NFL Divisional round 2020: Picks and predictions for each game
With only eight teams remaining in the hunt for Super Bowl LV, the 2020 NFL Divisional round gets underway on Saturday night.
4:35 p.m. ET. 11-5. FOX. Saturday, Jan. 16. GB -6.5. 51. 13-3. 49
This comes down to the Packers’ offensive line handling the Los Angeles front. If the trip of Leonard Floyd, Michael Brockers and Aaron Donald can get home and impact Aaron Rodgers, the Rams have a terrific shot of pulling the upset. If not, expect the presumptive MVP to win.
Should Green Bay advance, it would be the first time Rodgers is playing host in the NFC Championship Game.
Pick: Green Bay 24, Los Angeles 21
8:15 p.m. ET. 11-5. 26. NBC. BUF -2.5. Saturday, Jan. 16. 13-3. 16
This should be the best game of the weekend. If I wrote this column a dozen times, I’d probably pick each team six times. However, I’ve got one shot at this, and so I’m riding with the Ravens. Why? Baltimore can run the rock, and Buffalo’s run defense is poor. Additionally, Josh Allen has been great, but this is a unique pressure defense with two All-Pro corners. It’s a lot to handle.
Either team can win, but give me Justin Tucker being the difference in the end.
Pick: Baltimore 27, Buffalo 24
3:05 p.m. ET. 11-5. 53. Sunday, Jan. 17. 14-2. 124. KC -10. CBS
The Browns are a good team and a wonderful story after being kicked around for two decades. They vanquished their biggest rival last weekend and now take on the defending champs on Sunday. Can they win? Yes. But it’s going to take Kansas City playing poorly and Cleveland being perfect.
Patrick Mahomes and Co. are going to throw at will, and unless Baker Mayfield can match him lie their days in the Big 12, the Chiefs will advance to their third consecutive AFC Championship Game.
Pick: Kansas City 38, Cleveland 20
48. Sunday, Jan. 17. 6:40 p.m. ET. 11-5. 13-3. 15. NO -3. FOX
Since 1970, there have been 20 teams with a chance to complete a three-game sweep. They have gone 13-7, including a 6-2 mark since 2000. The Buccaneers can certainly pull off the mild upset, but the Saints are a brutal matchup with their quick passing game and ability to get pressure with four.
If Tom Brady and Tampa Bay advance, it’s because the defense stopped blitzing as much and playing more coverage.
Pick: New Orleans 28, Tampa Bay 22
Last Week: 3-3
Season: 175-86-1