NFL Playoff Predictions

Here are my predictions for the entire NFL Playoffs.


AFC

Wildcard:

San Diego Chargers vs. Tennessee Titans:
Prediction: Chargers win, 27-10
Why?: Despite a beginning of the season struggle, the Chargers have been dominant throughout the season including ending on a 6 game winning streak. The Titans on the other have had some trouble down the stretch. The dominant defense and the running game of LT should have no trouble rolling over the Titans in the first round.


Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars:
Prediction: Jaguars win, 30-21
Why?: The last time these two teams met, the Jaguars pulled away with a victory in a relatively close game. I expect a similar showing although I feel the Jaguars have become an even stronger team with the dominance of Fred Taylor in the running game. The Steelers are pretty much the same team, not showing any improvements, which will result in a first round loss for them.


2nd round:

New England Patriots vs. Jacksonville Jaguars:
Prediction: Jaguars win, 30-27 OT
Why?: I'm the only person on the planet giving the Patriots a loss in their first playoff game, but I see it coming. The Patriots have been anything but impressive in their second half wins (minus the Steelers) and will get a surprise loss to the surging Jags in OT.


Indianapolis Colts vs. San Diego Chargers:
Prediction: Colts win, 17-14
Why?: The last time these two teams faced off, the Chargers won in a battle. The Colts have been improving on all levels since that game and are now healthier especially with Marvin Harrison returning. It'll be another close one due to the Chargers defense, but Peyton will be clutch enough to carry this team to the championship.


Championship:

Indianapolis Colts vs. Jacksonville Jaguars:
Prediction: Jaguars win, 24-21 OT
Why?: Another battle decided in OT and the Jaguars will take it again. I'm aware that the Jaguars lost both games against the Colts this year, but the Jaguars, as stated earlier, are the best they've been all season and will result in a shootout to the end. It will be a big day for Fred Taylor in terms of the running game and I expect Garrard to be his usual flawless self. Jaguars will be the surprise team heading into the Super Bowl.


NFC

Wild Card:

Seattle Seahawks vs. Washington Redskins:
Prediction: Redskins win, 20-17
Why?: The Redskins, winners of 3 in a row, will carry their red hot streak through the first round of the playoffs. Collins will continue to impress and Portis and the running game will be too much for the Seahawks to handle. Hasselback will continue to attempt their dominant passing game performance, but it won't be enough to stop the Redskins from an upset victory.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New York Giants:
Prediction Giants win, 24-20
Why?: The Giants are 7-1 in road games and are coming off one of their most impressive offensive performances all season against the Pats. Eli will throw an interception obviously, but it will only be one. The combination of Jacobs and Bradshaw in the running game will be too much for the Buccs dominant defense to handle and Jeff Garcia will have his first loss against the G-Men in the playoffs.


2nd Round:

Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Redskins:
Prediction: Cowboys win, 31-21
Why?: The Cowboys might have lost the last time around against the Redskins, but they'll bounce back. T.O. will be in the game this time unlike their last appearance which is a huge deal and the Redskins defense won't be able to contain Romo and his Cowboys.


Green Bay Packers vs. New York Giants:
Prediction: Packers win, 24-13
Why?: The last time these two met, the Packers destroyed the Giants. Not much else will change. Brett Favre is used to this kind of playoff pressure whereas Eli isn't. Eli will have a bad game, Favre will have a good one and the Packers will coast to the championship game.


Championship:

Dallas Cowboys vs. Green Bay Packers:
Prediction: Cowboys win, 28-14
Why?: Once again, the Cowboys will dominate the Packers. Brett Favre won't play badly, but he won't be able to compete against the dominant Cowboys offense. The #1 seed will face-off in the Super Bowl against the number #5 Jaguars.


Super Bowl:

Dallas Cowboys vs. Jacksonville Jaguars:
Prediction: Cowboys win, 21-14
Why?: I hate the Cowboys, but I am picking them for the Super Bowl champions. It will be a battle of the passing game of the Cowboys vs the Jaguars' running game. Romo will have one of his more clutch games and Fred Taylor will be held in check more than the Jaguars would expect. This of course is dependent on whether or not Jessica Simpson comes to the game..