The 4 Games to Decide the AFC & NFC Championships
Got your popcorn ready? Another weekend of NFL action is here. With the Wild Card drifters and late-season collapse teams out of the way (looking at you, Eagles & Cowboys), eight teams enter the weekend just two wins away from the Super Bowl. Four will come out alive. There are heavy favorites in the NFL’s Divisional Round. Only one game features a spread less than six points (Chiefs-Bills), and that game could be another instant classic. From historic matchups to weather forecasts helping us out, here are our picks for the Divisional Round.
NFL Playoff Picks (Divisional Round)
AFC: #4 Texans (11-7) at #1 Ravens (13-4)
(Saturday, 4:30 pm ET, ESPN)
The first game of the Divisional Round pits the team with the best record in the NFL against the underdog first-year quarterback and head coach duo. The Ravens host the Texans on a blistering cold Saturday afternoon in Baltimore, and those frigid temps could benefit the home team. Both teams have feared defenses who rip turnovers at a high rate, but Lamar Jackson’s legs could be the game-changer that negates C.J. Stroud’s arm. Wind, 15 degrees and the homefied advantage benefits the Ravens. Give me LJ and Harbaugh in a narrow win.
Spread: Ravens (-9.5)
✍️ SL Pick: Ravens def. Texans (27-24)
NFC: #7 Packers (10-8) at #1 49ers (12-5)
(Saturday, 8:15 pm ET, FOX)
The Packers gave the Cowboys a kill-shot last weekend, but Saturday night in the Bay should be a different story. This 49ers team has all the makings of a Super Bowl favorite, and it’s unlikely the Pack can slay two giants on back-to-back weekend. Jordan Love will be under duress from this San Francisco defense, and the Packers D will have its hands full trying to slow down the quartet of Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, George Kittle and Brandon Aiyuk. Let’s give the Pack some well-deserved points, but this is ultimately ‘Step 1’ of a 49ers revenge run.
Spread: 49ers (-9.5)
✍️ SL Pick: 49ers def. Packers (31-21)
NFC: #4 Bucs (10-8) at #3 Lions (13-5)
(Sunday, 3:00 pm ET, NBC)
The state of Michigan is riding a football high right now, and the only thing that could shatter the ceiling is Baker Mayfield. On the heels of Michigan’s national championship and the Lions’ first playoff win in 32 years, this Detroit team has some extra juice behind them. I like what the Bucs did last weekend to the Eagles, but that might’ve been more of a Philly problem than a Tampa takeover. Jared Goff has won over Lions fans, and Dan Campbell will have Detroit ready to roll. It’s tough to walk into the Lion’s den, especially when the Lions have been hungry for so long. I’ll take Detroit to run away after a tight first-half.
Spread: Lions (-6.5)
✍️ SL Pick: Lions def. Bucs (30-17)
AFC: #3 Chiefs (12-6) at #2 Bills (12-6)
(Sunday, 6:30 pm ET, CBS)
Game of the year? Should be. Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen go at it in the playoffs for the third time. Mahomes and the Chiefs won each of the previous two matchups, but those were both in Kansas City. These QBs have faced each other six times total, and the latest game was that memorable Week 16 matchup where Travis Kelce’s lateral to Kadarius Toney was called back for an offsides penalty. All in all, the two QBs have split the six matchups, 3-3. But this Buffalo team feels driven right now. And one month after a road win in Kansas City? The Bills have to believe this time will be different. Give me another overtime thriller that adds to the rivalry narrative, but Josh Allen walks it off in OT.
Spread: Bills (-3)
✍️ SL Pick: Bills def. Chiefs (33-27, OT)
Read More
AP: Mahomes vs. Allen 3rd Playoff Showdown Features A Twist in the Setting
NFL: 4 Things to Watch for in Packers-49ers NFC Divisional Round
Yahoo! Sports: Ravens Add RB Dalvin Cook to Active Roster, Release Melvin Gordon
