NFL predictions: Divisional Round weekend

Got off to a good start on Wild Card Weekend — 4-0 overall; 4-0 vs. the spread.
Things get tougher for this weekend’s Divisional Round match-ups.

Saturday

Seattle (+4 1/2) over ATLANTA -- This game will pit Atlanta’s offense (second overall, 425 ypg.) against Seattle’s fifth-best defense (318.7). QB Matt Ryan enjoyed an MVP-caliber season, though the Falcons’ defense was 25th overall. The Seahawks beat up on Detroit last week at home. A better opponent and being on the road — where it was 3-4-1 — will test Pete Carroll’s team. The Seahawks rallied at home late to beat Atlanta 26-24 in Week 6. Prediction: FALCONS 24, Seahawks 23

NEW ENGLAND (-16) over Houston --  Last week, the Texans enjoyed defeating the Raiders, who were led by third-string QB Connor Cook. QB Brock Osweiler played well before the home crowd. Houston boasted the league’s top “D” this season, but Tom Brady & Co. will be beginning their Super Bowl mission in earnest. Texans coach and former Bill Belichick assistant Bill O’Brien will not be feelin’ the love in Foxboro. The Brady-less Pats beat visiting Houston 27-0 in Week 3. Prediction: PATRIOTS 31, Texans 13

Sunday

Pittsburgh (+1 1/2) over KANSAS CITY -- Pittsburgh (seventh-ranked offense, 372.6 ypg; 12th defense, 342.6) had the statistical edge vs. K.C. (20th offense, 343 ypg; 24th defense, 368.5) this season. Plus, the Steelers enter having won eight straight. Andy Reid’s Chiefs showed mettle down the stretch to steal division from Oakland. K.C. was 6-2 both on the road and at home. Host Pittsburgh routed K.C. 43-14 during Week 4. Ben Roethlisberger said he will play despite being in a boot after the Dolphins game. Did you expect otherwise? Prediction: Steelers 26, CHIEFS 17

DALLAS (-4 1/2) over Green Bay — The Packers are on a roll, having won seven consecutive. ‘Boys were second in rushing (149.8 ypg.) and first (83.5) in stopping the run this season. Ezekiel Elliott heads a Dallas running attack that will go against the eighth-best defense (94.7) vs. the run. Aaron Rodgers vs. the 26th-ranked defense (260.4) gives Green Bay a real chance, but the ‘Boys will prevail at Jerry’s Place, where they beat GB 30-16 in Week 6. Prediction: COWBOYS 28, Packers 23

LAST WEEK: 4-0 overall; 4-0 vs. the spread.

NFL predictions: Wild Card weekend

The 17-week NFL regular season is over. Time to get real with the playoffs beginning with Wild Card Weekend.

Here are one man's predictions for this weekend's games.

Saturday

HOUSTON (-3) over Oakland -- Two teams with QB issues. Raiders lost Derek Carr for the season with a broken leg in Week 16. The Texans benched Brock Osweiler for Tom Savage on Sunday, but Savage suffered a concussion in the game. Who will start? Doesn't matter. The deciding factor here will be Houston's defense -- tops in the NFL at 301.3 ypg. TEXANS 24, Raiders  17

SEATTLE (-7 1/2) over Detroit -- OK, so Seattle might not be quite at the level of their recent Super Bowl teams, but they still have the fifth-ranked defense. Plus, this game offers a clean slate beginning in their raucous house. It doesn't hurt that Detroit is riding a three-game losing streak. SEAHAWKS 31, Lions 17


Sunday

PITTSBURGH (-10) over Miami -- Ben Roethlisberger & Co. weren't guaranteed to be in the playoffs until beating Baltimore in Week 16, but they figure to be a tough out now that they're in. Kudos to the Dolphins for reaching the playoffs in Year 1 under Adam Gaze. I think this game will be competitive, but Steelers will prevail with temps expected in the high 20s. STEELERS 27, Dolphins 16

GREEN BAY (-4) over NY Giants -- Aaron Rodgers won't relax when facing the Giants' D, but New York's offense, a disappointing enigma most of the season, will cost the Giants here. Temperatures expected to be in the teens on Sunday. PACKERS 21, Giants 13

I hate going all chalk and all home, but what can ya do ... except be wrong? LOL