Early NFL Playoff Predictions

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Aug 22, 2017 · 3 min read

Author: Jordan Boudreau

August 21, 2017

1- New England Patriots

The defending champs look as good as ever heading into the regular season. Adding Brandin Cooks, Stephon Gilmore and Kony Ealy over the offseason has only made them better. Will the Pats repeat?

1- Atlanta Falcons

It should come as no surprise that the Falcons repeat as the #1 seed. Their high powered offense looks to finish what it started. Defenses better figure out a way to stop them or they might just win it all this year.

2- Seattle Seahwaks

Russell Wilson? Check. Legion of Boom? Check. Beast-mode? Nope, but Thomas Rawls and Eddie Lacy should be able to fill the void. The Hawks’ have enough receiving weapons to still be a dangerous offense in this league.

2- Oakland Raiders

It was an unfortunate ending to what looked like a promising season for the Raiders. After Derek Carr suffered a season ending injury, the Raiders were no match for the Texans defense in the Wild Card round. With Derek Carr back, and the addition of Marshawn Lynch, let’s see if the Raiders can live up to their potential.

3- Green Bay Packers

Aaron Rodgers does what Aaron Rodgers does. After delivering a sensational performance to defeat the Cowboys, Rodgers and the Packers came up just short of a Super Bowl appearance with a loss to the Falcons. Adding Martellus Bennett over the offseason should put the Packers in a good position to win their division.

3- Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens have missed the playoffs 3 out of the last 4 years since winning the Super Bowl in 2012. They have quietly been building back their defense which looks like it will be top 5 this season. Also, adding Jeremy Maclin to an already good duo with Wallace and Perriman gives the Ravens one of the best WR trios in the league. A healthy Joe Flacco should result in a good season for the Ravens.

4- Tennessee Titans

A season ending injury to your franchise QB is not what the Titans expected. They were in a close race with the Texans for the division when Marcus Mariota went down with a broken right fibula. It happened in a loss against the Jaguars, resulting in the Texans winning the division. Expect the Titans to bounce back with a young and speedy offense that can put up some points.

4- Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys will be without Ezekiel Elliott for the first 6 games of the season. Still, with possibly the best offensive line in the league, it should open up enough holes for McFadden and company to help ease some pressure off their young QB. Prescott will be entering his second season after an impressive rookie year. The Cowboys expect to see their new QB improve even more.

5- New York Giants

Giants fans have to be excited for the upcoming season. Odell Beckham Jr and Brandon Marshall on the field at the same time could create nightmares for opposing defenses. The Giants offense still has a lot to prove after failing to put up 30 points in a single game last season, although with their defense, they might not have to.

5- Pittsburgh Steelers

Ben, Bell, Brown, and Bryant give the Steelers a “Falcon-like” offense. Compare to Ryan, Freeman, Jones, and Sanu, this Steelers offense looks to be one of the best in the league. Their spot will come down to a tight division battle with the Ravens. We predict the Ravens defense to hold their own against the Steelers, giving the edge to them this season.

6- Arizona Cardinals

Carson Palmer and the Arizona Cardinals last playoff win came against the Packers in 2015. They ended up losing to the Panthers in the conference round. The following season, Palmer suffered an injury which ended all hopes for a playoff berth. A healthy Palmer, and we predict the Cardinals get that last Wild Card spot in the NFC.

6- Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs look to make the playoffs again this season. They don’t have a flashy offense, but it’s definitely not one to sleep on either. Alex Smith should do well enough to get the job done. If not, Patrick Mahomes II looks promising.

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