It’s official the Rams have moved to LA. Chargers may join them. Raiders have secured land in San Antonio for a possible move. However, we are smack dab in the middle of the playoffs. If you don’t live in on of the aforementioned cities, you probably could care less about the recent happenings. Looking ahead, it looks to be an exciting weekend. Here’s a look at the matchups:
Chiefs-Patriots: What is rarely a dull matchup when the Patriots are involved, I highly doubt this one will disappoint. Patriots are just about back to full strength, with Gronkowski questionable for the matchup. Brady’s favorite target Edelman is back after suffering a foot injury in the November 15th matchup with the Giants that required surgery. Edelman has always been Brady’s go to, however if Gronkowski does not play, most of the attention will be focused on stopping Edelman leaving the rest of the offense to step up. It has been quite a dramatic week for the Patriots, with the mysterious black eye on Belichick and the bizarre incident with Chandler Jones and synthetic marijuana. However, there is not much doubt that Belichick will have the team ready for KC. The Patriots seem to strive through adversity. If the Patriots can protect Brady and turnovers are limited, Patriots will defeat the Chiefs. The Chiefs are a team that have been riding high on former Heisman Trophy winner Alex Smith. After going 1-5 to start the season, the Chiefs rolled off 11 in a row, a testimony to the strength and camaraderie in the locker room. Will the team be able to keep up that momentum?
Prediction: Patriots
Packer-Cardinals:
After a brutal beatdown in Week 16 by Minnesota, there is not doubt that Rodgers wants his revenge on this dominant Cardinals team. Although, the Packers appeared to be the Packers of old in the second half of last week’s matchup with the Redskins, it is going to take a strong performance by Rodgers to give the Packers a chance in this game. The running game which has been a great issue this season has come together in the last couple of weeks. The Packers are finally healthy on D, but still have issues on offense with the absence of Davante Adams and Jordy Nelson. The Cardinals have had plenty of rest and are going into the game with fresh legs. Yet, the loss of Tyrann Mathieu could furthermore prove problematic to the Cardinals. Nonetheless, the Cardinals have many weapons on offense.
Prediction: Cardinals
Seahawks-Panthers:
Star RB Marshawn Lynch make his much-anticipated return in this imposing matchup against the powerhouse Panthers. After a close call, winning against the Vikings after a botched field goal that would have won the game for Minnesota, the Seahawks are given another chance on the road to the Superbowl. The Panthers are going into this matchup rested and ready with home field advantage. This game could go undoubtedly either way. When the Seahawks are at their strongest they are almost unbeatable. However, I wouldn’t underestimate the Panthers who are hungry to prove they are the real deal. This is the matchup of the week, two incredible QB’s at the top of their game, with two of the top rated defenses in the league.
Prediction: Panthers
Steelers-Broncos:
In the last matchup of the weekend, we have two veteran QB’s both with Superbowl rings another year older going at it again. Steelers have major injuries on their side with the news that Antonio Brown and Deangelo Williams will be sitting out this contest. Big Ben is questionable with a shoulder injury, although, with his track record of playing through injuries, it is unlikely he will sit. Peyton Manning made his storybook return in Week 17 against the Chargers and will make the start this week. In what will be an emotional game for Demaryius Thomas with his mother seeing him play for the first time in person this Sunday, all fantasy owners should be expecting a big game from him. The Broncos defense will likely step up at home and provide Manning with the protection he needs. Big Ben will need an epic game from Bryant and Wheaton if he wants to get past the Broncos.
Prediction: Broncos
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