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NFL postseason: Predicting the 2017 playoff picture and Super Bowl winner

By Peter Panacy

HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots raises the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. The Patriots defeated the Falcons 34-28. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots raises the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. The Patriots defeated the Falcons 34-28. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 26: Nelson Agholor #13 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates scoring a touchdown with Carson Wentz #11, Halapoulivaati Vaitai #72, Corey Clement #30, and Alshon Jeffery #17 in the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at Lincoln Financial Field on November 26, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 26: Nelson Agholor #13 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates scoring a touchdown with Carson Wentz #11, Halapoulivaati Vaitai #72, Corey Clement #30, and Alshon Jeffery #17 in the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at Lincoln Financial Field on November 26, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

And the Winner of Super Bowl LII Is…

The Philadelphia Eagles!

Congratulations, Philly fans. You get your Super Bowl. Finally, right?

Let’s figure out the how and why.

Both teams feature franchise-type quarterbacks, with Ben Roethlisberger on one side and Carson Wentz on the other. Pittsburgh and Philadelphia both have prolific wide receivers too, making this a great contest to watch.

And while those passing attacks will be what every analyst talks about, it’s the running game that will decide everything here.

More from Niner Noise

After 13 weeks, the Steelers are allowing an average of 4.2 rush yards per attempt — 17th best in the league. And with linebacker Ryan Shazier possibly lost to the season with his horrid back injury, Pittsburgh’s run defense takes a substantial hit.

Let’s all hope Shazier returns this postseason — heck, any return would be a blessing — but that doesn’t solve the statistical woes before his injury.

True, the Steelers could counter with their own running back, Le’Veon Bell, but the Eagles best their Super Bowl LII contenders with an average of just 3.5 rush yards allowed per attempt — fifth best in the NFL.

There’s your difference, one of many, but the biggest X-factor.

Next: NFL power rankings: 32-team breakdown for Week 14

Final Prediction: Eagles 28, Steelers 24

Don’t agree with our predictions? That’s fine. Just chime in on the comments section with what you think happens this NFL postseason!