Cincinnati Bengals at Tennessee Titans: I think this game is extremely close. The Bengals are a fun team to watch and are constructed the right way. With a few more pieces up front they have a SB caliber roster. The Titans are essentially the 49ers of the AFC. They play downhill running the ball and use some good play action concepts and leverage routes to take their shots. My Pick = Titans 27, Bengals 24 in OT
San Francisco 49ers at Green Bay Packers: This will be another close game. The 49ers may be the hottest team in football without even having good QB play. Their style of play makes them a tough matchup for the Packers. Deebo Samuel has emerged as an all-pro caliber talent. I look for them to gash the Pack on the ground as in previous matchups while defensively pressuring Rodgers with just their front 4. The Packers will be at home and motivated to get over the hurdle. Rodgers should be healthier, but Bakhtiari and Turner are still question marks on the line. I can only assume all the coverages will be rolled towards Adams. It’s going to take someone else to step up and have a big night. My Pick = Packers 29, 49ers 27
Los Angeles Rams at Tampa Bay Buccaneers: I am glad to see these two meet in the Divisional round. Los Angeles is the west coast version of the Bucs with both having guys brought in via free agency to make runs at a ring. They’re also the 2 easiest teams to cheer against in the league. The Rams looked the part against the Cardinals, but the Cardinals were really fading down the stretch of the season. Stafford will turn it over in key spots if he’s forced to win it alone. If the Rams stay balanced with their stable of Cam Akers and Sony Michel running the ball, they could pull off the upset. Brady is going to have to contend with an injury to his LT. Fortunately for him, the rest of the roster is jam packed with top tier talent. My Pick = Bucs 30, Rams 24
Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs: This one has all the makings of a track race from the beginning. The Chiefs defense has shown its weaknesses and could allow a ton of points, while the Bills defense is good…it’s still taking on the most creative and talented offense in the league itself. This has the potential to be a career defining win for Allen even at his young age. KC has really benefited from the addition of McKinnon in their passing situations bringing a much needed boost at the RB position gutted with injuries. Buffalo has to be careful to stay balanced. KC has had trouble stopping the run in the past, but statistically are much better against pass happy teams. Some designed QB runs bringing an extra blocker to the point of attack could be key for the Bills. My Pick = Chiefs 34, Bills 31