2017 NFL Playoffs the road to Super Bowl LI

[Senator Clay Davis]

Well on paper it's the worst matchup of the weekend, but Texans-Pats has an interesting doppelganger that should offer hope to Texans fans, and maybe scare Pats fans a bit: 2010 AFC divisional round against the Jets. Lots of similarities...

Pats are 14-2 this year; were 14-2 in 2010
Pats humiliated the Texans in the regular season at Foxboro; humiliated the Jets at Foxboro
Texans great defense; Jets great defense
Texans below average QB; Jets below average QB
Bill O'Brien has had success, but is he a great coach?; Rex Ryan had success, was worth questioning if he was a great coach

So all Brock Osweiler needs to do is have a game like Sanchez did (I think it was low yardage, but 3TDs, 0INTs), and the Texans play some great defense. And pray.

[Sylvanfan]

This weekend shouldn't be as bad as last week, but it could be a series of blowouts again. Although I'll be pretty surprised if all 4 home teams win again this weekend.

I'll be pretty surprised if the Chiefs even give the Steelers a game. I don't think it will be 55-7 bad or whatever the first meeting was. But I think Pittsburgh can win 38-28 type of thing and never really be worried. Without Derrick Johnson I think the Chiefs will really struggle to stop Bell. I think the walking boot on Ben is nothing more than gamesmanship by Tomlin and the Steelers. The Steelers O-Line is maybe second to Dallas, and KC hasn't been able to generate a pass rush since the game in Denver.

New England I think can exploit the Texans special teams. I think that one will be a lower scoring affair, like 21-10 type of thing.

Dallas and Green Bay, I think could go either way. On one hand Dallas' offence is superior to the Giants most days, and should be able to take advantage of a beat up Packers team. On the other...I don't know if Dallas has the horses on defence to stop Rogers in his current state. Although no Jordy Nelson may make that a bit easier.

I think Atlanta should be able to figure out how to put up points against Seattle who usually don't travel East worth a damn. Might be like the last time they met...where Atlanta rolls em up early only to see a furious comeback by Seattle. A game where the Seahawks had a late lead but lost on a field goal.

[Simanium]

I feel like people don't give the Chiefs enough credit, I fully expect them to beat Pittsburgh on Sunday. Arrowhead is one of the toughest places in the league to play and Tyreek Hill has been a dynamic playmaker down the stretch. And for how hot Pittsburgh has been consider that Ben at home this year has a 70% completion percentage, 20 TDs and 5 Ints (116 passer rating), but on the road Ben has a 59% completion percentage 9 TDs and 8 Ints (78 passer rating). He is not even close to the same player away from Heinz Field.

[GreenLantern2814]

http://deadspin.com/aaron-rodgers-su...nts-1790959600

Deadspin is chock full of boat puns following last night's game.

[rubecube]

Haha Syl, I'm onto your reverse jinxes. That said, this the time of year where Andy Reid really shines. I expect a big win by the Chiefs this Sunday or Andy to completely blow a call in the 4th quarter, leading to a stomach-punching loss.

[Sylvanfan]

Originally Posted by rubecube

Haha Syl, I'm onto your reverse jinxes. That said, this the time of year where Andy Reid really shines. I expect a big win by the Chiefs this Sunday or Andy to completely blow a call in the 4th quarter, leading to a stomach-punching loss.

Admittedly, Andy Reid is pretty good at rematches, and with a bye week he does seem to be quite good at getting his team ready.

Given the two coaches...I could see a scenario where Pittsburgh leaves point or two on the board by always going for 2 and only converting 1 out the first three before deciding maybe they should just go for one and than missing that convert. Tomlin decides on an ill advised onside kick, only to have the Chiefs mismanage the clock as they attempt to tie the game up in the last minute, somehow running out of time with a time out in hand.

[rubecube]

Originally Posted by Sylvanfan

Admittedly, Andy Reid is pretty good at rematches, and with a bye week he does seem to be quite good at getting his team ready.

Given the two coaches...I could see a scenario where Pittsburgh leaves point or two on the board by always going for 2 and only converting 1 out the first three before deciding maybe they should just go for one and than missing that convert. Tomlin decides on an ill advised onside kick, only to have the Chiefs mismanage the clock as they attempt to tie the game up in the last minute, somehow running out of time with a time out in hand.

Nah, it's more likely that Andy burns two timeouts in the second half on bad challenges or plays where he should just take the delay of games, then have to call his final timeout around the 4 minute mark, only to have Steelers convert 3rd and 3 to seal the game.

[Senator Clay Davis]

Jags hire Doug Marrone as coach, Tom Coughlin as VP. About as uninspiring as it gets, but might make them more of a 7-9 win team as opposed to a 2-4 win team.

[transplant99]

As feared by Packer faithful

Ian Rapoport ✔ @RapSheet

#Packers WR Jordy Nelson suffered at least two fractured ribs in the win over #Giants, sources say. Will take an incredible effort to play.

He ain't playin.

[station]

^^ Re Marrone: Yeah I don't get that at all. Previous rumour was Mike Smith who I think would've been a great choice. Veteran defensive coach with playoff experience and the proven ability to turn around a down and out franchise.

[Drake]

Due to a forecasted storm for Kansas City, Steelers-Chiefs Divisional Playoff game has been moved to 8:20 p.m. ET.

[station]

Atlanta 34 Seattle 24
New England 31 Texas 9
Dallas 27 Green Bay 23
Pittsburgh 28 Kansas City 25

[transplant99]

Atlanta 23 Seattle 17
New England 27 Houston 17
Green Bay 31 Dallas 30
KC 19 Pittsburgh 16

[transplant99]

Oh...and every line has moved from Sunday night.

1/14 4:35 ET At Atlanta -6.5 Seattle 52
1/14 8:15 ET At New England -16.5 Houston 44.5
1/15 8:20 ET At Kansas City -1 Pittsburgh 44.5
1/15 4:40 ET At Dallas -5 Green Bay 52.5

[CorsiHockeyLeague]

Jesus, 16.5 points!?! How do you not take the points there? Good lord.

[ResAlien]

I'd guess

Atlanta
Green Bay
KC
Houston

Or at least that's what I'd like to happen

[Sylvanfan]

Moneyline will pay 541 for 500 bet. Tempting, about a 6% tax free and risk free. If you take the pats.

[White Out 403]

fantastic start for the hawks falcons game

[Senator Clay Davis]

Atlanta 31 Seattle 20
New England 24 Houston 9
Dallas 34 Green Bay 26
Kansas City 23 Pittsburgh 14

[Sainters7]

Falcons
Patriots
Cowboys
Steelers

...go Seahawks. I don't say that often