Mike Sando, ESPN Senior Writer 6y

NFL evaluators make picks on divisional-round games

NFL, Philadelphia Eagles, Atlanta Falcons

Do league insiders think the top-seeded underdogs in Philadelphia have a chance against Atlanta? Will the Minnesota defense shut down the New Orleans offense?

ESPN senior writer Mike Sando asked three NFL execs to pick this weekend's divisional-round games. Here are their picks on Falcons-Eagles, Titans-Patriots, Jaguars-Steelers and Saints-Vikings:


Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia Eagles

Saturday: 4:35 p.m. ET, NBC | Point spread: ATL by 3 | PickCenterInsider

All three insiders are taking the Falcons to claim their fourth playoff victory in the past two seasons (they're currently tied with New England for most in that span). They all thought Nick Foles' presence in the Eagles' lineup shifted the odds too far in Atlanta's favor.

"I'm saying Philly can't win without their normal quarterback [Carson Wentz]," one insider said.

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