Wild Card Weekend is in the books. The field of 12 teams has been shred to eight. We shift gears to the next round of the playoffs, the Divisional Round. Here, we finally get to see the NFL’s best go at it. As MVP favorites and playoff veterans prepare to take the field, I’ll take a closer look at each of the round’s four games. In addition, I’ll giv my predictions as well.
#6 Indianapolis Colts @ #1 Kansas City Chiefs
This is a very, very tough game to call. As I alluded to in a previous article, the Chiefs have the MVP in QB Patrick Mahomes. All season long, Mahomes, along with his two 1,000-yard receivers, WR Tyreek Hill & TE Travis Kelce, have been on a tear.
For a Kansas City team that’s known for starting off hot and then slowly diminishing, this team has been on fire all season. With a 12-4 record, the Chiefs will have home-field advantage throughout the AFC Playoffs. However, they’re 3-3 in their last six games. The Chiefs are one of the best teams in the NFL, but if anyone in the AFC can upset them it’s the Colts.
During Wild Card Weekend, the Colts upset the third-seeded Houston Texans 21-7 in Houston. The Colts are 10-1 in their last 11 games, which instantly makes them the hottest team in the NFL. QB Andrew Luck is the clear-cut Comeback Player of the Year, WR T.Y. Hilton & TE Eric Ebron are playing great, and the running game, led by RB Marlon Mack, is efficient.
The Chiefs defense is purely suspect, and I don’t think that changes in this game. Indianapolis is 4-0 against the Chiefs in the playoffs. This game has the potential to be one the best of the weekend. The fan in me wants to see the Colts pull out the win. However, in what I predict will be a fantastic QB battle, I think offense prevails. Patrick Mahomes shows us why he should be the MVP.
Final Score Prediction: Kansas City Chiefs 35 – 30 Indianapolis Colts
#4 Dallas Cowboys @ #2 Los Angeles Rams
I didn’t believe in the Cowboys. They’ve were written off again, and they’ve proved their doubters wrong. QB Dak Prescott, RB Ezekiel Elliot, and WR Amari Cooper came to play, as the Cowboys beat the Seattle Seahawks 24-22. Seattle came into the game as the league’s best rushing offense. Despite that, the Cowboys held them to only 73 rushing yards.
Now, the Cowboys move on, but facing them is an elite Rams team. They’re led by QB Jared Goff and RB Todd Gurley. Dallas absolutely shut down the run in their last game, so one thing to keep an eye on is how they manage Gurley. Also, the Cowboys have been proven to be tough in the secondary. WRs Brandin Cooks and Robert Woods need to separate themselves from
It’s worth noting that Jared Goff has an 80.7 passer rating in his last five games. This is a major decline from his 116.8 average in the five games prior.
The Rams have been battle-tested this season with close games that’ll help with moments like these. An experienced Rams team has a mindset where no Super Bowl title means a disappointing season. The Cowboys have had a great and surprising season, but do I expect them to leave Los Angeles with a win?
No.
The Rams are easily one of the best teams in the NFL. Dallas may keep up, but in the end, the speed of Brandin Cooks and the versatility/elusiveness of Todd Gurley may just prove to be too much. The Rams, on paper, are stronger, quicker, more talented and better coached (in my opinion). These may be the deciding factors in this game.
Final Score Prediction: Los Angeles Rams 31 – 20 Dallas Cowboys
#5 Los Angeles Chargers @ #2 New England Patriots
Philip Rivers and Tom Brady.
These two veterans go at it for the eighth time, as the Chargers go to Foxborough. They’re flying high after ending the Cinderella story of QB Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens. Meanwhile, Tom Brady and the Patriots are coming off a much-needed bye week.
In a low scoring game, QB Philip Rivers was able to distribute the ball efficiently despite the Ravens’ top defense. The Chargers also managed to force three turnovers. As I alluded to in a previous article, the Chargers have weapons all around them. They’re also expected to activate TE Hunter Henry.
As for the Patriots, unlike recent years, they have a rushing attack that can stuff the ball down your throat. Along with that three-headed back system, QB Tom Brady, TE Rob Gronkowski, and WR Julian Edelman are all expected to ramp it up.
I think the deciding factor will be the running game. However, what most don’t know is the history between the two teams. Phillip Rivers is 0-7 all-time against Tom Brady. The Chargers are 7-1 on the road with their only loss coming in Los Angeles (to the Rams). To counter that, the Patriots are the only team who are undefeated at home. Oh, and the Pats have made it to the AFC Championship in seven straight years.
I have the Patriots winning and continuing the trend. Yes, the Patriots haven’t been a powerhouse this season, but Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are too good in the playoffs and at home to let the fifth seed come into Gillette Stadium and beat them. It’s also worth noting that the Patriots are undefeated against teams who made the playoffs this season. Expect a great QB battle and game.
Final Score Prediction: New England Patriots 28 – 24 Los Angeles Chargers
#6 Philadelphia Eagles @ #1 New Orleans Saints
The defending champion Philadelphia Eagles managed to upset the 12-4 Chicago Bears. Many had the Bears going to the Super Bowl. QB “Saint” Nick Foles did it again for the Eagles in which every yard was earned. They didn’t utilize the “Philly Special,” but nevertheless, the Eagles got it done. Although the deciding factor of the game was Bears K Cody Parkey’s missed field goal, you must include the things throughout the game.
WR Alshon Jeffery, WR Golden Tate, and TE Zach Ertz among others came through big when it mattered. This included Golden Tate’s two-yard game-winning touchdown to cap off a 12-play drive. This touchdown put the Eagles in the Divisional Round against the top team in the NFL, the New Orleans Saints.
When it comes to the Saints, you know what to expect. They come in at 13-3 with MVP hopeful QB Drew Brees. At 39 years old, he’s having one of his best seasons yet. With him, you have RBs Alvin Kamara & Mark Ingram, and WR Mike Thomas at his disposal.
This game will be about whether or not the Eagles can stop the Saints offense. I believe they have the necessary firepower to knock them off, but can the defense come through?
It’s safe to say CB Avonte Maddox was exposed versus the Bears. Those are the type of things that can’t happen against a team like the Saints.
Can Nick Foles have a great game?
Yes.
Can he lead the Eagles to a win inside one of the NFL’s loudest venues?
No.
I have the Saints winning comfortably as they did back in Week 11.
Final Score Prediction: New Orleans Saints 31 – 17 Philadelphia Eagles
We’re in their meat of the postseason. Anything can happen. I stuck with the favorites, but overall, we’re in for a competitive Divisional Round. As the rounds go on, I’ll take more in-depth looks and make more predictions. As kick-off approaches, did I get something wrong? Let me know.