The NFL Roundup 2018: Divisional Round - Day One

Written by John Edward Betancourt

‘Expect the unexpected’ seemed to be the unofficial motto of the 2017 NFL season and considering how last week’s slate of playoff games turned out, it would seem this mantra followed the league into the postseason as well. Because surprises were everywhere to be found in round one of the NFL Playoffs and as the Divisional Round gets under way today, one has to wonder what other incredible wonders await us when today’s competitors take the field. Either way, we should be in for some amazing games and here is a quick preview of what to expect from day one of the Divisional Round. 

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NFC DIVISIONAL MATCHUP
Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia Eagles
Lincoln Financial Field – Philadelphia, PA
4:35 p.m. EST – NBC

HOW THESE TEAMS REACHED THE DIVISIONAL ROUND
This game features a pair of teams that made it this far in vastly different fashion. Atlanta for instance, dealt with a season where it never quite seemed they were the superior team, since they lost six games during the regular season and they found themselves battling out some close ones as the season came to a close. But none the less, they were able to lock up a playoff spot and they utterly dominated the Rams in their Wild Card matchup last weekend. Their season is in stark contrast to the Philadelphia Eagles who enjoyed a wonderful 13-3 record, and they made their incredible string of victories look easy thanks to the fact they hammered their opponents on offense and defense, and for their efforts, they locked up Home Field Advantage throughout the playoffs.
 
KEYS TO THE GAME
One would think that a team that went 13-3 would easily be able to handle a #6 seed in a playoff game, but the fact of the matter is, the Eagles are going to have their hands full today. Atlanta showed incredible poise and skill in defeating the Rams last week, and they’re looking to put on a repeat performance when they take the field, and the fact of the matter is, this game is really Philadelphia’s to lose and much of their success is going to come down to QB Nick Foles, who needs to do the opposite of what Jared Goff did last week, and leave his nerves in the locker room. If anything, all #9 has to do in this matchup, is keep a level head and protect the ball, and if he can accomplish those things, there’s a fair chance the Eagles will head to the NFC Championship game. But…if Atlanta can rattle him and force some mistakes, and wear that defense down, they’ll be headed to the next round of the playoffs instead.

AFC DIVISIONAL MATCHUP
Tennessee Titans at New England Patriots
Gillette Stadium – Foxboro, MA
8:15 p.m. EST – CBS

​HOW THESE TEAMS REACHED THE DIVISIONAL ROUND
The Tennessee Titans are the unexpected surprise of the Playoffs, not because of the fact that they made it to the Divisional Round, but because of HOW they made it here. Because last week against Kansas City, they wowed the football world by coming back from an 18-point deficit to secure the win over the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium, wiping away any uncertainty that they belong in the tournament. But while their journey has been one filled to the brim with grit and thrills, the New England Patriots more or less waltzed their way into the playoffs, and despite suffering an embarrassing loss in week one, the Pats were once again a difficult opponent for teams to face this year and their 13-3 record helped them once more lock up Home Field Advantage throughout the playoffs.
 
KEYS TO THE GAME
Let’s be honest, while the Titans thrilled all of us last weekend in KC, the fate of this game rests in the hands of the powerhouse Patriots. But there does remain the possibility that the Titans can pull of a win, provided the coaching staff can make more incredible adjustments during the course of this game once again. So, if the Tennessee offense can exploit New England’s weaknesses when they’re on the field, and if the Titans defense can clamp down on the Patriots’ receiving corps and find a way to harass Brady while he’s in the pocket…then they have a wonderful shot at pulling off the upset. But more than likely, the Patriots will be hosting the AFC Championship in a week, since playoff football is where they thrive.