2017 NFL Playoff Divisional Round Picks and Predictions: Pittsburgh at Kansas City and Green Bay at Dallas: The NFL playoffs continue this weekend with the Divisional Round, and after Sunday’s matchups, the conference title matchups will be set. The afternoon starts in the AFC with the third-seeded Pittsburgh Steelers visiting the second-seeded Kansas City Chiefs, and it ends with an NFC showdown between the fourth-seeded Green Bay Packers and the top-seeded Dallas Cowboys. Let’s take a closer look at both matchups. Also, check out NSAwins.com all playoffs for the best NFL picks and predictions against the spread thru the Super Bowl!
2017 NFL Playoff Divisional Round Picks and Predictions: Pittsburgh at Kansas City and Green Bay at Dallas
Pittsburgh Steelers at Kansas City Chiefs
For the second time this season, the Pittsburgh Steelers will take on the Kansas City Chiefs. The first time around, the Steelers delivered a 43-14 beatdown in Pittsburgh. In that game, Ben Roethlisberger threw for 300 yards and five scores, and Le’Veon Bell ran for 144 yards.
Despite the one-sided affair, there is no guarantee the rematch will yield the same result. For one, there is a lot more at stake this time around. More importantly, Sunday’s game will be played at Arrowhead Stadium. Not only is Arrowhead a tough place for teams to play, but Ben Roethlisberger has been an average quarterback on the road this season. Meanwhile, Kansas City’s defense is loaded with playmakers at all levels.
The Chiefs’ offense shouldn’t be overlooked either. Yes, they rely on the run and the intermediate passing game, but quarterback Alex Smith can extend drives with his legs, and they have found a homerun threat in all-purpose back Tyreek Hill. Whether he is a receiver, running back or returner, Hill is always one touch away from a huge play.
Another potential X-factor is the weather, which could be poor this weekend. Bad weather hurts the Steelers’ big-play passing game more than it hurts Kansas City’s offense, and it makes a close, lower-scoring game even more likely.
Pittsburgh has the best individual players in this matchup, but I think Kansas City has the better overall team. Throw in home-field advantage and Roethlisberger’s struggles on the road, and I like the Chiefs to come out on top.
Prediction: Kansas City Chiefs (-1.5) Cover the Spread
Green Bay Packers at Dallas Cowboys
A spot in the NFC title game will be on the line when the Green Bay Packers go on the road to face the Dallas Cowboys. As has been the case with the other divisional matchups, this game is a rematch of a regular season contest. The first time around, the Cowboys went into Lambeau Field and left with a 30-16 win.
In the regular season meeting, Dallas road rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott all game long. He carried the ball 28 times for 157 yards, and fellow rookie Dak Prescott tossed three scores. On the flip side, Aaron Rodgers had one touchdown and one interception for the Packers.
Of course, a lot has changed since then. Most importantly, Rodgers is on an absolute tear. He has thrown 22 touchdowns and no picks over the last eight games, and the Packers have won seven straight. Last week, he shredded the highly-ranked secondary of the New York Giants for 362 yards and four scores.
Granted, Dallas has been better defensively than anyone could have expected, but with Rodgers on top of his game, no defense is going to shut him down. Meanwhile, I expect the Packers to sell out to stop Elliott this time around, turning this game into a showdown between Prescott and Rodgers. As good as Prescott has been, I’m taking Rodgers against just about anyone right now.
Dallas is the better overall team, but Rodgers is playing on another level right now. I’ll take one of the best quarterbacks of his generation playing at the top of his game, especially when he is getting a handful of points.
Prediction: Green Bay Packers (+4.5) Cover the Spread
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