I did pretty well with my World Series predictions in 2016.
Let’s see if I can hold serve on the Super Bowl 51 predictions…
There’s a lot of interesting potential matchups, most of which are rematches of earlier Super Bowls:
Packers vs Steelers Round 2 (2010)
Giants vs Patriots Round 3 (2007, 2011)
Seahawks vs Patriots (2014)
Packers vs Patriots Round 2 (1997)
Cowboys vs Steelers Round 4 (1995, latest)
Packers vs Chiefs Round 2 (Super Bowl 1)
But… I don’t think it’ll be any of those.
Let’s start with Wild Card Weekend:
Seahawks over Lions
The once lowly Lions are back in the playoffs, but they will once again be one-and-done. Seahawks defense will stifle them just enough for the W.
Packers over Giants
Rodgers will out-duel Manning in a what should be a great game featuring two Super Bowl champion QBs. The Packers are just too hot right now to be stopped at home.
Texans over Raiders
In the game where Peyton should play all-time QB, the Raiders and everyone else will realize how much Carr means to the franchise. Look out for the Raiders in 2018 though.
Upset Special! Dolphins over Steelers
Steelers have a middling defense. The Dolphins are clicking on offense even with veteran backup Matt Moore. He finally gets a shot at a playoff W… and gets it. Dolphins go to 2-0 against the Steelers this season.
Although, I’m not convinced every game in Pitt is rigged to favor the Steelers, so it’ll be a mountain to overcome, but the heavy underdogs might summon the courage to dominate them.
Divisional Round:
Cowboys over Packers
A classic. Over the decades and this particular game. Packers defense can’t beat Cowboys O-Line. Cowboys win the shootout at home.
Falcons over Seahawks
Not as close as the other NFC game for the weekend. Falcons offense shreds the Hawks D. On offense, the Hawks fumble around too much and the Falcons take advantage to get a much needed playoff W.
Patriots over Dolphins
Brady. Belichick. Boston. Blowout.
Chiefs over Texans
The Chiefs defense is far too much for any Houston QB to handle. Chiefs move the ball well enough to take a commanding lead. Arrowhead gets a playoff W.
Conference Championships:
Cowboys over Falcons
Two of the most fun offenses in the league battle. Cowboys take advantage of home field. Romo makes an appearance. The defense slows the Falcons enough to send them to the Super Bowl.
Patriots over Chiefs
Close one. Chiefs are very good. Patriots are on a mission though. They won’t be stopped short. Even without Gronk. Patriots are Super Bowl bound again.
Super Bowl 51
Patriots over Cowboys
Battle of the 1 seeds for 4th straight year. Old America’s Team vs New America’s Team.
Rookie QB can’t handle Belichick and Pats D. Brady laser focus tears Cowboys D apart.
Brady sets record with 5th Super Bowl ring – a record that will not be broken. Rides into sunset like Manning the year before. Talk of him being greatest QB ever gets stronger, critics find it harder to disagree but still make comments about Patriots D being so great and Belichick being mastermind.
Offseason
Belichick retires after contemplating life without Brady.
Patriots begin fall into obscurity. Dolphins become favorites for AFC East.
Matt Moore gets traded to a team that offers a prize package for him because of playoff win against Steelers.
Raiders become 2018 AFC favorites. Cowboys become favorites to repeat as NFC Champs in 2018.