Friday, December 20, 2024
Sports

Picks and predictions for each NFL Divisional game

It’s time to make our picks for the NFL Divisional round, with only eight teams still vying for their shot at winning Super Bowl LVII.

Matchup

Jacksonville Jaguars

9-8

Kansas City Chiefs

14-3

Saturday, Jan. 21

4:30 p.m. ET

The Jaguars are here due to an incredible comeback, rallying from 27 points down to beat the Los Angeles Chargers. They’re also riding a six-game winning streak and have one of the best young quarterbacks in the game.

However, this is a tough hill. Kansas City is off a bye, and in his career, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is 27-4 with two weeks off. Additionally, the Chiefs are the more talented team on both sides of the ball with legitimate Super Bowl aspirations.

Is an upset possible? Sure, but it’s not likely.

Pick: Kansas City 34, Jacksonville 24

Matchup

New York Giants

9-7-1

Philadelphia Eagles

14-3

Saturday, Jan. 21

8:15 p.m. ET

This is going to be fascinating. The Eagles are going for the three-game sweep of the Giants, who impressed last week in a 31-24 win over the Minnesota Vikings. Quarterback Daniel Jones accounted for 379 total yards, while Saquon Barkley only had to handle nine carries.

Of course, the Eagles’ defense is a bit better than Minnesota’s. Look for defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon to shut off the run and force New York’s underwhelming receivers to win the game against a pair of top corners in Darius Slay and James Bradberry.

The game is likely close, but Philadelphia is the better team.

Pick: Philadelphia 24, New York 20

Matchup

Cincinnati Bengals

12-4

Buffalo Bills

13-3

Sunday, Jan. 22

3 p.m. ET

Maybe the best game of the season to date. Buffalo and Cincinnati both want to spread defenses out and throw the ball, so we should see plenty of yards and points. The big question is which quarterback makes the big mistakes, gifting a possession or two to the other side.

Joe Burrow has been fantastic down the stretch, helping Cincinnati win nine straight. If his beat-up offensive line can do enough, Burrow is more likely to produce while Josh Allen will create a highlight reel, but also mix in a few low-lights.

Pick: Cincinnati 30, Buffalo 27

Matchup

Dallas Cowboys

12-5

San Francisco 49ers

13-4

Sunday, Jan. 22

6:30 p.m. ET

The Cowboys and 49ers in the playoffs. A tale as old as time.

Dallas looked fantastic in its demolition of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but the Niners aren’t that. San Francisco is perhaps the best team in football on both sides of the ball, but questions remains about seventh-round rookie quarterback Brock Purdy.

If the Cowboys can get to Purdy with their fearsome front four, they could pull the upset. Additionally, they’ll need another spectacular game from quarterback Dak Prescott. This should be a thriller.

Pick: San Francisco 28, Dallas 24

Last Week: 5-1
Season: 178-89-2

source

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