As I did last year, I will be breaking down each playoff matchup in its own post. Be sure to check out my predictions for all four games.
Game 3:
Sunday, January 8, 2011
1:00pm – FOX
Atlanta Falcons @ New York Giants
This is the matchup I am most excited to watch this weekend. The Falcons have done a fantastic job of protecting Matt Ryan all season, especially during the past eight weeks, and they will be tested against a very strong Giants defensive line. Meanwhile, Eli Manning is the record holder for single-season 4th quarter touchdown passes and his young wide receiver, Victor Cruz, has been one of the most impressive players I’ve seen this season.
Cruz went from being undrafted a few years ago to setting a Giants franchise record for single-season receiving yards and third in the NFL during the 2011 season. He also has the most 65+ yard touchdown receptions in a single season than anyone since the 50’s with five of them.
Meanwhile, Atlanta also has a young wide receiver who has come on quite strong of late. Julio Jones, after a very quiet several weeks, has really been big for the Falcons during the last three or four games, which has also allowed Roddy White to put up some bigger numbers than he was early in the season. With Tony Gonzalez, the Falcons have three top-notch receivers who are all coming into the playoffs hot.
Matt Ryan has not been as impressive to me this year as he was in 2010, but if the Falcons offensive line can continue to keep him on his feet, Ryan may finally break into the win column in a postseason game.
This is the toughest game for me to call, which is the main reason why I am more excited for this game than the Saints/Lions game.
My pick:
Atlanta beats New York, 21-17
Other Predictions:
Bengals @ Texans
Lions @ Saints
Steelers @ Broncos
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