The NFL playoffs are starting up on Saturday with two games on the docket and in the NFC wild card round the New Orleans Saints visit the Philadelphia Eagles in the late game, while the San Francisco 49ers are visiting the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in a rematch from last season and here are some predictions and picks for the games in the NFC postseason.
The wild card games in the NFC could end up being better matchups than the ones in the AFC and the first game on the schedule for the weekend is the Chiefs and Colts before the New Orleans Saints take on the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia and that is the matchup of the three and six seeds. The Eagles made it into the playoffs after defeating the Dallas Cowboys for the NFC East division title and that game was on the road in Week 17 and now they have some momentum heading into the playoffs.
The Saints made it in after winning and despite losing the NFC South division to the Carolina Panthers and while they slumped a bit to fall out of the second seed, they are a dangerous team on offense and they could be a tough one to beat. The Saints have issues playing on the road and with the game coming after 8 pm, the weather will be cold and with Drew Brees and the team used to playing in a dome, that could play a big factor on Saturday. Nick Foles started his season with 19 touchdowns and zero interceptions and he finished the season with 27 and two picks total and now he has firmly established himself as the starting quarterback. The Eagles have looked very good on offense under first year head coach Chip Kelly and while the defense gave up 48 points in their last loss to the Vikings, the team has played better heading into the playoffs, including against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 17.
The Green Bay Packers and San Francisco 49ers game is the most interesting on the schedule and is a rematch from last year's playoffs, except this time it will be at Lambeau Field after it was at Candlestick Park last season. The Niners will have to deal with some bitter cold weather and possibly some snow in Wisconsin and that could be a huge factor in the outcome of the game. The Packers got Aaron Rodgers back at quarterback after missing seven games and he led the team into the playoffs over the Chicago Bears in the NFC North after winning at Soldier Field on a fantastic play that connected with Randall Cobb on fourth down for the winning score.
The Packers come into the game with a top 10 ranked offense despite being without Rodgers for nearly half the season and now they have Eddie Lacy coming back healthy as well. The rushing game has been very consistent for the Packers this season and he could be a major factor in the game on Sunday, especially if the weather is as bitterly cold as the forecast says it will be.
Saints vs. Eagles
The Eagles pull this one out at home in a shootout, as New Orleans can't solve its woes on the road. Score is 37-32 Philly.
Niners and Packers
Green Bay wins the game after losing to the Niner last season. Score 28-24 Packers.
