Wild Card round
AFC playoffs
This would be great theatre. The Chiefs and Broncos in the playoffs at Arrowhead Stadium. Russell Wilson and Patrick Mahomes. Denver is capable of winning, but Kansas City at home would be a brutal spot for any visitor, let alone one with such little postseason experience outside Wilson.
The Bengals are trying to win their second straight AFC crown, and the Chargers are a major threat. Last year, Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert had a shootout in the Queen City, game Herbert won. However, Cincinnati is a tad more complete, and with a revamped offensive line, a touch better than Los Angeles.
The Colts are hosting, but are they the better team or the product of a weak division? I’ll say more latter than former. Baltimore hasn’t won much in the playoffs since Super Bowl XLVII, but Lamar Jackson on turf is a major problem.
NFC playoffs
In Jameis Winston’s first playoff game, he’s good competition but no match for Matthew Stafford and Los Angeles’ high-octane offense. New Orleans is extremely talented and will give a tough fight, but the defending champs are up for the battle.
Tom Brady is always the right call against a quarterback without any postseason success. Philadelphia is significantly improved which is why it’ll make the postseason again despite not having a single quality win last year. However, against the Bucs, they’re overwhelmed once more.
Another rematch from last year’s NFC Wild Card round, but this time, a different result. Dallas needs to win or head coach Mike McCarthy is essentially on the next plane. While Trey Lance is intriguing, Dak Prescott is proven.i
Bye: Buffalo, Green Bay