AFC

#3 BILLS VS. #2 CHIEFS

The Bills walloped the Patriots with a record-setting night of touchdowns on every drive. No punts, field goals, or turnovers at all. The Chiefs came out looking like the Chiefs of old doing the same to the Steelers. They clash once again and the Bills are looking for revenge from last season’s AFC Championship. Last year, the Bills had no established run game and the Chiefs punished them for it. Then earlier this season, the Bills won the first meeting during the regular season while the Chiefs’ offense struggled. The Bills have Josh Allen as a runner with Devin Singletary’s help and the Chiefs won’t back down offensively, defensively, or on special teams. However, the Chiefs will be tested because it’s unclear if they solved up their inconsistencies on any side of the ball. The Bills seem ruthless with Allen and the defense and could fight Kansas City to the very end for an AFC Championship return.

MY PICK: BILLS

#4 BENGALS VS. #1 TITANS

Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase looked virtually unstoppable for most of the game. Everything on offense ran smooth. Their defense has moments from time-to-time, but did enough to hold off the Raiders for their first playoff win in 30 years. But here comes Tennessee. Well deserving of the overall seed while overcoming adversity, including losing Derrick Henry for the rest of the regular season and overcoming COVID issues with three weeks left. Now they have Henry back at the right time surrounded by supporting casts. This could be a more interesting matchup that may come down to one possession by either. Unless the Bengals can dominate the defense and the other side slows down Henry, the Titans win outright.

MY PICK: TITANS

NFC

#4 RAMS VS. #2 BUCCANEERS

The Buccaneers and the Rams clip the Eagles and Cardinals to clash once again. The last time they met, the Rams handled them but Tampa didn’t run the ball much and Brady was their leading rusher of just 14 yards. Matt Stafford threw for four touchdowns and former Ram/now Raider receiver DeSean Jackson was the leading receiver. Los Angeles went further by adding two key players (Odell Beckham Jr. and Von Miller) hoping to go a step further in the regular season and postseason. Here’s a reminder: Tampa lost Leonard Fournette, Chris Godwin, and Ronald Jones, and now offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs is questionable after last week. If he doesn’t return, Tom Brady will be under more pressure by Aaron Donald and his front seven again. The Rams went all in on their roster and will do whatever it takes to win this game outright.

MY PICK: RAMS

#6 49ERS VS. #1 PACKERS

The 49ers win another dramatic game for the second straight week. If they aren’t made for the spotlight moment, then I have no words. They had my heart pounding every second of that fourth quarter, but they came through (luck or not). Now they travel up to chilly Lambeau Field for the first time since 2018 to face Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. Green Bay obtained the overall seed and rested. They should have some key players back in time for Saturday night. The offense looks balanced on all ends and the defense looks a bit more formidable than last season. The game comes down to special teams, ball control, and penalties. The 49ers are dealing with key injuries on defense and it could affect how their game progresses. The game may come down to one possession, and the Packers should come away with a win in that situation.

MY PICK: PACKERS