Here we are, the playoffs!! The best 14 teams have survived and made it to the big dance. Who will win the big game, Will we see any upsets? Which teams have concerns heading into the playoffs. Here’s my analysis of the first round of the NFL Playoffs.
Chargers at Texans: Pretty amazing Harbaugh has taken the Chargers to the playoffs in his first year! He has this team believing and has a good team to make a run. The issue with the Chargers is the ability to put up big numbers. They play a little like Michigan when Harbaugh coached them. That style of football will be good enough to win against the Texans, but as they move along it might become more difficult. The lack of weapons on the offensive side of the ball might be their nemesis. Even though the Texans are at home I think they lose by at least 3. Chargers 24 Texans 20.
Steelers at Ravens: Here we go again, the Steelers vs the Ravens. Two teams that hate each other and know each other very well. In my eyes, these two teams are heading in two different directions. The Ravens with Derek Henry are playing at a very high level while the Steelers have lost four straight and are limping into the playoffs. Has Russell Wilson lost his magic? There has been talks this week that they play Justin Fields too to keep the defense on their heels. They need to do something and pull out the tricks, because the Ravens will be very tough to beat at home. I like the Ravens by 10. Ravens 31 Steelers 21.
Broncos at Bills: Is anyone giving the Broncos a chance? They have a chance but it will be very very tough for so many reasons. One, a rookie QB playing an away game. Two, the Bills are more hungry than ever as they have been so close so many times. Three, Josh Allen has a solid RB to take the pressure off him in these big games. Denver has a solid team with a proven coach in Sean Payton, but they got a tough draw playing the Bills, first round in Buffalo. In order to win this game, they need to get Josh Allen to turn the ball over and create a short field. Once they get the short field, they need to score touchdowns, not field goals. If possible, get the lead where Buffalo is playing from behind and pressing. That will be tough, but very possible. In the playoffs anything can happen, and we see that year in and year out. With all that said, I like the Bills in a lower scoring game. Bills 27 Broncos 20.
Packers at Eagles: Did the Eagles get who they wanted to play? I’m not sure about that. Did they want another crack at the Commanders or a Packers team who has a great running back, good QB and a solid coach. This game is all determined on the quarterback position. If Jalen Hurts plays, I think the Eagles take this game. The Eagles are too talented on both sides of the ball to say they won’t win this game. The Packers are all contingent upon Josh Jacobs and his ability to run successfully. The loss of Christian Watson is big, but they still have Jayden Reed along with other key players like Tucker Kraft. The Packers have to establish the run and get Eagles to make mistakes. It looks like as of now Jalen will play which is why I will pick the Eagles in a shootout. Eagles 37 Packers 33.
Commanders at Bucs: Is Jayden Daniels fun to watch or what? He has led this team to so many close victories this year, you forget he’s only a rookie. A few reason for concern if your a Commanders fan. The defense has struggled this year with both the run and pass. Tampa’s strength is their offense where they have Bucky Irving as well as top notch receivers. Baker has put up over 4000 yards this year without Chris Godwin. On the offensive side of the ball, Jayden has struggled at time against the blitz. The blitz is something Tampa loves to do with mixing up different looks. So this game will be a challenge for them. For Tampa, can they handle the elusiveness of Jayden Daniels? You can have a plan for him but easier said than done. He’s too fast for defensive lineman and corners and safeties are too busy in coverage. Before you know it, he just ran for ten yards before you make contact with him. We will see a different game than Game 1 when these two teams played each other. Jayden has got way better, more mature and he understands defenses better. The Commanders know what they have to do to slow the Tampa offense down, it’s just a matter of if they can execute. If the Commanders can get over 100 yards rushing between their RB’s and Jayden, they should win this game. I can definitely see this game going down to the last play. I like the Commanders away. Commanders 30 Tampa 27.
Vikings at Rams: Prayers for all the families of the wildfires in California! What happened to the Vikings against the Lions? Did the real Sam Darnold stand up? I don’t think so. I think they ran into a buzzsaw at Detroit, against a fired up Lions team. You will see a different team this week with Darnold playing a lot better. The Rams have a lot of weapons on both sides, but I think the Vikings winning 14 games this week is no fluke. When they get Aaron Jones going with TJ Hockenson catching balls and of course Justin Jefferson, there hard to beat. On the defensive side of the ball, this unit is led by Defensive Coordinator, Brian Flores. What Flores has down with this team is pretty remarkable. This is where they will win this game. Their ability to get pressure on Stafford, get sacks, and a few turnovers is the reason they win this game. I’ll take the Vikings away. Vikings 34 Rams 31.
LAST WEEKS RECORD: 10-6
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