Preview of this Weekend's NFL Divisional Round Playoff Games

Yes, it is that time of the year again. NFL playoffs have started and we are now heading into the divisional round weekend with some interesting matches ahead of us. The first game scheduled at 4:35 P.M. (Eastern Standard Time) features the Atlanta Falcons taking on the Philadelphia Eagles. Many of people would have thought the Eagles would breeze through the playoffs with Carson Wentz. But with his injury earlier in the season, the Eagles will rely on Nick Foles to lead the team with the help of adequate receivers including Alshon Jeffery. On the other side, the Falcons will need a huge game out of Matt Ryan where he needs to limit his turnovers but still focus on Julio Jones as the main target. The run-game on both sides will play an effect in this game where Jay Ajayi will face off against Devonta Freeman and whoever can establish a more efficient run-game will win this contest. The game later that night will consist of the Tennessee Titans against the defending Super Bowl Champions New England Patriots at 8:15 P.M. The Titans shocked everyone with a come-from-behind victory last weekend against the Kansas City Chiefs and look to bring that momentum against the Patriots. Unfortunately, Titans' RB DeMarco Murray is already ruled out for the game on Saturday and back-up running back Derrick Henry will receive most of the snaps in the backfield. For New England, they are looking to continue their dominant streak of home playoff wins as well as repeating with back-to-back Super Bowl victories. The key for New England is to protect Tom Brady in the pocket against the rush defense of the Titans.

On Sunday, the early game of the Jacksonville Jaguars vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers airs at 1:05 P.M. Blake Bortles looks to stay hot in the second-half of the season taking on a ruthless Steelers defense who are missing a few parts including LB Ryan Shazier. On the other end, Pittsburgh WR Antonio Brown looks to return to action from injury and join an explosive Steeler's offense lead by veteran Ben Roethlisberger. The Jaguars' defense is one and if not, the best in the league so it should be a well fought matchup. The most highly anticipated matchup of the weekend is the New Orleans Saints taking on the Minnesota Vikings at 4:40 P.M. Drew Brees is looking to make another post-season run with the help of star rookie RB Alvin Kamara who had rushed for over 1,000 yards this regular season. The Vikings have been a dark horse this entire NFL season especially by the play of QB Case Keenum. He has motivated and improved the gameplay of the entire offense which has put up the stats this season. Jerick McKinnon, Latavius Murray, and Kyle Rudolph have contributed to the success of the Vikings, but can they withstand the Saints' defense featuring CB Marshon Lattimore? All of these questions will be answered in the exciting Divisional Round of the 2017-2018 NFL Playoffs.