Whatifsports.com’s NFL simulation engine bases its weekly predictions on the statistical inputs of thousands of NFL games.
Those inputs are based on rigorous analysis of each team’s roster, depth chart and statistically based player ranking. The simulation engine generates detailed predictions including the home team’s chances of winning (Home Win %), average score and comprehensive box score.
Last season, Whatif predicted 7 of 11 2009 playoff games (63.6-percent) – they also accurately predicted New Orleans to win the Super Bowl.
Game of the Week: Eagles (-2 1⁄2) vs Packers
Eagles head coach Andy Reid is renowned for his 12-0 record following a bye week. What rarely comes up in conversation is the big man’s success in the opening round of the playoffs where he boasts a 7-1 record.
While that record is impressive, Philadelphia’s 4-4 record inside Lincoln Financial Field in 2010 has been a point of concern among experts and analysts leading up to Sunday’s wild-card home game against Green Bay. The same Eagles team that evoked fear a month ago is now ripe for the picking in the minds of some critics.
This game will come down to which team takes care of the football. Green Bay finished third in the NFL is giveaway/takeaway margin (+12). The Packers forced 27 turnovers in their 10 wins and only five in the six losses. Philly finished second in turnover margin (+13), but gave the ball away 12 times in their last four games.
The Whatifsports.com NFL simulation engine “played” this game 501 times and the Philadelphia Eagles cover the spread 60.9-percent of the time and win by an average score of 21-17.