AFC
#7 STEELERS VS. #2 CHIEFS
The first meeting was a one-sided game. The Chiefs ran over the Steelers, and the top receivers didn’t involve Travis Kelce or Tyreek Hill. It was Byron Pringle, running back Derrick Gore, and Mecole Hardman. The Steelers’ defense struggled to hold the line while their offense couldn’t respond until the second half. Kansas City had them on turnovers and time of possession. This game could be about the same like the first. Ben Roethlisberger’s comments this week about their team getting beat this weekend seemed the case, but words are just words though. Pittsburgh could play a different game than their previous meeting, but it may end the same like last season’s playoffs against Cleveland if the offense doesn’t find a spark…
MY PICK: CHIEFS
#6 PATRIOTS VS. #3 BILLS
Round 3 of the Patriots/Bills game will be one of the more entertaining games to watch. Both won their road games against each other this season. However, the Patriots have more success on the road than the Bills. The wind won’t play a factor unlike the first time in Buffalo, but the game weighs on the Patriots’ key defensive players’ injury status and the Bills run game beyond Josh Allen. The Patriots will regain some of them more than the Bills will succeed on the ground. The Bills will attempt to attack the Patriots’ backfield, but Bill Belichick may have a plan to make their passing game more of a “have to” than a “want to”.
MY PICK: PATRIOTS
#5 RAIDERS VS. #4 BENGALS
The Raiders survived a chaotic ending to Week 18 to set up a rematch against the Bengals. They overcame off-the-field adversities after losing two players and firing Jon Gruden. The Bengals had a great season, including their domination over the AFC North’s consistent winners (Steelers and Ravens). Even a big comeback win against the Chiefs raised some attention across the league. First time around, the Bengals wrecked the Raiders with 4th quarter turnovers. This time could be different. Las Vegas’s ball control is vital and it comes down to Derek Carr’s big play performance in his first postseason game. The Bengals have yet to end their 7-game playoff skid though, so think about it.
MY PICK: RAIDERS
BYE – #1 TENNESSEE TITANS
NFC
#7 EAGLES VS. #2 BUCCANEERS
In the first meeting, the Buccaneers dominated for about two and a half quarters and the Eagles were left with one touchdown. The last one and a half quarters flipped to the Eagles and were within a touchdown of tying and/or potentially winning the game. The Eagles found their success on the ground, which made things more comfortable for Jalen Hurts. They ended the regular season with seven wins in the last 10 games. The Buccaneers are still formidable as long as Tom Brady is their guy. However, the lose of Chris Godwin, Antonio Brown, and Leonard Fournette, along with Ronald Jones II being doubtful could put Tampa Bay’s weekend into question. If we’re expecting a blowout, think again because the Eagles defense will be on Brady. But at the end of the day, he will come through for the team.
MY PICK: BUCCANEERS
#6 49ERS VS. #3 COWBOYS
The 49ers and Cowboys meet in Jerry’s World for the most anticipating super wild card game of the weekend. The Cowboys’ offense clashes with the Niners’ defense, but the other side of the ball are pretty good too. The 49ers dominate in rushing and yards per play while the Cowboys’ defense are grittier and turnover-capable. However, Jimmy G and Ezekiel Elliott will be heavily needed for certain game-time situations. The game will be based on penalties, turnovers, and who succeeds more on third down plays. The Cowboys can win this game, but they’re not always successful at home. The 49ers could win as long as they succeed on the ground, Jimmy Garoppollo takes care of the ball, and their pass rush outplays the Cowboys offensive line.
MY PICK: 49ERS
#5 CARDINALS VS. #4 RAMS
The Rams and Cardinals clash for the third time in this NFC West rivalry matchup. Both stack up on rosters for an “all hands on deck Super Bowl or bust” 2021-2022 campaign. The Rams were off to a hot start before their complete November skid. They finished off strong despite losing Robert Woods, but they do regain Cam Akers from injury at the right time. The Cardinals were the same before their late season skid, winning four of their last ten games. The Cardinals are the road warriors of the NFL (8-1 in road games). They were successful at both St. Louis and Los Angeles in the past before their 4-game skid prior to this season’s win in L.A. The Rams will play hard for a home Super Bowl, but the Cardinals might have their number once more and spoil their opportunity of being the second Super Bowl host.
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