Today marks the beginning of the second round of the NFL playoffs. Two games are scheduled, with the Seahawks visiting the Falcons and the Texans heading to Foxboro to take on the New England Patriots. Let’s start by looking at the early game, kicking off at 4:35.
Seattle will travel to the Georgia Dome to take on a high powered Atlanta offense that led the league in points per game this season. Atlanta is the only team to average over 30 points per game and is led by Boston College alumni Matt Ryan at quarterback. Ryan is having his best season and was named first-team All-pro. Not only does Atlanta have a scary passing attack, but they have two of the most talented running backs in the NFC.
Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman combined for over 20 TD’s this season, even with Coleman missing time with injury. Seattle will have trouble stopping both running backs, not to mention their star WR Julio Jones.
Seattle’s defense is not as feared as it once was. While many fans are clinging to the Legion of Boom moniker, their secondary barely cracked the top ten in pass defense. Most of that happened when they still had Earl Thomas on the field. Thomas suffered a fractured tibia that sidelined him for the remainder of the season. With their All-pro safety out, Atlanta and Matt Ryan should be able to expose Seattle. Expect a high scoring affair.
Atlanta 33, Seattle 17
Tonight’s game has the Texans facing Patriots in Gillette. New England has had an extra week to prepare for the Houston, after finishing with the best record in the NFL. They have to face the deadly passing attack, led by their intimidating quarterback Brock Osweiler. Can you tell that I’m kidding?
The Pats have nothing to fear against the Texans. While they do have an impressive defense, it’s not something the Patriots haven’t seen before. New England dominated the first time these teams met, shutting out Houston 27-0. I expect more of the same tonight. As long as Houston has to rely on their quarterback to put up points, the Patriots should be able to win. Expect a lopsided game.
New England 40, Houston 10
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