Shield Talk: Brent’s complete Super Bowl predictions

Brent Jansen | Contributing Writer | @TheSeahawk

This past weekend’s wild card games were anything but close. All four games were blowouts with point differentials greater than 18 points, with the exception of the Texans and Raiders game.

The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Miami Dolphins, 30-12, in a game that showed the football world that the Steelers are the team no one wants to encounter in the playoffs.

Steeler’s star wide receiver Antonio Brown had two first quarter touchdowns of over 50 yards. Running back Le’Veon Bell ran for 167 yards and two touchdowns. Pittsburgh’s defense also held Dolphin running back Jay Ajayi to just 33 rushing yards.

The Houston Texans took down the Oakland Raiders, 27-14, in a defensive showdown that proved the Oakland Raiders cannot have success without starting quarterback Derek Carr. Houston’s defense held the Raiders to just 203 yards of total offense. They also had three interceptions and held Oakland quarterback Connor Cook to a quarterback rating (QBR) of just 5.5.

The Seattle Seahawks defeated the Detroit Lions, 26-6, in a game that showed that the Seahawks are still a defensive team. Seattle held the Lions to no touchdowns and an ugly 18 percent efficiency on third down. Detroit’s emerging running back Zach Zenner only ran for 34 yards and quarterback and MVP candidate Matthew Stafford only had a 46.6 QBR.

In the most shocking blowout of Wild Card Weekend, the Green Bay Packers defeated the New York Giants 38-13. The Giants entered the playoffs being one of the hottest teams in the NFC. But after a last-second Hail Mary to end the first half for the Packers,

Aaron Rodgers couldn’t be stopped. Rodgers threw four touchdowns and no interceptions. The Packer’s defense also held wide receiver Odell Beckham, Jr. to just four catches for 28 yards.

So with Wild Card Weekend’s disappointing end and the Super Bowl just a few weeks away, who should you expect to make an appearance?

In the AFC’s two divisional round games, the New England Patriots host the Texans and the Kansas City Chiefs host the Steelers.

In the Texans and Patriots matchup, the Patriots are the overwhelming favorites. Even though Houston is relying on its top defense to win games, Tom Brady and the Patriot offense, which is known for taking down top defenses, is just too fast for the Texans’ offense to keep up.

Unlike the Patriots and the Texans, the Steelers and Chiefs matchup is a lot harder to predict. The Chiefs, who are 22-4 in their last twenty-six regular season games, are one of the most consistent teams with arguably the most underrated coach in football.

The Steelers, who could be considered the hottest team in football, must travel to one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL. But with dominance of Le’Veon Bell, Antonio Brown, and Ben Roethlisberger, Kansas City’s 24th-ranked defense won’t be able to stop the Pittsburgh offense.

Roethlisberger did injure his ankle towards the end of his first-round against the Dolphins, however. It is unclear how severe the injury is, but if Big Ben cannot play, do not be surprised if Kansas City comes away with the win.

This leaves an AFC Championship of New England and Pittsburgh. Both teams have top offenses and equally impressive defenses. New England’s edge would come from home field advantage and, obviously, Tom Brady. Pittsburgh, on the other hand, has more weapons on offense and defense. If these two teams meet in the AFC Championship, expect the Steelers to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl.

But, if the Chiefs were to somehow defeat the Steelers in the Divisional round, the Patriots are clearly the greater team and would most likely move on to the Super Bowl.

In the NFC, the Dallas Cowboys host the Packers and the Atlanta Falcons host the Seahawks.

In a Dallas and Green Bay matchup, Dallas is the greater team in terms of statistics. The Cowboys have what the Packers have been lacking all season: a strong rushing attack. MVP candidate and likely Offensive Rookie of the Year Ezekiel Elliott will most likely lift the Cowboys past the Packers, who might be without wide receiver Jordy Nelson.

In an Atlanta and Seattle matchup, the key factor will be Seattle’s defense. Atlanta has the 2nd-best offense led by MVP favorite Matt Ryan. If Seattle’s defense can hold Atlanta, it will allow their powerful passing offense to tear apart Atlanta’s 28th-ranked passing defense. This won’t be an easy game for Seattle, but if their defense can stand strong, they will most likely come away with the win.

In a Cowboys and Seahawks NFC Championship, the Cowboys are the clear favorite. While the Seahawks defense is one of the best in the league, Dallas’ offensive line has proven itself as the best in football. With three of five Dallas offensive lineman going to the Pro Bowl, Dallas will most likely diffuse Seattle’s defense and move on to the Super Bowl.

Pending the result of Ben Roethlisberger’s injury, that leaves a Super Bowl featuring the Cowboys and Steelers.

Could the Steelers win their seventh Super Bowl? Or could the Cowboys tie the Steelers for the most Super Bowl wins by a franchise (six)? Or could another team slide past these two powerhouse teams earlier in the playoffs? The world will have to wait until Super Bowl LI, which takes place in Houston, Texas, on Feb. 5 at 6:30 p.m. on FOX.