NFL Playoffs 2018: Picks, predictions for Falcons vs. Eagles | NFC Divisional Round (1/13/18)

PHILADELPHIA -- When the Eagles take the field Saturday afternoon against the Atlanta Falcons, they'll do so as the first No. 1 seed in NFL history to open the postseason as an underdog, and that is not sitting well with several of the team's veterans. 

"Some people us it as motivation, some people don't," Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins said, of being an underdog. "I'm one of those people. I feel like we have a lot of people in this locker room who have been doubted their whole lives, and have continued to prove people wrong. We've done it all year. We don't see that changing anytime soon."

If the Eagles beat the Falcons, they'll advance to the NFC Championship Game for the first time since 2009, and host the conference title game for the first time since 2005. 

Here is a roundup of picks and predictions from NJ Advance Media's staff, as well as national NFL analysts ahead of Saturday's 4:35 p.m. kickoff at Lincoln Financial Field:  

The Falcons appear to be hitting their stride with quarterback Matt Ryan, wide receiver Julio Jones, and a menacing defense that flies to the football and creates plenty of turnover opportunities. Meanwhile, the Eagles offense has sputtered in recent weeks with Nick Foles at quarterback, particularly on third down, but own the NFL's top-rated rushing defense. Points could be at a premium, but the deciding factor in this game is going to be whether or not the Eagles' pass-rush can disrupt Ryan's lightning quick release. This feels like a race to 20 points, and the well-rested Eagles do just enough to eek out an upset victory. 

PREDICTION: Eagles 20, Falcons 17

When Carson Wentz went down with an injury, the thought of picking the Eagles to win a playoff game seemed insane. Not with Nick Foles at quarterback. Not against one of the elite quarterbacks that will likely be coming to the Linc. The Falcons, however, are a team the Eagles can handle. They turn the ball over a ton, they don’t create turnovers, and they have an offense that is considerably worse than it was in 2016. Picking Foles to win a playoff game is hard to believe, but here I am.

PREDICTION: Eagles 24, Falcons 17

Everyone is down on the Eagles – the fans, the oddsmakers, even the NFL executives who set up the TV schedule – which makes this the perfect time for them to (ahem) fly, Eagles, fly. This is a team with an extra week to prepare, with a defense that’s due for a good performance and one that’s playing on its home field. Nick Foles will do just enough to get Philly a home date for the NFC Championship Game.

PREDICTION: Eagles 24, Falcons 20.