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NFL Playoff Predictions: 9 Coaches and Executives Predict Divisional Round Winners

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Don't laugh because it's over. Cry because it happened.

That would be the more appropriate phrase for anyone hoping the wildcard weekend will feature more than one competitive game over the three days. Not only were five of the six games decided by multiple possessions, but all of the blowouts were practically decided at some point in the third quarter.

We're hoping for some more drama in the divisional round.

For the second week in a row, we've assembled a team of nine team leaders and coaches from across the NFL to weigh in on the playoff games. Last week, they combined to correctly call four of the six outcomes, missing the Green Bay Packers' loss to the Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Texans' latest impressive performance against the Cleveland Browns.

Some fascinating storylines are taking shape this week. At quarterback, Lamar Jackson, CJ Stroud and Jordan Love are trying to win their second career playoff games, and No. 1 picks Jared Goff and Baker Mayfield continue to try to solidify their positions with their new teams. Then, in the weekend finale, Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen gear up for their third playoff installment, with Allen trying to put the Buffalo Bills on the board in the budding rivalry.

There is also a contrast in the settings. Saturday's slate includes a pair of down-home spots, Baltimore and San Francisco, which are a little more accustomed to postseason success, while high-energy Sunday in Detroit and Buffalo will continue to figure prominently in the weekend's theatrical performances.

Now let's get to the choices.

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NFL Playoffs: Key matchups to watch in every AFC divisional round


Ravens coach John Harbaugh hasn't won a playoff game in three years. He hasn't been to the AFC title game in more than a decade. Will DeMeco Ryan's Texans extend both streaks this weekend? (Brad Mills / USA Today)

Kick-off: 4:30 PM ET, Saturday

Experts' picks: Ravens 9, Texans 0

Fear not, Texas fans. No one on the panel picked them to beat the Browns either.

Of course, the Ravens are a tougher opponent. The AFC's top seed has won six straight games, started by Jackson, the favorite to win the MVP Award next month. But if Jackson wants to improve on his 1-3 record in the playoffs, he will likely have to be more efficient as a passer. Jackson has completed fewer than 60 percent of his passes in all three postseason losses, and the Ravens have averaged 10.7 points in those games.

And while the Ravens allowed the fewest points in the league this season, they also had a top-three defense the previous three seasons when they reached the playoffs with Jackson.

It's simply a matter of translating that success to the playoffs, where the Ravens have one win in nine years.

“They can dominate all three phases and have proven that during the regular season with a tough schedule,” said one director.

The Ravens went 6-3 against teams that made the playoffs this season (two losses to the Pittsburgh Steelers), including a 3-0 win against teams that were still standing. They defeated the Texans 25-9 in Week 1.

“That's who I see winning the AFC,” the director added against the Ravens.

However, the Stroud effect is real. The NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year favorite was outstanding in back-to-back win-or-go-home games, completing 36 of 47 passes for 538 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions.

Additionally, edge rushers Jonathan Greenard (12 1/2 sacks) and Will Anderson (eight sacks, including one in the playoffs) are a formidable duo. It's a different challenge for Jackson, but defensive head coach DeMeco Ryans will certainly have something creative in store for the veteran QB.

It may not be enough.

“The Ravens are the better team overall,” one coach said. “But I think it will be a good match.”

The outcome can be determined by the best player on the field.

“Lamar is playing too well, and the defense will get to the rookie QB,” one executive said.


The Packers have a rough recent history against the 49ers in the playoffs. Green Bay has lost four straight postseason games to San Francisco dating back to the 2011 season. The Packers' Matt LaFleur and 49ers' Kyle Shanahan were the coaches for the last two meetings. (Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)

Kick-off: 8:15 PM ET, Saturday

Experts' picks: 49ers 9, Packers 0

Sticking with the Saturday theme, can a first-year starting QB keep the magic going against a No. 1 seed? And just like last week, the Packers didn't get a single panelist to pick them to win.

That will be the test for Love, but his best friend of late is running back Aaron Jones, who has 476 rushing yards during the team's four-game winning streak. The Packers' disciplined, tough game plan exposed the Cowboys, and head coach Matt LaFleur was patient enough to stick with it. Love consistently worked on schedule and made several elite throws to keep the Cowboys off balance.

They'll need a similar approach against the 49ers, who have allowed 4.1 yards per carry, just a touch better than the Cowboys.

“No QB should be as confident as Jordan Love heading into the weekend,” one executive said. “He's turning out the lights right now, and that offense is starting to roll. Green Bay should be excited about the future given the amount of young talent on the roster. I expect a good battle this weekend, but ultimately I see the Niners' run game and the front seven taking over to win. Green Bay is still suspect on defense and I doubt they will be able to take control of the game at any point.”

The 49ers are a more challenging test than the Cowboys for two reasons. They are much more committed to their running game with Christian McCaffrey, and the 49ers are seen as a more disciplined team. They may not be as likely to succumb to the mistakes the Cowboys made to pull off the upset.

“(The game) will be closer than people think,” one executive said. “The 49ers' play and playmakers will make the difference.”

Added another coach: “The (Niners) defense will eliminate big plays and allow (the Packers) to ride on them.”

The 49ers have won two games in each of the last two postseasons, so they are experienced. They also may have been a Brock Purdy injury away from a Super Bowl rematch with the Kansas City Chiefs a year ago.

While the Packers' youth is impressive, it was born out of necessity. They had $67 million in dead cap space this season, the fourth most in the league, so they needed big production from players on rookie contracts.

That might be too much to ask of a potential juggernaut in San Francisco.

“Too big a stage, too early for the Packers,” said one executive.

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NFL Playoffs Divisional Round expert picks and odds for Chiefs vs. Bills, 49ers vs. Packers and every other game


Coach Todd Bowles' Buccaneers have won three straight road games. To advance to the NFC Championship Game, they must eliminate coach Dan Campbell's Lions at what is sure to be a rowdy Ford Field. (Kim Klement Neitzel/USA Today)

Kick-off: 3:00 PM ET, Sunday

Experts' picks: Lions 8, Buccaneers 1

If you're of a certain age and watched a lot of football before the turn of the century, the idea of ​​a Lions-Bucs game to determine an NFC Championship Game entrant might have thrown your week into disarray.

But here we are.

“I went back and forth (with my choice),” said one director. “I ultimately chose Detroit because they are the more complete team and have home field advantage. I'm curious to see how Goff plays this weekend, because I think Tampa can put pressure on him. And historically, if you can hit Goff, you can take him out of rhythm.

The Lions have been preparing for this stage all season and the Bucs have exceeded expectations. The visitors have won six of seven and have won their last three road games.

“The Bucs are hot, but the Lions have a good, balanced offense that should help keep Tampa's defense honest.”

The Lions are 7-2 at Ford Field this season, including the playoff opener against the Los Angeles Rams last weekend.

“Home court will matter,” one executive said. “And Goff will outperform Baker.”


Will Patrick Mahomes and his Chiefs make it three straight playoff wins over Josh Allen and the Bills? Or will Buffalo finally overcome Kansas City's hurdle? (Denny Medley/USA Today)

Kick-off: 6:30 PM ET, Sunday

Experts' picks: Bills 8, Chiefs 1

Allen has been considered one of the NFL's best quarterbacks over the past four years, but he needs to get over the Mahomes hump in the playoffs. The Chiefs defeated the Bills in the 2020 and 2021 postseasons, but the Bills will finally get a chance in Buffalo.

Additionally, the Bills are the league's hottest team with six straight wins. This is a far cry from a year ago, when they were headed in the wrong direction when the playoffs started.

“(The Bills) are a little confused about the Pittsburgh game, but I think Allen will get the deal done this weekend,” one executive said. “He's bummed now.”

It's hard to argue with the Bills' chances based on recent performance, but their injuries are concerning across the board. That includes Mahomes in the playoffs, and he could be increasingly motivated after the Chiefs were written off more than usual due to the plethora of mistakes from the skill players.

“(The Bills) are coming at the right time and playing better football than Kansas City, and that will continue,” one coach said.

The one voter who took the Chiefs essentially called it a coin toss. Both teams have high ceilings, but it is difficult to predict how they will perform on any given week. The lopsided nature of the picks is certainly indicative of the Chiefs' struggles this season.

The Chiefs defense may not get enough attention in the clash between two high-profile quarterbacks. Kansas City has allowed 20 or fewer points in six straight games and has given up more than 21 points only twice all season.

The Bills defeated the Chiefs 20-17 in Week 14 in Arrowhead.

“The Bills finally get it done (in the playoffs) against Kansas City,” one executive said.

(Top photo of Andy Reid and Sean McDermott: Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

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