We are in the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs. We expected teams like Philadelphia, Detroit, Kansas City, Buffalo, and Baltimore to be here, but we have surprises in Washington and Los Angeles. Here is what I think we need to look for and my score predictions. Are there any upsets?
Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs 4:30 p.m. EST
These two teams met almost a month ago, with the Chiefs winning 27-19. QB C.J. Stroud threw two interceptions. Look for the Texans to try to run a more balanced offense with a short passing game to give Stoud early confidence. Also, look for RB Joe Mixon to get more involved in the passing game. As for the Chiefs it should be more status quo. Play good defense, lead a balanced attack, and let QB Pat Mahomes make the plays when it counts. Look for the Chiefs to be effective running the ball and for Mahomes to keep drives going with big third down completions. The Chiefs have the better defense and should win this one easily.
Score Prediction: Chiefs 31 – Texans 17
Washington Commanders at Detroit Lions 8:00 p.m. EST
The Commanders were able to advance with a come-from-behind victory vs. Tampa last week. The Lions will be a much more difficult task. Look for the Commanders to max protect and for QB Jayden Daniels to take long shots down the field to his receivers mainly Terry McLaurin. Also, look for Daniels to use his legs to pick up first downs. His legs will determine if the Commanders can stay in this one or not. As for Detroit, I think they look to establish the running game with their 1-2 punch of RB David Montgomery and RB Jahmyr Gibbs. If they are successful running the ball, it will go a long way into QB Jared Goff completing passes to WR Amon-Ra St. Brown and TE Sam LaPorta. I think the big difference in this game will be Detroit’s offensive line and ability to control the clock.
Score Prediction: Lions 34 – Commanders 24
Los Angeles Rams at Philadelphia Eagles 3:00 p.m. EST
Not many expected the Rams to be here after their 1-4 start, but they got healthy and have won 6 of their last 7 games. Look for them to use a short passing game to receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, and hope they can make big plays with yards after the catch. I expect them to be conservative early and let their stout defensive front 7 keep them in the games. As for the Eagles, the game plan should focus on running with RB Saquon Barkley and protecting QB Jalen Hurts from the Ram’s pass rush. Look for TE Dallas Goedert to be heavily involved as the Rams struggle against tight ends. I know we have a West Coast team traveling east, but QB Matt Stafford is a gamer. I just feel the Rams are playing well right now, and their defensive front 7 has been dominant. I am picking the upset here.
Score Prediction: Rams 23 – Eagles 20
Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills 6:30 p.m. EST
I think most of us predicted that this day would come before the season started. These two met in week 4, with the Ravens blowing out the Bills 35-10. Now the stakes are higher and the Bills will look to get revenge at home. For Baltimore, it must start with RB Derrick Henry. The Ravens signed him for this moment. His ability to run will determine the game. If he is getting big chunks, then the Ravens will win easily, as QB Lamar Jackson will also have his way. As for the Bills, their fate rests in their ability to stop Henry and on the arm and legs of QB Josh Allen. The Ravens are tough to run against, but they have a soft pass defense. Allen can create by keeping plays alive and will need to hit WR Amari Cooper for some big plays down the field. My heart wants to pick the Bills, but I just can’t do it. Baltimore can stop the run, and I expect Henry to have a solid game.
Score Prediction: Ravens 27 – Bills 23
