As you know, our Atlanta Falcons missed the playoffs this year, but at least we can enjoy the games relatively stress free. Considering the New England Patriots and New Orleans Saints both lost last week, there should be some enjoyable matchups this week, so let’s look at Saturday’s games.

Minnesota Vikings vs. San Francisco 49ers

In the Vikings-49ers game, we’ll get to watch as a 6^th seed takes on the vaunted1^st seed in the NFC. Last week the Saints “blew dat” again, as the Vikings marched into the Superdome and handled business in overtime.

Don’t let the seeds fool you, the Vikings are very talented for a 6^th seed. Minnesota is ranked 10^th in yards per play (5.83), 6^th in rushing yards per game (133.3) and 8^th in points per game (25.4).

The 49ers of course are heavily favored, as they finished the season 13-3. Falcons fans would tell you that they can, however, be defeated at home. San Francisco was on a bye last week, due to their Week 17 victory over the Seattle Seahawks which locked it up for them. Kyle Shanahan’s offensive success is no stranger to Falcons’ fans, and they rank 4^th in yards per game (381.1), 5^th in yards per play (6.02) and 2^nd in points per game (29.2).

I’m not going to tell you who to cheer for, but the Vikings have brought a lot of happiness our way in the form of last week and the Minnesota Miracle.

TV Broadcast

Station: NBC

Kickoff: January 11, 2020 at 4:35 p.m. EST

Commentators: Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth

Tennessee Titans vs. Baltimore Ravens

Last week, the Titans did us all a favor and knocked off the Patriots in a thriller. Derrick Henry literally carried the Titans on his back as he rushed 34 times for 182 yards and touchdown in the upset. That win was also the first playoff victory for quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who has helped turn the team around since they benched Marcus Mariota earlier in the season.

The Ravens are a totally different animal than the Patriots, however. Baltimore enters the game with the NFL’s best record at 14-2, and their MVP candidate Lamar Jackson, who has taken the league by storm. Jackson finished the regular season with 3,127 passing yards, 36 passing touchdowns, 1,206 rushing yards and 7 rushing touchdowns. With first team All-Pros Marcus Peters and Marlon Humphrey on defense, the Titans are in for a tough one.

Again, not going to tell you who to cheer for. The Titans brought us all happiness last week but Lamar Jackson is incredible to watch and will be tough to beat.

TV Broadcast

Station: CBS

Kickoff: January 11, 2020 at 8:15 p.m. EST

Commentators: Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts