NFL Divisional Preview

Last week’s thrilling super wild card weekend gave us controversy, bizarre coaching decisions and even a shocking result. This week the final eight will do battle to take one step closer to the Super Bowl. Last week I went 4-2 in my predictions with the Rams and Browns denying me perfection. Let’s see what this week will hold for us.

Los Angeles Rams @ Green Bay Packers (Saturday 4 pm)

The first game of the weekend will have Aaron Rodgers, who surely will win the MVP, against the number 1 ranked defense. The Rams will hope they can build off the recent momentum that they have gotten from beating Seattle. On the flip side, the Packers are well rested and are fully motivated to get back to the Super Bowl.

Aaron Rodgers had one of his best seasons and will be hoping that translates into postseason success. While their offense can put up points in a hurry, look for their defense to be the key. The Rams likely starting QB Jared Goff still has a thumb injury and the chilly weather will not help with that. Goff is turnover prone and if the Packers’ defense can force mistakes then the Packers can book their place in the next round. One concern is that Rodgers hasn’t beaten a number 1 defense in his last four tries.

The Rams will likely rely on rookie RB Cam Akers to carry the load on offense. With Goff’s bad thumb they can’t afford to have him constantly throwing the ball and potentially making mistakes. Look for lots of running and clock control for them offensively. On defense, Aaron Donald will be tasked with making life as difficult as possible for Aaron Rodgers. The Rams best chance will be causing problems on defense and having their offense take advantage.

Los Angeles Rams 20 Green Bay Packers 28

Baltimore Ravens @ Buffalo Bills (Saturday 8 pm)

This is arguably the game of the weekend with Josh Allen hosting Lamar Jackson. Surviving wild card weekend with close wins, both teams will be full of confidence heading into this one. The Bills have been one of the hottest teams in the league while the Ravens have finally put to bed their playoff demons. This game could easily come down to the final minutes.

The Bills outlasted the Colts last week despite being outplayed for long stretches in that game. Buffalo will need to do a better job of getting stops on defense otherwise it can end up being a repeat of last week. On the offensive side of the ball, Josh Allen and Stefan Diggs continue to be a lethal duo. If those two can continue to connect, then Buffalo will like their chances. It will also be key that Allen doesn’t make a dumb turnover. He was fortunate last week and that type of luck likely won’t happen this time around.

Baltimore’s running game is the key for them in this one. The Colts gashed Buffalo’s defense on the ground last week and the Ravens will be hoping for similar success. Lamar Jackson’s ability to run when things break down will also be a boost to this offense. Defensively, the Ravens will need to keep Josh Allen under control. That’s easier said then done, but this defense did keep Derrick Henry quiet so it is certainly possible.

Baltimore Ravens 24 Buffalo Bills 21

Cleveland Browns @ Kansas City Chiefs (Sunday 3 pm)

Cinderella heads to Kansas City to play what many consider the best team in the NFL. While the Chiefs were enjoying their bye week, the Browns were pulling off the shock of the weekend. Full of momentum and belief the Browns will be hoping the good times don’t end here. Meanwhile, the Chiefs, who haven’t looked their best, will be hoping for a fast start.

The Chiefs have been in cruise control for most of the season. This has led them to be involved in plenty of close games to teams that they really should be beating comfortably. The concern would be if KC can’t flip the switch and the Browns catch them on the wrong day. But if the Chiefs can flip that switch, watch out because this team can put up points in the blink of an eye. Their defense can force turnovers, especially when defending a lead.

The Browns are hoping they can catch lightning in a bottle two weeks in a row. It is certainly an uphill battle for this squad as the Chiefs have the ability to put up 20+ points in only a matter of minutes. That being said, the Browns will be secretly confident due to their running game. If they can control the clock and keep the Chiefs offense off the field they stand a chance. Look for defensive player Myles Garrett to create havoc for Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense.

Cleveland Browns 27 Kansas City Chiefs 38

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ New Orleans Saints (Sunday 6:30 pm)

For the third time this season, we get Tom Brady vs Drew Brees. The Saints won both of their regular season meetings, but that means little in the playoffs. Obviously the Buccaneers will be looking for revenge, while the Saints will be looking for a historic three game sweep. No team has ever beaten Tom Brady three times in the same season. Will we see history? Or does Tom have a special trick up his sleeve for this game?

The Saints have owned Tampa Bay this season outscoring them 72- 26. However, recent performances have been a cause for concern as last week showed. New Orleans can’t repeat their performance against Chicago this week otherwise it will be another disappointing end. Their three headed offense (Drew Brees, Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas) will look to dominate Tampa’s defense. Defensively New Orleans will be hoping to dominate Tom Brady like they did the last time these two teams met.

Unlike New Orleans, the Buccaneers will be encouraged by their last game. The hope will be that they can use last week as a springboard to propel them past the pesky Saints. The key for Tampa will be giving Tom Brady time to operate on offense. If they can’t give him the time he needs it will be a very long day for the Tampa faithful. The defense will have their hands full trying to slow down a Drew Brees led offense. It is imperative that Tampa forces the Saints into turnovers if they want a shot at winning.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24 New Orleans Saints 27