NFL Playoff Predictions: Going all the way to Super Bowl LIII
By Erik Lambert
The NFL playoff predictions for 2018 may be the most difficult seen in years because it feels like several teams could realistically go all the way.
That’s rare. Sure there are the usual favorites the Patriots but for the first time in years, it doesn’t feel like they have a stranglehold on the AFC. Several teams have proven they can be beaten. As for the NFC, it’s loaded from top to bottom. The team that holds the #1 seed and the team that holds the #6 seed both field quarterbacks who have won the Super Bowl. So yeah, it wouldn’t be hard to envision any of the teams in that bracket breaking away.
Now it’s time to get serious. This will be a pick-’em of every single game moving forward. Who will win this wild card weekend, followed by the matchups that will result from them.
NFC Wild Card round
Seattle Seahawks at Dallas Cowboys
A rematch nobody thought would happen in the playoffs. The Cowboys were decisively defeated 24-13 when they last met the Seahawks, but that was in Seattle. They are at home this time and playing much better football. Dak Prescott is hot and that defense is giving problems to opponents with questions on the offensive line. Russell Wilson could be under attack a lot, but if they give him time, he’ll find ways to make plays. He always does.
SEA 21, DAL 26
Philadelphia Eagles at Chicago Bears
This marks the first time the Bears have played a playoff game in eight years. They start out by hosting the defending champion Eagles. That’s a hell of a first test. Philadelphia is riding a tidal wave of emotion after sneaking into the playoffs and Nick Foles is once again leading the charge. However, he’s going against the #1 defense in the NFL in a building the Bears went 7-1 during the regular season. The Eagles have the edge in experience, but Chicago is deeper, healthier, and at home.