Apologies for not writing up predictions for the Super Wild Card Weekend, I had a game to cover for UCTV Sports and went to the Toscano Family Ice Forum opening men’s hockey game, all around moving in for the spring semester. However, we’re going to go over the divisional round games, loaded with the future of the NFL with the oldest starting quarterback (Dak Prescott) being 29 years old. Games to highlight include a star-studded battle between Joe Burrow and Josh Allen in Orchard Park, along with two of the best defenses in the league in Santa Clara. Here are my predictions for all four games:
Jacksonville Jaguars (9-8) at Kansas City Chiefs (14-3) (-9.5)
Patrick Mahomes is the MVP, with a supporting cast on offense including Travis Kelce, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Jedrick McKinnon, and a solid offensive line. Many talented defenses remain in the NFL Playoffs, but the Chiefs are underrated on defense despite being the top seed in the AFC. Chris Jones was one of the best defensive linemen this season, earning first-team All-Pro honors. The Jaguars came back after trailing 27-0 against the Chargers. It was a remarkable performance for Trevor Lawrence, who had a horrendous first half but had quite the opposite performance in the second half. Unlike Kansas City, Jacksonville did not have a single player named to the AP All-Pro teams. They don’t even have a single Pro Bowler on their roster. However, they come into Arrowhead Stadium with a chip on their shoulder. Trevor Lawrence has not lost on Saturday dating back to his days at Cartersville High School, but I think his 37-0 record, as well as Doug Pederson’s 3-0 record on Saturdays, will no longer be perfect.
Tune in to Jaguars at Chiefs at 4:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
New York Giants (9-7-1) at Philadelphia Eagles (14-3) (-8)
It’s an NFC East rivalry at Lincoln Financial Field between the Giants and the Eagles. The Giants, led by a two-touchdown performance by Saquon Barkley, scored the go-ahead touchdown with 7:47 remaining. They pulled off the upset over the Vikings, but have to go on the road again in Philadelphia. Daniel Jones has stepped up, passing for two touchdowns in last weekend’s win. The Eagles are well-rested, but will there be rust for them? Jalen Hurts was one of the league’s best quarterbacks this season, with A.J. Brown as his top receiver (terrible trade by the Titans). Philadelphia has one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, led by Lane Johnson and Jason Kelce, both making first-team All-Pro. Their defense is not to mess with, led by all-pro edge rusher Haason Reddick and all-pro cornerback James Bradberry. The Giants have one of the best defensive linemen as well, with Dexter Lawrence named second-team All-Pro. With that being said, home-field advantage is key as I think the Eagles will host the NFC Championship game next weekend.
Tune in to Giants at Eagles at 8:15 p.m. ET on FOX.
Cincinnati Bengals (12-4) at Buffalo Bills (13-3) (-5.5)
In my opinion, this is the closest matchup out of the four games. Both teams are terrific on both sides of the line-of-scrimmage and it’s a battle between two of the best quarterbacks in the NFL in Joe Burrow and Josh Allen. The last time the Bills were in the AFC Divisional Round, it was an instant classic that didn’t get the end result that Bills fans wanted. They actually hold the grudge of the overtime rules and the coin flip to this very day. I think they get past the Divisional Round this year and end up in the AFC Championship. They’re my pick to hoist the Lombardi Trophy, despite what the roundtable said in the Daily Campus.
Tune in to Bengals at Bills tomorrow at 3 p.m. ET on CBS and Paramount+.
Dallas Cowboys (12-5) at San Francisco 49ers (13-4) (-4)
I’ve been going back-and-forth on who I’m picking for this matchup. It’s between the two best defenses in the NFL, but the quarterback matchup is more interesting. The Cowboys have not been to the NFC Championship game since 1996, and Dak Prescott seeks to put an end to the drought. On the other hand, Brock Purdy less than a year ago was known as Mr. Irrelevant. Now, he has a chance to be the guy leading them into the NFC Championship against the Giants or the Eagles. Both teams have their weapons and as much as I love upsets, I think the home-field advantage and the defense is too much for Dallas. San Francisco gets back to the NFC Championship.
Tune in to Cowboys at 49ers tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. ET on FOX.
Calhoun's Corner 