Wild Card
Chargers @ Jaguars
Most people look at the Chargers and think they should win this game. They have Justin Herbert, Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen, Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, Derwin James, etc. So why are they not better? Coaching with awful time management. I believe the Jaguars will exploit these issues. I expect the Chargers to come out to an early lead in this game but will not be able to maintain it. I have the Jaguars winning.
Dolphins @ Bills
Skylar Thompson is starting for the Dolphins. The only hope Miami has is to rely on the running backs. Buffalo’s weakness on defense is stopping the run so Miami should exploit that. I would not be shocked if this game got out of hand early. I fully expect the Bills to win.
Ravens @ Bengals
The Ravens have no idea who their Quarterback is going to be with Lamar Jackson not going to play. The Bengals are also on an 8 game winning streak. This is a game the Ravens will need to pass to win and without Lamar that’s not happening. I got the Bengals washing the Ravens.
Seahawks @ 49ers
While the 49ers have won both games against the Seahawks, the Seahawks did not back down. I think this game will be close but I still think Seattle’s defense is too big of an issue to be able to win this game. I have the 49ers with their third win of the year against the Seahawks.
Giants @ Vikings
I was very close to picking the Giants for this one. The Vikings needed a walk-off Field Goal to beat the Giants last time. I wouldn’t be shocked if the Giants won with how incredibly deceiving this Vikings team has been. I just can not imagine the Giants defense being able to shut down Justin Jefferson or Daniel Jones being able to match the same level of play as Kirk Cousins can with their weapons. I have the Vikings here.
Cowboys @ Buccaneers
Someone is going to shock someone either way. The Cowboys are known for collapsing in the playoffs. Even if the Eagles lost last week, the Cowboys ruined their chances of winning the division and possibly getting the #1 seed against a third string Quarterback. On the other side, this Buccaneers Offense has been lackluster behind their depleted Offensive Line. Their Run Offense is the worst in the league. The way I see this going is the Cowboys have to not turn the ball over and run the ball. Against the Buccaneers I do not think they would be able to run effectively. The Buccaneers are going to have to rely on Tom Brady to be the difference maker in the game. Of course I am picking Tom Brady to be the one who makes the difference in the game. I have the Buccaneers moving on.
Divisional Round
Jaguars @ Chiefs
This game could be closer than expected but it’s the Chiefs. The Jaguars will fight but it will not be enough for a Patrick Mahomes led offense. Chiefs move on.
Bengals @ Bills
The game that should have been. This might be the game of the year. A rematch of the canceled game. I’ve said it all year and it has been the Bills downfall every time they we lose. They have no idea how to run the ball effectively and they can not stop the run very well either. I think the Bengals will do enough on the ground to win this game in a close one.
Buccaneers @ Eagles
Never underestimate Tom Brady but with extra time to get healthy, the Eagles should be at full strength for the first time since the Packers game when C.J. Gardner-Johnson got hurt. The Eagles entire Defensive Line will dominate the Bucs injury riddled Offensive Line. The only way to stop the Eagles so far is to run out the clock and the Buccaneers can not run the ball at all this year. I expect the Eagles to win this game but do not count out Tom Brady.
Vikings @ 49ers
This is where the Vikings run come to a stop. The 49ers defense is too good for the Vikings offense to get anything going. The Vikings defense is not good enough to stop the multitalented 49ers offense regardless of who their Quarterback is. I expect the 49ers to handle whatever the Vikings throw at them.
Conference Championship
Bengals @ Chiefs
A rematch of last year. But this time things change. I think this game will come down to coaching. Last year the Bengals surprised the Chiefs but I think Andy Reid will have the upper hand on Zac Taylor. I have the Chiefs representing the AFC in the Super Bowl.
49ers @ Eagles
I honestly think if one of these teams is not in the NFC Championship that the other is going to walk to the Super Bowl. Both teams have nearly complete teams. Efficient Quarterback play, Elite Run Game, skilled receivers, legendary offensive line, elite run defense, elite pass defense. I think if Brock Purdy is in at Quarterback this will be where he breaks. I do not think any rookie Quarterback could go on the road in January to Philadelphia and beat this Eagles team. I have the Eagles winning this game and heading to the Super Bowl.
Super Bowl
Chiefs vs Eagles
Andy Reid versus his old team. Jason Kelce versus Travis Kelce. The objective for the Chiefs is to make sure they are holding onto the ball and maintain the time of possession. I do not think the Chiefs offense can do that so Mahomes will have to sling the ball all over the place like he normally does. The issue with this is the Eagles will then do the same and run the ball to keep Mahomes off the field. Both teams will struggle to run the ball efficiently but ultimately the weapons which Jalen Hurts needs to rely upon have been more efficient all year than anyone outside of Travis Kelce on the Chiefs. I have the Philadelphia Eagles winning the Super Bowl over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Jordan Burden