Eight teams are left to battle it out in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs. Before these showdowns kickoff, let’s take a look at predictions for each game.
Saturday, January 11
Minnesota Vikings at San Francisco 49ers
4:35 p.m. ET
The 49ers were dangerous throughout the entire regular season. This game won’t be any different. Although no one expected the Vikings to take care of business against the New Orleans Saints, San Francisco will be a completely different challenge. The 49ers are fresh from a bye week, touting homefield advantage, and expecting key players back from injury: pass rusher Dee Ford, linebacker Kwon Alexander, and tight end George Kittle. Not to mention, as good as Kirk Cousins is performing, he is no match for Jimmy Garrapolo. A healthy and well-rested 49ers team will be tough to beat. That still doesn’t take away from the fact that the Vikings are the second-best NFC team left in the playoffs. There is no doubt they have found ways to win tough games. Dalvin Cook, Adam Thielen, Stefon Diggs, and company will be ready to vie for an upset.
Final Pick: San Francisco 49ers
Tennessee Titans at Baltimore Ravens
8:15 p.m. ET
The Ravens and Titans are very well-matched. Both teams are physical and have momentum for different reasons. The Ravens have been punching opponents in the mouth all season. However, the Titans made a surprising turnaround after handing the starting quarterback job to Ryan Tannehill which has led them on quite a run. These teams are also comprised of the NFL’s two most unstoppable athletes: quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry. You’ll never be able to completely stop either player but the team who can figure out how to slow one of them down will have an advantage. Don’t expect this game to be a blowout. The Titans will play the Ravens close but Baltimore’s X factor is multiple weapons on both sides of the ball such as Mark Ingram, Marcus Peters, and Hollywood Brown.
Final Pick: Baltimore Ravens
Sunday, January 12
Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs
3:05 p.m. ET
This is an interesting matchup. The Texans and Chiefs have experienced their own fair share of disappointments in the playoffs. It’s hard to have any faith that one of them will not choke in the spotlight but luckily someone has to come out victorious. The Texans struggled mightily against the Buffalo Bills in the wildcard round. If it wasn’t for a series of huge mistakes by the Bills, the Texans would be sitting at home this weekend. On the otherhand, they know that wasn’t their best performance and should be better prepared for the Chiefs. It will be a treat watching two of the league’s best mobile quarterbacks go head-to-head. This is a matchup where Deshaun Watson, DeAndre Hopkins, and JJ Watt will have a seamless game to move on. Expect Patrick Mahomes and Tyreek Hill to cause problems but possibly missing Travis Kelce and Chris Jones will undoubtedly slowdown the Chiefs. Coaching will also come into play. Andy Reid is more experienced in big game situations which could be a major difference maker.
Final Pick: Kansas City Chiefs
Seattle Seahawks at Green Bay Packers
6:40 p.m. ET
The Seahawks were not their best against a banged-up Philadelphia Eagles team but still managed to slide into the divisional round. This has been one of the most popular arguments as to why Seattle will fall to Green Bay. If we look at history, there have been plenty of times where the Seahawks were not at their best but still came out victorious. In contrast, the Packers have Aaron Rodgers, Lambeau Field, and rest on their side. If there is a team that isn’t fazed by those factors, it is the Seahawks. They are 8-1 on the road and Russell Wilson has seen success against the Packers. This will be exciting to watch. Rodgers will be hungry and Wilson will always bet on himself.
Final Pick: Seattle Seahawks