NFC Playoffs: AFI’s analysis and predictions

AFI | American Football | 01/19/2023

Graphic: Igor Lazarevic

By Enwereji Amuruche

The NFC East became the first division since 1997 to have three teams in the divisional round. The Eagles host the Giants who are coming off an upset win against the Minnesota Vikings, while the Cowboys downed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to snap their seven game losing streak against Tom Brady to set a meeting of juggernauts against the 49ers. The lone outsider, the San Francisco 49ers, might be the favorites to make it out of the NFC.

New York Giants (9-7-1) @ Philadelphia Eagles (14-3-0), January 21

On Saturday, the Giants face the Eagles in what looks to be an exciting game. Giants quarterback Daniel Jones played one of his best games in a Giants uniform. He goes up against MVP candidate Jalen Hurts. Although Hurts suffered an injury towards the tail end of the season, he has been left off the injury list for this game and his return will surely make for an exciting game. The Giants, led by star running back, Saquon Barkley, had an impressive running game that blew the Vikings off the field. The Eagles boast two exciting young receivers in AJ Brown and Devonta smith. These two are sure to give the Giants defense a game.

Prediction: Philadelphia 24 – New York 17

Dallas Cowboys (12-5-0) @ San Francisco 49ers (13-4-0), January 22

The other matchup pairs the Dallas Cowboys against the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers have the better team but when the Cowboys are firing on all cylinders, they are a Super Bowl team. Led by Dak Prescott, who is coming off one of, if not the best game in a Dallas uniform, having thrown for 300 yards and four touchdowns. Running back Tony Pollard has had an outstanding season along with Ezekiel Elliot. The teams boast two defensive player of the year candidates in Micah Parsons and Nick Bosa. The 49ers have one of the most dynamic offenses in the NFL, led by star receiver Deebo Samuel, a Top 3 tight end in the league in George Kittle and arguably the best running back in Christian McCaffery. The Cowboys will definitely have their hands full. They boast weapons too as Dak is the favored quarterback over Mr Irrelevant himself in Brock Purdy. Purdy has to be given his dues for leading this well oiled machine that is the 49ers. Cedee Lamb who is turning into one of the best receivers in the game, is sure to keep the 49ers secondary honest. The NFC games are sure to leave us with a lot of talking points after the weekend.