Varacchi’s NFL Playoff Preview 2017 – Divisional Weekend

I had a solid year predicting the three local teams, but my Wild Card weekend predictions stuck me at an even .500. I was correct in my two big blowouts with the Seahawks & Steelers, I was surprised that the Raiders were so bad, and this was such a kick in the nuts as a Giants fan, I'm still reeling.

Any monetary losses you suffer are your own fault, but if you win, don’t forget about me.

Saturday, January 14

NFC Divisional Game: (3) Seattle Seahawks at (2) Atlanta Falcons

Georgia Dome, Atlanta; 4:35 p.m. (ET) on FOX

I think I'm hitching my fandom to the Falcons this year. Since the Giants are gone, they're really the only team left I would be rooting for. I like Matt Ryan, Devonta Freeman was a huge asset for my 2015 fantasy team (#noonecaresaboutyourfantasyteam), I love Julio Jones...and I don't like the Seahawks anymore. The fact that I'm attaching myself to the Falcons is a pretty sure sign they'll lose, and even if they get past the Seahawks, I don't see them going all the way.

Falcons 30, Seahawks 23

AFC Divisional Game: (4) Houston Texans at (1) New England Patriots

Gillette Stadium, Foxboro; 8:15 p.m. (ET) on CBS

Well, the Houstons/Raiders game was basically a reverse lottery, with the winner getting the prize of getting murdered by the Patriots.

Patriots 36, Texans 7

Sunday, January 15

AFC Divisional Game: (3) Pittsburgh Steelers at (2) Kansas City Chiefs

Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City; 1:05 p.m. MOVED TO 8:20 p.m. (ET) on NBC

The Chiefs are one of those teams that always make the playoffs and no one knows why. It seems like it happens in cycles, as teams grow strong or get weak, they come and go, but the Chiefs are at that high point right now. Still, Andy Reid always manages to blow it in the playoffs, and the Steelers look amazing.

Steelers 28, Chiefs 17

NFC Divisional Game: (4) Green Bay Packers at (1) Dallas Cowboys

AT&T Stadium, Dallas; 4:40 p.m. (ET) on FOX

After the Packers smashed my Giants, I'd like to watch the whole team fall apart, but dang they looked good. As a Giants fan, it's my duty to hate the Cowboys, and God knows I hate this team. I know it's hard to discredit a 13-3 team, but I don't have faith in them. The Giants laid out the blueprint to beat the Boys, and all the Packers have to do is follow that map.

Packers 35, Cowboys 31

Remaining NFL Playoff Schedule

Conference Championship Round

Sunday, January 22
NFC Championship: 3:05 p.m. (ET) on Fox
AFC Championship: 6:40 p.m. (ET) on CBS

Super Bowl 51

Sunday, February 5
Super Bowl: AFC champion vs. NFC champion, NRG Stadium, Houston, TX; 6:30 p.m. (ET) on Fox