NFL Playoff Predictions

Stanley Alexis, Sports Writer

With the Super Bowl game inching closer and closer, only six games will decide the final matchup of the 2014-15 season.

In the AFC division, it’s the Denver Broncos against the Indianapolis Colts. Future Hall of Fame Quarterback Peyton Manning has to use his pinpoint accuracy and efficiency  if the Broncos stand a chance against the  Colts’ defense. On the other side, the #1 ranked team in passing yards has to live up to that stat if they want to perfectly dissect the Broncos’ defense. Andrew Luck needs to use his superb mobility and accuracy to find his elite WR’s such as Reggie Wayne and Hakeem Nicks. This game will either be a blowout or end in overtime. Should Peyton be the elite quarterback he is on Sunday, the Broncos will easily defeat the Colts. Same goes for Andrew Luck and his explosive offense.

The second game is the Patriots versus the Ravens. Brady’s ability to get hot quick and go on 100% completion drives poses an immense threat to the Baltimore defense. Rob Gronkowski, Brady’s favorite target, has to be on point Sunday. With him being in the top 5 TE’s in the league, he has to live up to the expectations and rack up receptions. On the other hand, Joe Flacco has a reputation for turning it up in the second half. Scoring most of his TD passes this year in the 3rd and 4th quarter, Pats have to keep their engine running throughout the whole game in order to secure the win. This game will be a close one because both offenses are explosive and dynamic and will be trouble for opposing defenses.

My prediction is Denver vs. New England for the AFC Championship.

In the NFC, the highlighted matchup is Green Bay vs. Dallas. With the Cowboys having a phenomenal season this year offensively and defensively, lots of predictions are favoring Dallas to win. Romo, this season, has had little to no trouble finding his targets like WR Dez Bryant and upcoming star Cole Beasley. However, the Packers’ defense says otherwise. Linebackers Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers are the heart of the defense and are expected to have a lights out game versus the Dallas offense. On the offensive side, Aaron Rodgers is battling a calf injury and people are questioning whether he can play comfortably normal or not. Should Rodgers play normal, the offense will be a big challenge to the Dallas DB’s. WR Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb will cause problems on the outside and the Dallas defense has to be ready for them.

The second game is Seattle and North Carolina. Seattle, arguably the best team in the NFL, has an easy game this weekend against Cam Newton and the Panthers. The #1 defense in the leagues has a more than great advantage over the Carolina offense. Seattle offense will also make the game much more difficult for Carolina because of the phenomenal running game of Marshawn Lynch and very mobile, agile QB Russell Wilson. This should be an easy win for the Seahawks and they’ll sail smoothly through this game.

My prediction is Seattle blowing out the Panthers.