The NFL Big 5: Divisionals!

And then there were eight.

The new NFL week is here and with it comes chaos. Fortunately,Maximis here to help you navigate these uncharted waters with five predictions that will undoubtedly (or just maybe) come true.

Big Upset – Seattle Seahawks over Atlanta Falcons


Atlanta is the favorite, mostly because of home field advantage. The Seahawks are coming in hot and pumped up after a come-from-behind victory over RGIII’s knee. Despite Pete Carroll’s So-Cal smug factor, Seattle is quickly becoming America’s sweetheart, and if Russell Wilson can keep it up, they might retroactively give him the 2011 Heisman.

Big Flop – Matt Schaub, Houston Texans


The Cincinnati Bengals did absolutely everything in their power to lose their Wild Card game, but inexplicably had the ball with three minutes left and within one score. That kind of responsibility can get lost on a dodgy ginger like Andy Dalton, but it certainly doesn’t get lost on Tom Brady. If Matt Schaub can’t put it in the end zone when he needs to (Arian Foster is decidedly not the problem) the Texans face a long, quiet flight home.

Big Performance – Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos


Remember when The Sheriff was in the playoffs every year for what felt like forever? It seems like it was so long ago, but in Manning years it was just the blink of an eye. This year he’s back with a bye, a home game, and possibly an old friend waiting in the next round for him. Hopefully Joe Flacco can handle a serious blow to his self-esteem.

Big Storyline – RAYLEWISRAYLEWISRAYLEWIS


Is this his last game? Is he totally healthy? Can he stay at this level all the way through the playoffs? Will he retire on top? How does he do that intoxicating jerky dance? Do you think he has sweet dreams at night? Does he need a drink or anything?

Big Stinker – NOTHING


No stinkers – it’s the playoffs!

What We Learned About the NFL in the Wildcard rounds.

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