust the Bengals. In fact, I like the Chargers here with nothing to lose. San Diego shouldn’t even be in the playoffs if not for a missed call on a missed kick. That makes them very dangerous. Still, when you can’t beat the backups for the 5th-seeded Chiefs, how will you take out the Bengals in Cincy? Cincinnati is hard to trust, and the spread is sharp, but I think they win this game as long as they show up. Whether they show up or not is the key question, and we back them with low confidence here.
Bengals 28 – Chargers 20
Green Bay Packers (+3) over San Francisco 49ers
Aaron Rodgers is back and already in full-fledged hero mode. The Packers defense is certainly banged up, but throw the California-based Niners into the Lambeau tundra, and I think San Francisco is about to learn why the Packers were unbeaten in the postseason at home for so many years. Give me the points and I’m even more excited.
Packers 30 – 49ers 28
New Orleans Saints (+3) over Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles laid an egg. They barely beat a Dallas Cowboys team, season on the line, with a starting quarterback and MLB injured. Kyle Orton almost sent them home. Drew Brees surely will play better than Orton did. I think the Saints are a liability on the road, but I’m supporting them here. I think they pull off the upset.
Saints 35 – Eagles 27
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