NFL TIPS 5/1
What an unbelievable year of NFL it has been! The regular season is done and dusted and now it’s playoffs time!
MULTI
Patriots WIN
Saints WIN
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ANALYSIS:
We have an interesting matchup here with each sides strengths and weaknesses matching up against each other. The Patriots #1 ranked defence comes up against the Titans who are ranked #8 on the season but #3 since installing Tannehill at QB. Whilst the Patriots #18 ranked offence faces the worst defence in the playoffs, despite the Titans playing the 8th easiest schedule of passes this season
The Titans secondary is the weakest unit on the park and we should see the Patriots control the game, with an efficient passing game and dominate the time of possession. Against opponents who ranked top 10 in passing efficiency, the Titans gave up 32,24 and 38 points and went 1-2 in these games. This represents the 4th easiest opposition of the NE season and against bottom 3rd defensive sides this Pats team, despite their struggles have scored an average of 29 points.
The Pats “secret weapon” Elandon Roberts, the LB turned FB should play a big role here. He was used in the week 16 must win fixture vs the Bills and they were good for 5.9 YPC with him in and he even caught a TD pass. He wasn’t used in this role in week 17 but except this and likely some other trick plays drawn up by the Pats in this spot.
The titans should struggle to put large amounts of pressure on Brady, which is the Pats biggest weakness – and again the Titans are the third worst team at generating pressure the Pats have faced this season.
Look for Brady and co to roll on to Kansas with a controlled performance here. ‘
The Saints are the better team in just about all metrics against the Vikings, and as 13-3 are desperately unlucky to be playing in the wildcard weekend.
One big thing to note is that with Mackenzie Alexander being ruled out, the Vikings have just to CBs fit in the form of Waynes and Rhodes. With these two on the field opposition QBs have a ludicrous 111 passing rating on the season. Expect Brees and co to have a field day
Ever since that (bizarre) loss to the Falcons in week 10, the Saints have been elite offensively, putting up an average of 36.2 ppm and scored 34+ in 6/7! For the Vikings defence which ranks 16th on the road they will struggle to contain Brees in the Superdome.
The Saints are a class above the Vikings and should be able to get the win here