NFL Playoffs: Divisional Round Preview

Tom+Brady+is+looking+for+ring+number+5+as+the+Patriots+look+to+advance+further+into+the+playoffs.

Forbes.com

Tom Brady is looking for ring number 5 as the Patriots look to advance further into the playoffs.

By Seth Friedman, Staff Writer

The NFL’s divisional round of the playoffs will take place on Saturday and Sunday, January 14 and 15 as there are many exciting match-ups that fans just cannot wait to see.

Seahawks vs. Falcons

The Seattle Seahawks and the Atlanta Falcons will face off on Saturday at 4:35.  This is going to be a very interesting game because it matches up one of the best offenses in Atlanta against one of the best defenses in Seattle.  The Seahawks have been so successful for the past few years because their defense has been able to shut down practically every team, however, many say that the Falcons offense, lead by Matt Ryan and Julio Jones can finally take them down.  Although Atlanta is favored in this game, Seattle will definitely give Atlanta a run for their money.

Packers vs. Cowboys

The Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys will play on Sunday afternoon at 4:40.  The Cowboys had one of their best regular seasons in franchise history and it was especially impressive because it was led by two rookies, Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliot.  The Packers are arguably the hottest team in the league winning their last seven games. Both teams have strong offenses and below average defenses, so this game should be high scoring one.  Although the Cowboys are slight favorites, nobody should count out the Packers because you never know what Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers can pull off.

Texans vs. Patriots

The Houston Texans and the New England Patriots will face off on Saturday Night at 8:15.  Many people do not expect this game to be close.  Although the Texans have a decent defense, their offense really struggles due to their lack of a franchise quarterback.  Plus, the Patriot team has been one of the most successful dynasties over the past decade with Bill Belichick, who could be considered the best coach of all time and Tom Brady, considered by many to be the best quarterback of all time at the helm. So it is hardly expected of them to lose to Houston.  The Patriots are extremely favored in this game and it will be interesting to see just how long the Texans can hang on.

Steelers vs. Chiefs

The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs will play on Sunday at 8:20.  This game definitely has the potential to be the best game of the week.  The Steelers have one of the most dynamic offenses in many years led by Antonio Brown, Ben Roethlisberger, and Le’Veon Bell.  The Chiefs have one of the most dynamic defenses too, leading the league in turnovers and are at the top of the list for defensive touchdowns.  As these two teams face-off look for these stellar offenses and defenses to clash.  Although the Chiefs are slight favorites, this game should be a close one.

“Even though I am a Giant fan, I look forward to seeing some great playoff games this weekend,” said sophomore Jacob Park, an avid football fan.