Niner Noise
FanSided

NFL playoffs: Niner Noise predictions for the Divisional Round

By Peter Panacy

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 11: Harrison Smith #22 of the Minnesota Vikings bats the ball away from Michael Thomas #13 of the New Orleans Saints in the second half of the game on September 11, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 11: Harrison Smith #22 of the Minnesota Vikings bats the ball away from Michael Thomas #13 of the New Orleans Saints in the second half of the game on September 11, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 13: Jordan Hicks #58 of the Philadelphia Eagles attempts to grab Devonta Freeman #24 of the Atlanta Falcons during a game at Lincoln Financial Field on November 13, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 13: Jordan Hicks #58 of the Philadelphia Eagles attempts to grab Devonta Freeman #24 of the Atlanta Falcons during a game at Lincoln Financial Field on November 13, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia Eagles

Saturday, Jan. 13 at 4:35 p.m. ET

The Atlanta Falcons proved they can shut down one of the league’s best offenses on the road, doing so by upsetting the Rams 26-13 in the Wild Card round.

San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

Despite a 13-3 regular-season record, the No. 1-seeded Philadelphia Eagles enter this contest as 2.5-point underdogs, according to Sportsbook Review.

And we know why.

With quarterback Carson Wentz (ACL) sidelined for the rest of the season, the Eagles have been forced to fall back on No. 2 QB Nick Foles.

Over Foles’ three starts, plus limited action earlier, he went 57-of-101 for a completion percentage of 56.44 and a passer rating of 79.5.

This means the Eagles will have to rely on other means of an offensive attack, namely the running game. The Falcons “held” Rams tailback Todd Gurley to 101 rushing yards and zero touchdowns, and an Eagles tandem of Jay Ajayi and LeGarrette Blount could be difference makers.

Yet Atlanta probably counters with this, respecting Philly’s ability to rush the passer. And by doing so, they limit any danger posted by the Eagles’ tailback tandem.

Look for the Falcons to advance as a very potent sixth seed.

Prediction: Falcons 24, Eagles 21