The NFL playoffs are upon us, and kickoff begins tomorrow. The playoffs are about matchups, and some games are very intriguing this weekend. There are so many narratives that can happen in the playoffs, and people love seeing great players raise their game in the postseason. Which team makes a statement this weekend and gets a win?
Raiders @ Cincinnati
Saturday, 4:30 p.m., NBC
The Raiders are on the road to Cincinnati to face a talented Bengals team. The Bengals have a great quarterback in Joe Burrow and one of the most explosive offenses entering the playoffs. Derek Carr and the Raiders are coming off a playoff-clinching win against the Chargers to make the playoffs. The silver and black are making their first playoff berth since 2016. On the other hand, the Bengals are also making their first playoff berth since 2015. This game comes down to which quarterback plays the best between Burrow and Carr. Can the Bengals’ pass protection hold up against Raiders Max Crosby, one of the best rushers in the league?
Bengals win 33-28
Patriots @ Bills
Saturday, 8:15p.m., CBS
The AFC East continues between the Patriots and the Bills. Both ball clubs have won a game away from home in the regular season. It’s win or go home, and both teams want to make a statement on who takes the crown of the AFC East. Patriots QB has managed the offense and makes few mistakes. Buffalo’s lack of a running game opens them up for a one-dimensional offense easy to defend. In this matchup, the weather may play a factor in who wins. This game will be physical and tough from start to finish. Rookie quarterbacks usually don’t win in the playoffs, and the Bills have a better outside of their running game.
Bills win 20-17
Eagles @ Buccaneers
Sunday, 1:00 p.m., FOX
The defending champion Buccaneers start their title defense this Sunday against a young Philadelphia Eagles team. The Buccaneers are coming into this game with confidence, having Tom Brady and a great team around him. Despite the Buccaneers being the favorites, the Eagles have a great running game. This game comes to one question. Can Jalen Hurts outplay Tom Brady? I would say no. The Bucs are healthy/healthier on defense and are just a bad matchup for a team lacking explosive downfield plays.
Bucs win 38-25
49ers @ Cowboys
Sunday, 4:30p.m., CBS
This matchup between the 49ers and Cowboys may be the most intriguing matchup over the weekend. Both teams match up well. The 49ers are a team that loves to establish the run game and beat you on the ground. The 49ers are a football team that performs at a high level in big games. For all his flaws, Jimmy G is a Super Bowl-caliber QB. Unlike the 49ers, the Cowboys came into the season with high expectations to make it to the Super Bowl. They paid their quarterback Dak Prescott a 4-year, $160 million contract, so all the pressure is on Dak and the Cowboys in this game. The Cowboy’s offense has been lackluster in the latter parts of the season. Kyle Shanahan has been cooking over the second half of the season, and Deebo Samuel is fully healthy and ready to roll.
49ers win 33-30
Steelers @ Chiefs
Sunday, 8:15 p.m., NBC
The Pittsburgh Steelers will march into Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday night as heavy underdogs. The Steelers must play a physical and mistake-free football game. If they want any shot at beating Kansas City, they must stop Travis Kelce. Ben Roethlisberger needs to play like a future Hall of Famer as he faces off against Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs are heavy favorites to win this game. The Steelers must control the game and establish the run game with Najee Harris.
Chiefs win 35-22
Cardinals @ Rams
Monday, 8:15 p.m., ESPN
It’s a lot at stake for the Cardinals and Rams. The Cardinals started the season (7-0), and they ended the season rocky and not playing their very best. Arizona will be motivated to beat their division rival, and they will be ready for this matchup. The Rams have gone all in for a run at the Super Bowl. The Rams traded two first-round picks for Matthew Stafford, and they have expectations for making it to the Super Bowl. They also traded for Von Miller and added Odell Beckham Jr to a loaded team that includes Jalen Ramsey and Aaron Donald. Stafford has yet to win a playoff game in his career. The pressure will be on him and the Rams. Kyler Murray and the Cardinals have been much better on the road than at home.
Rams win 28-24
