2008 NFL Playoff Bracket Predictions

(6) Washington at (3) Seattle

The Redskins have played inspired football after Sean Taylor’s tragic death and backup QB Todd Collins has stepped in and done better than anyone expected him to do.

But they face a tough task in traveling to Seattle to play a Seahawks team that is playoff-tested and always plays well at home.

The key to the game will be which team runs the ball better. Seattle’s defense is pretty stout with Lofa Totupu in the middle and Patrick Kerney playing as well as anybody in the league at defensive end. The Seahawks also have a superior passing attack and will be too much for the ‘Skins at home.

Prediction: 27-14 Seattle

(5) New York Giants at (4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Eli Manning’s play should determine the winner of this game. Manning is far from “unstoppable” as one commercial proclaimed and doesn’t do well when pressured.

Tampa Bay has overachieved all year and doesn’t have as many playmakers as the Giants, so expect New York to make just enough big plays on offense to win.

Prediction: 21-13 New York

AFC 1st Round-

(5) Jacksonville at (4) Pittsburgh

Jacksonville is everyone’s sleeper pick to make a long run in the playoffs but it will be a tough test playing at Heinz Field.

Pittsburgh isn’t the same team without Willie Parker, however, and Jacksonville’s defense should make the Steelers one-dimensional and hold them down just enough to win.

Prediction: 23-17 Jacksonville

(6) Tennessee at (3) San Diego

The first game was a close contest that went to OT with the Chargers winning but this game should be a bigger margin of victory in San Diego’s favor with the game at their place.

The Chargers are on a mission after falling short against New England last year.

Prediction: 31-14 San Diego

NFC 2nd Round:

(5) NY Giants at (1) Dallas

The Cowboys haven’t looked too good coming down the stretch and the Giants match up well with them because they have the passing game to expose their secondary.

The Giants’ d-line could also make life rough on Tony Romo giving the Giants a good shot at the upset.

Prediction: 34-30 NYG

(3) Seattle at (2) Green Bay

Going to Lambeau Field won’t be easy for the Seahawks in the freezing weather. The Packers are probably the most complete team in the NFC with their strength in the trenches as well as the secondary.

Prediction: 27-17 Green Bay

AFC 2nd Round:

(5) Jacksonville at (1) New England

The Jaguars will play their hearts out and put up a valiant fight but they can’t go score-for-score with the Patriots’ prolific offense in this game, especially in New England. A poor weather game actually gives the Jags a better shot, though.

Prediction: 28-17 New England

(3) San Diego at (2) Indianapolis

The Colts’ health will be a big issue here, specifically Marvin Harrison, and the Chargers match up well with Indianapolis. But in a dome against a hostile crowd, Philip Rivers doesn’t figure to have a good game especially considering he’s been battling injuries.

Prediction: 24-20 Indianapolis

NFC Championship

(5) New York Giants at (2) Green Bay Packers

Brett Favre and the Packers should be able to control this game and move on to the Super Bowl behind a balanced offensive attack and a well-rounded defense in this contest. Green Bay is strong on both lines and that allows them to take control of games and give their skill players room to operate.

Prediction: 20-14 Green Bay

AFC Championship

(2) Indianapolis at (1) New England

Indianapolis played well in the first matchup and would have a very good chance of winning in a more controlled environment, but we’ve all seen how poorly Peyton Manning and co. have played in Foxboro in the playoffs. Indy has a better running game now to rely on so it will be a close game, but the Patriots are just a little too good this year all-around and should prevail.

Prediction: 27-16 New England

Super Bowl XLII

Green Bay vs. New England

This should make for interesting story lines as the old gunslinger Favre goes up against the young mega-star Tom Brady.

Green Bay has enough skill to keep things close particularly with Charles Woodson and Al Harris in the secondary, but Brady will snatch a chance at a championship away from his old college teammate Woodson much like he did back in the infamous “Tuck Rule” game.

Prediction: 30-20 New England