Happy New Year! It may be 2019, but we're still in the midst of the 2018 NFL season.
This has been an odd NFL season to say the least with many surprises and disappointments. From the Kansas City Chiefs rising to be among the Super Bowl contenders, to the Chicago Bears winning the NFC North -- if the regular season is an indicator, we're in for more surprises in the NFL Playoffs, which start this weekend.
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Here's a look at the playoff brackets for both the AFC and NFC:
In the AFC, we have the Chiefs (#1), Patriots (#2), Texans (#3), Ravens (#4), Chargers (#5), and Indianapolis Colts (#6). The NFC playoff picture includes the Saints (#1), Rams (#2), surprising Chicago Bears (#3), Dallas Cowboys (#4), Seattle Seahawks (#5), and last year's Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles (#6). Based solely on my gut instinct and all I've seen this season, here are my predictions for the 2018 NFL Playoffs.
2018 NFL Playoff Predictions
NFC
Wild Card Round
- Philadelphia Eagles @ Chicago Bears
The 2018 Philadelphia Eagles are just a shell of what they were last season. They've lost key pieces due to free agency and injuries, and are without Carson Wentz once again. The Bears have arguably the best defense in the league and have been dominating even the best offenses of late. The Bears are favored by 7 points for a good reason. The Bears will move on to the NFC Divisional Round with a 24-10 victory.
- Seattle Seahawks @ Dallas Cowboys
While anything can and does happen in the NFL, I truly believe that this is anyone's game and could easily go either way. Due to the Cowboys having the best offensive weapon in this matchup in Ezekiel Elliott, I'm leaning towards the Cowboys in what should be a very entertaining first round matchup. Cowboys win 20-17.
Divisional Round
- Dallas Cowboys @ New Orleans Saints
Although I'm skeptical that the New Orleans Saints will represent the NFC in the Super Bowl, I have no worries about their ability to beat the Cowboys. Saints move on 35-17.
- Chicago Bears @ Los Angeles Rams
Can the Bears really stop the Rams offense twice in one season? Based on the recent form of both teams, I have to say yes. This will be a difficult win for the Bears who will be playing in front of an excited Rams home crowd, but they are at the top of their game and I think their offense can do enough to sneak out another victory against the favored Rams. 21-20 Chicago Bears win.
NFC Championship
- Chicago Bears @ New Orleans Saints
Once again, it comes down to offense versus defense, but I'm looking away from each team's strength. New Orleans has the best offense and the Bears the best defense, but what about the reverse? I trust the Bears offense more than the Saints defense, which I think will be the difference here. Bears move on to the Super Bowl with a 28-24 victory.
AFC
Wild Card Round
- Indianapolis Colts vs. Houston Texans
After the Seahawks/Cowboys matchup, Colts vs. Texans is the hardest to pick. The Texans are a slight favorite as they host Andrew Luck and the Colts. The Texans are more talented, but the Colts are playing at a higher level right now after they beat the Titans on the road to claim a spot in the playoffs. I don't have a strong feeling here, but since I'm forcing myself to choose a winner, I'm picking the Colts, 24-23.
- Los Angeles Chargers vs. Baltimore Ravens
Very rarely do I look at the spread of a game and feel like bookmakers have made a huge mistake. The Ravens, who will host the Chargers, are favored by 2.5 points, but should they be? The Chargers, 11-5, have shown that when healthy they can beat anyone, including the Kansas City Chiefs. Phillip Rivers is out for blood and I think he will beat the rookie Baltimore QB and their makeshift offense. 31-20, Chargers win.
Divisional Round
- Indianapolis Colts @ Kansas City Chiefs
As the 6th seed, the Colts, if they beat the Texans, will travel to Arrowhead Stadium to face the Chiefs. If the Texans win, then they will head to New England and the winner of the Chargers/Ravens game will face the Chiefs. If the Colts win, I see a pretty easy win in the Chiefs' future with Mahomes picking apart the Colts defense. 35-17 Chiefs win.
- Los Angeles Chargers @ New England Patriots
I think this is the year the Patriots fail to live up to expectations, but only if they face the Chargers in the AFC Divisional Round. If they are matched up with the Texans, I do think the Patriots will play in the NFC Championship. The Chargers have the right mix of offense and defense with a healthy Melvin Gordon to take out the Patriots. 27-24, Chargers win.
NFC Championship
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
In a rematch of one of the best games of the year, the Chargers will attempt to finally take Phillip Rivers to the Super Bowl against a young Chiefs team that is without star RB Kareem Hunt. If the Chargers can put pressure on Mahomes, I think they can disrupt the Chiefs offense enough to steal a victory and move on to the Super Bowl. 42-35, Chargers win.
Super Bowl 53 Prediction: Los Angeles Chargers vs. Chicago Bears
I know this looks crazy, but I think this is a possible scenario. These are the two teams with the best defensive units in my opinion, and they both have versatile offenses with the ground and air games in top form. I don't see Rivers squandering his one opportunity to win a Super Bowl, and I see the Bears regrouping to try again in 2019.
Prediction: Los Angeles Chargers 27, Chicago Bears 20
What are your predictions for the 2018 NFL Playoffs? Comment below! Also, I challenge fellow NFL fans @Chops316 and @Kristyyd to post their predictions for the NFL Playoffs!
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