NFL Playoff Picks: Broncos & Seahawks Poised for Super Bowl Runs, Analyst’s Predictions
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Despite a disastrous recent run, one analyst remains optimistic about a late-season turnaround, while confidently predicting the Denver Broncos adn Seattle Seahawks will advance to the Super Bowl.The past two weeks have been a “bloodbath,” resulting in a 1-9 record against the spread – the worst playoff performance of his career. “Consistently, I’ve been wrong,” he admitted.
AFC Championship: Broncos to Upset patriots with Stidham at the helm
Sunday’s AFC Championship matchup between the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots presents a unique challenge, as Denver will be led by Jarrett Stidham at quarterback following a season-ending injury to Bo Nix. Stidham hasn’t thrown a regular-season pass since 2023, but Broncos coach Sean Payton has expressed confidence in his ability to perform. “He hasn’t thrown a regular-season pass since 2023, but Broncos coach Sean Payton believes in him,” one analyst noted. “And when he does, he usually lets the quarterback play loose.”
The Patriots’ defense, known for its stinginess against the run, will attempt to pressure Payton into devising strategies to ease Stidham’s transition. However, Payton is widely regarded as one of the league’s top play-callers, and is expected to rise to the occasion.
On the opposing side, patriots rookie quarterback drake Maye faces the daunting task of making his first road playoff start against a formidable Denver defense. While Maye has shown promise on the road this season, the added pressure of the playoffs cannot be ignored. The Patriots are expected to emulate the Buffalo Bills’ strategy of utilizing a strong running game, averaging 156.1 rushing yards over the last seven games. However, the analyst believes Denver will be better prepared to contain the run this time around.
Despite Stidham’s inexperience,the analyst predicts a Broncos victory,citing the team’s ability to elevate their performance around their quarterback and Payton’s strategic prowess. “It would be easy to pick the Pats here based on Stidham playing,” he stated. “But I think the Denver players will elevate their games around him and Payton will have a big day calling the game for him.” The final score prediction is Broncos 23, Patriots 21.
NFC Championship: Seahawks Defense to Dominate Rams, Secure Super Bowl Berth
The NFC Championship game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Rams promises a hard-fought battle. These two teams split their regular season series, with a combined point difference of just one. The Seahawks’ overtime victory in Week 16 at home gives them a crucial advantage.
The Rams face a significant challenge, playing their third consecutive road game. While overcoming this hurdle is possible, the analyst believes Rams coach Sean McVay is uniquely equipped to prepare his team for the adversity. However, the Rams’ offense struggled in their previous victory against the Bears, and they will face a much tougher test against the Seahawks’ defense. Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has had success against Seattle in the past,but the analyst anticipates a different outcome this time.
“The Seattle defense is the best unit of any left in the playoffs,” the analyst explained,”which will challenge McVay to come up with new ways to move the football.” The Rams’ lack of speed on the outside is also a concern, as it was exposed in their previous game.
Seattle’s defense, however, has been consistently strong, and the analyst believes their defensive front will disrupt Stafford throughout the game. Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold will be key to the Seahawks’ success. If he can protect the football – a challenge he faced in a previous playoff loss with the Vikings – Seattle is poised to win. “Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold is the key,” the analyst said. “if he can take care of the football, which he didn’t do in a playoff loss to the Rams last year when he was with the Vikings, the Seahawks will win the game.”
The analyst ultimately predicts a Seahawks victory, with a final score of Seahawks 23, Rams 17, propelled by their dominant defense and darnold’s ability to manage the game.
