Image Source: Sam Farmer
Key Takeaways
- The NFL divisional playoffs are set to kick off, with four exciting matchups scheduled for the weekend
- The Broncos are favored to win against the Bills, with a point spread of 1½ and an over/under of 46½
- The Seahawks are expected to take down the 49ers, with a point spread of 7 and an over/under of 44½
- The Patriots are predicted to win against the Texans, with a point spread of 3 and an over/under of 40½
- The Rams are favored to beat the Bears, with a point spread of 3½ and an over/under of 48½
Introduction to the Divisional Playoffs
The NFL divisional playoffs are upon us, and Los Angeles Times NFL writer Sam Farmer is here to break down the matchups and make his predictions. With a 173-99 (.636) record over the regular season and playoffs, Farmer is looking to bounce back from a 2-4 (.333) record last week. As he notes, "it will be huge for the Bills if they can get a timely turnover or two against an offense that struggled against the Chargers’ second-string defense in a regular-season finale." However, the concern is that Josh Allen, as beat up as he is, will have to put the team on his back yet again, this time against a rested team and at altitude.
Bills vs. Broncos
The Buffalo Bills are set to take on the Denver Broncos, with the Broncos favored to win by 1½ points and an over/under of 46½. As Farmer notes, "Sean Payton is the kind of coach who makes good use of an extra week of preparation, and the Broncos have proven this season they can close out tight games." The Bills will need to get a timely turnover or two to take down the Broncos, but with Josh Allen’s health in question, it’s a tough task. Farmer predicts the Broncos will win 27-24, saying "the concern is the idea of Josh Allen, as beat up as he is, putting the team on his back yet again, this time against a rested team and at altitude."
49ers vs. Seahawks
The San Francisco 49ers are set to take on the Seattle Seahawks, with the Seahawks favored to win by 7 points and an over/under of 44½. The Seahawks beat the 49ers soundly in their finale and are coming off a week’s rest, which gives them a significant advantage. As Farmer notes, "the Seahawks beat the 49ers soundly in their finale and now they’re coming off a week’s rest. San Francisco just traveled across the country and won a physical game in which they lost star tight end George Kittle." The edge goes to the healthier and more-rested team, and it helps that Seattle will have that deafening crowd. Farmer predicts the Seahawks will win 24-20, saying "these division opponents know each other well so this is likely to be a fairly close game."
Texans vs. Patriots
The Houston Texans are set to take on the New England Patriots, with the Patriots favored to win by 3 points and an over/under of 40½. Although the Texans roughed up the Steelers in the first round, C.J. Stroud had a difficult outing, and the Patriots’ defense doesn’t have great pass rushers but can stop the run and put the pressure on Stroud to make plays. As Farmer notes, "Drake Maye is outstanding and Mike Vrabel is an elite coach. The Patriots will need their best performance against the NFL’s top defense." This feels like a low-scoring game between two of the league’s best-coached teams. Farmer predicts the Patriots will win 20-17, saying "New England’s defense doesn’t have great pass rushers but can stop the run and put the pressure on Stroud to make plays."
Rams vs. Bears
The Los Angeles Rams are set to take on the Chicago Bears, with the Rams favored to win by 3½ points and an over/under of 48½. Weather could be a significant factor in this game, and it figures to be cold. As Farmer notes, "Chicago has lived off of turnovers and late-game heroics, and that could come into play. The Rams are certainly capable of a letdown." However, the Rams have Matthew Stafford, who should win league MVP and has been to the mountaintop before. The Rams’ defense needs to contain Caleb Williams without over-pursuing him. Farmer predicts the Rams will win 28-23, saying "the Rams are certainly capable of a letdown. But they also have Matthew Stafford, who should win league MVP and has been to the mountaintop before (unlike all the other remaining playoff quarterbacks)."
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nfl-divisional-playoff-picks-broncos-110000880.html