The 2015 NFL Playoffs are right around the corner, and it’s clear we are in for an exciting postseason in the NFL. There’s simply no telling what could happen in the playoffs, but it’s likely that there will be more than a few big surprises as teams battle for a chance at making the Super Bowl. With that said, here are 25 bold predictions for the 2015 playoffs.
25. The Ravens Will Dominate the Steelers
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25. The Ravens Will Dominate the Steelers
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The Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the better rivalries in the NFL, and it should be interesting to see the teams go to battle against one another in the Wild Card round. That said, Baltimore is the more complete team, and with Le’Veon Bell not healthy, the Steelers' offense is in trouble. The Ravens are going to blow the Steelers out of the water in the first round.
24. Andrew Luck Will Lead Colts To Victory
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24. Andrew Luck Will Lead Colts To Victory
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Andrew Luck will take on Andy Dalton in a battle that could have huge implications for both passers. With a win, Luck will prove he has what it takes to win in the postseason, while a loss for Dalton will show that he simply can’t handle the pressure. Unfortunately for Dalton, Luck and the Colts are just too talented for the Bengals to handle.
23. Ndamukong Suh Will Have Three Sacks
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23. Ndamukong Suh Will Have Three Sacks
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After winning his appeal, Ndamukong Suh will be able to take the field in the Lions’ first round game against the Dallas Cowboys, and he will have a huge impact. Despite going against one of the best offensive lines in the league, Suh will have three sacks and force the Cowboys to rely even more upon the run.
22. Jeremy Hill and Gio Bernard Will Combine For 200+ Rushing Yards
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22. Jeremy Hill and Gio Bernard Will Combine For 200+ Rushing Yards
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Despite what will be a losing effort for the Bengals, Cincinnati's rushing attack will remain elite. Both Jeremy Hill and Gio Bernard possess excellent talent, and against a Colts defense that isn't exactly stellar, Hill and Bernard will combine for at least 200 rushing yards.
21. Matthew Stafford Will Throw 3 Interceptions
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21. Matthew Stafford Will Throw 3 Interceptions
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Though Matthew Stafford has a tremendous amount of natural talent, he is extremely inconsistent. The Cowboys aren't an elite team defensively, but Stafford makes enough mistakes that the Dallas defense will take advantage. With all the pressure that will come with a playoff game, Stafford will crumble and toss three picks in the process.
20. Rushing Attack Will Lead Dallas To Victory Against Lions
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20. Rushing Attack Will Lead Dallas To Victory Against Lions
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As I said earlier, I expect Ndamukong Suh to really impact the Cowboys' passing attack, forcing them to rely even more on the run. However, I also predict that DeMarco Murray will lead the Cowboys to a win with a big game on the ground. Murray has enough talent to overcome a tough Detroit defense and lead Dallas to victory.
19. The Arizona Cardinals Will Lose to the Carolina Panthers
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19. The Arizona Cardinals Will Lose to the Carolina Panthers
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Despite the fact the Carolina Panthers sit at just 7-8-1, they will defeat the Arizona Cardinals in a close contest. Drew Stanton's status for the game is still uncertain, but regardless of whether or not Stanton plays, the Panthers have too much momentum right now for an injury-ravaged team like the Cardinals to take them out in the first round.
18. Haloti Ngata Will Have 2 Sacks
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18. Haloti Ngata Will Have 2 Sacks
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Returning from a four-game suspension, Haloti Ngata will have a lot to prove, and against the rival Steelers, he should have a great game. Ngata should take advantage of a Pittsburgh offensive line that is very inconsistent and come away with two sacks in his first game in over a month.
17. Cardinals Quarterbacks Will Throw At Least 4 Interceptions
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17. Cardinals Quarterbacks Will Throw At Least 4 Interceptions
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Whether it's Drew Stanton, Ryan Lindley or even Logan Thomas starting at quarterback for the Cardinals against the Panthers, they are in for a long day. Carolina's secondary has been decent throughout the season, and the Cardinals' quarterbacks have been a disaster since Carson Palmer went down with an injury. Look for whoever starts for the Cardinals to toss at least four interceptions in the game.
16. Aaron Rodgers Will Throw 5 Touchdowns
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16. Aaron Rodgers Will Throw 5 Touchdowns
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With a matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, Aaron Rodgers should have a field day against a secondary that is just average. Rodgers is simply on another level when it comes to quarterback play, and he will prove to be more than Dallas' secondary can handle.
15. Peyton Manning Will Falter In Playoffs Again
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15. Peyton Manning Will Falter In Playoffs Again
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Over the past several seasons, Peyton Manning has earned a reputation for faltering in the playoffs. With a matchup against Andrew Luck and the Colts, Manning would have a prime opportunity to prove his doubters wrong; however, that won't happen. Like he has in recent seasons, I expect Manning to falter if the Broncos end up playing the Colts.
14. Tom Brady Will Throw For 350 Yards and 3 Touchdowns
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14. Tom Brady Will Throw For 350 Yards and 3 Touchdowns
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Simply put, the Baltimore Ravens' secondary has been atrocious for much of the season, and I fully expect Tom Brady to take advantage should the two teams meet in the playoffs. Against the leaky secondary, Brady will shred Baltimore's defense apart through the air and end up with at least 350 yards and three touchdowns.
13. Seattle's Defense Will Shut Out the Panthers
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13. Seattle's Defense Will Shut Out the Panthers
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Down the stretch, the Seattle Seahawks had one of the most dominant defensive performances in history, and there's no reason to expect them to slow down going into the playoffs. Cam Newton and the Panthers offense is very good, but against a defense like Seattle's, they will be shut out.
12. Andrew Luck Will Throw 4 Touchdowns Against the Broncos
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12. Andrew Luck Will Throw 4 Touchdowns Against the Broncos
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Whereas I predicted Peyton Manning would falter yet again in the playoffs, I believe the man who replaced him in Indianapolis, Andrew Luck, will have a fantastic performance. The Broncos' secondary has proven to be vulnerable in recent weeks, and the Colts' signal-caller will take advantage.
11. Justin Forsett Will Run For 100 Yards, Touchdown Against Patriots
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11. Justin Forsett Will Run For 100 Yards, Touchdown Against Patriots
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In recent weeks, Justin Forsett has started to wear down, but with the adrenaline of a playoff game, he should rebound against the Patriots should the two teams play. Forsett was a pleasant surprise this season, and in this matchup, he will have a big game.
10. Tony Romo Will Be Sacked 10 Times By Packers Defense
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10. Tony Romo Will Be Sacked 10 Times By Packers Defense
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The Green Bay Packers don't have a great defense, but unit is good enough to have a few dominant performances. It might seem unlikely that perhaps the league's best offensive line will allow 10 sacks, but stranger things have happened, and the Packers have some defensive talent.
9. Richard Sherman Will Intercept Aaron Rodgers Twice
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9. Richard Sherman Will Intercept Aaron Rodgers Twice
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Aaron Rodgers has been masterful all season long, but against arguably the best cornerback in the NFL, he will struggle a bit. Sherman will neutralize the Packers receivers and intercept Rodgers at least twice.
8. Trent Richardson Will Top 100 Rushing Yards
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8. Trent Richardson Will Top 100 Rushing Yards
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Obviously Trent Richardson hasn't lived up to expectations as a member of the Colts; however, I predict that Richardson will bust out in a big way if the Colts get to the AFC Championship. Like Mark Ingram last year in the playoffs, Richardson will finally show the talent that made the Colts trade a first-round selection for him.
7. Eddie Lacy Will Have 150+ Yards From Scrimmage
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7. Eddie Lacy Will Have 150+ Yards From Scrimmage
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With Richard Sherman and the Seattle secondary limiting their passing game, the Packers will rely upon Eddie Lacy for offense, and he will deliver in a big way with at least 150 yards from scrimmage. Lacy has been excellent in recent weeks, and that momentum will allow him to succeed, despite the tough matchup.
6. Brandon LaFell Will Have 150 Receiving Yards
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6. Brandon LaFell Will Have 150 Receiving Yards
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Brandon LaFell has quietly put together a great season as a member of the New England Patriots, displaying excellent chemistry with Tom Brady. Against a dangerous opponent in the Indianapolis Colts, LaFell will need to have a big game.
5. Seattle's Defense Will Lead Them To Super Bowl Appearance
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5. Seattle's Defense Will Lead Them To Super Bowl Appearance
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Plain and simple, the Seattle Seahawks have the best defensive unit in the NFL today, and that will lead the team to a second straight Super Bowl appearance. With all the talent they have on defense, as well as the fact they have home-field advantage, the Seahawks look primed for another Super Bowl run.
4. Balanced Offense Will Guide Colts To Super Bowl Appearance
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4. Balanced Offense Will Guide Colts To Super Bowl Appearance
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As I mentioned earlier, I expect Trent Richardson to enjoy a breakout performance this postseason, and that will provide Indianapolis with the balance they desperately need on offense. With a successful running game to take the pressure off of Andrew Luck, the Colts will make the Super Bowl behind their new-found offensive balance.
3. Russell Wilson Will Throw For 300 Yards, Rush For 50 With 5 Total Touchdowns
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3. Russell Wilson Will Throw For 300 Yards, Rush For 50 With 5 Total Touchdowns
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In what would be his second straight Super Bowl appearance, I expect Russell Wilson to be even better than he was in his first Super Bowl win. Should the Seahawks make the Super Bowl again, I expect a great, dual-threat performance from Wilson in which he accounts for five total touchdowns.
2. Turnovers Will Plague Andrew Luck
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2. Turnovers Will Plague Andrew Luck
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In this hypothetical Super Bowl scenario, I predicted that Russell Wilson would have a huge game; on the other side of the field, however, I would expect Andrew Luck to finally falter under the immense pressure. Luck is extremely talented, but he struggled with turnovers this season, and I believe those turnover woes would again plague him in the Super Bowl.
1. Seattle Seahawks Will Win Second Consecutive Super Bowl
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1. Seattle Seahawks Will Win Second Consecutive Super Bowl
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Last season, the Seahawks won the Super Bowl based on the strength of their defense, and this year is much of the same, except with an improved Russell Wilson at the helm of the offense. There's not a team as talented as Seattle in the NFL today, and that will result in a second straight Super Bowl win.
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