In continuation of my role as resident prognosticator, it's time for some playoff predictions!

Pretend I'm Not Here vs Joe Gibbs Good Head:
After backing into the playoffs by losing 3 of their last 4, Joel and Ann-Marie are riding the high of their first playoffs since joining the league seven years ago (there may be other "highs" they're riding as well but these could not be confirmed as of press time).  Unfortunately, they face a JGGH team that has been absolutely clobbering opponents in the past few weeks while winning 5 of their last 6.  Josh pulled the trigger on the blockbuster trade of the year by bringing in Le'Veon Bell in November and he may be the final piece needed to get Josh his third title (and complete the second consecutive "worst-to-firt" turn around in the league).

MATCHUP:
PNH - All year long, the fortunes of the PNH has depended on the Bears.  As Cutler and Forte go, so goes the PNH, and the Bears haven't exactly been on a tear lately (although they put up good numbers in a close loss last week).  That said, the Bears face a New Orleans team with a crumbling defense, currently ranked 29th in the league in both run and pass defense, so they could be a strong outing this week.  The Saints may be pissed about the stomping they received last week at the hands of the Panthers, but I'd still take the over on this one, which means good fantasy points all around.  The only other real weapon of note for the PNH offense is Emmanuel  Sanders but Denver is facing a San Diego team this week that's good at stopping the pass but mediocre against the run so expect another run-heavy day for them.  Maclin and Allen could surprise but have been too hit-or-miss this year to bank on.

JGGH - The trade for Bell and the emergence of Roethlisberger as a viable fantasy option have provided Josh with one of the strongest offenses in the league.  Pittsburgh plays Altanta this week so they'll get plenty of points through the air and on the ground.  Lynch is banged up and faces SF so he could be limited there.  The loss of Marshall is big for Josh's receiving core but Nelson always finds a way to score.  Josh's defense is mediocre but is a definite upgrade over the PNH.

PREDICTION:
Both teams feature a "same team" QB and RB combo capable of putting up big numbers and they both have strong WRs from pass happy teams (Nelson and Sanders).  The loss of Brandon Marshall is a big one for the JGGH (and would have been the difference maker) so I see this one coming down to defense and, while neither team packs a fearful D, the JGGH has a slightly better defense which will be capable of turning the tide in this high scoring affair.

Final Score:
JGGH 76 - PNH 63


Gallic Warriors vs Sacks on the Beach:
Chris appears to have turned the corner and is finally showing his ability to make his team a perennial contender.  That said, his team really comes down to two players, Peyton Manning and Julio Jones and his fortunes all year have often been based on these two players.  Mike's team is similarly based on his QB and WRs but he's got a brutal receiver lineup that is capable of huge points every week.

MATCHUP:
GW - It could be another mediocre week for Manning which would spell doom for Chris.  His only hope is that San Diego and Rivers manage to put up lots of points early so Manning has to play the catch-up game.  In all likelihood however, this will be another ground game for Denver and Manning will be limited.  Julio Jones is banged up and may be limited as well which would be the nail in the coffin.  The rest of Chris' team (aside from his kicker) are mediocre at best.

SOTB - The Pittsburgh/Atlanta game figures to play big in both playoff games this week with #1 wideout Antonio Brown looking to go nuts against a league worst Atlanta pass D.  Luckily (for Chris perhaps) Mike's QB (Brady) and AJ Green both face strong pass defense teams so they could be limited.  Jeffrey gets a crummy NO pass D and (with Marshall out) is now the #1 guy in Chicago.  Mike could well win this week on the points from Brown and Jeffery alone but his defense is also an upgrade over Chris' slacker squad.

Final Score:
SOTB 51 - GW 20


Toilet Bowl:
I don't write predictions for lame loser games like this one but I'll throw out a number anyway.  Byron's team has sucked all year so why stop now.  In fact, while I have everyone's ear, I'd like to propose a rule that the league gets to change (via vote) the team name of the toilet bowl loser for the following season (and provide a logo).

Final Score:
WR 8 - NM -8


Finals:
Two of the strongest offensive teams in the league will meet in the finals this year and it won't be a disappointing affair.  Josh's Pittsburgh pair will face the Chiefs that week and, while they have a terrific pass defense, their run D blows so expect 200 yards from Bell.  Lynch has the Cards which should limit him but Jordy Nelson gets the god-awful Bucs.  Mike gets Brady against the Jets, whom he tossed 3 TDs against in their first meeting, but tough match-ups for his WRs (against DET, KC, and DEN).  He'll have to lean on Brady and get help for this one, but I don't see it being enough.

Final Score:
JGGH 45 - SOTB 29

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