NFL Divisional Round Picks
With the second weekend of January upcoming, it also means that it's time for the divisional weekend of the NFL playoffs. Hopefully, this weekend's games will have as many upsets, close games, and double drinkers as there was during last weekend's wild-card games.
However, the road teams may have a harder time pulling off some upsets this weekend against the dominant top seeds in both conferences. Here's what I think will happen in the divisional round.
SATURDAY
Colts vs. Chiefs, 4:35 p.m., NBC
Both the Colts and the Chiefs will be heading into Saturday's game with potent offences, led by quarterbacks Andrew Luck and Patrick Mahomes, respectively. The Colts also are coming off a strong defensive performance in their convincing wild-card win over Texans.
The Chiefs, however, have a more explosive offense than the Texans, and that should be too much for the Indy defense. Chiefs 35-13.
Cowboys vs. Rams, 8:15 p.m., FOX
The second game on Saturday will feature two of the hottest teams in the NFC heading into the postseason. In my eyes, this game has the best chance for an upset this weekend, as both of these teams are pretty even on paper.
In the end, Jared Goff, Sean McVay, and the innovative Rams offense will be the difference in this divisional matchup. Rams 28-25.
SUNDAY
Chargers at Patriots, 1:05 p.m., CBS
The Los Angeles Chargers aren't your typical five-seed, having barely missed out on a first-round bye. The New England Patriots aren't your typical Pats team, as questions about Tom Brady's playing ability and age have lingered all year and their defense has struggled all year, with the focus being the league-worst pass rush.
However, there are no questions about Brady's postseason success, and his success and playmaking ability should earn the Pats to yet another AFC championship game. Patriots 30-10.
Eagles at Saints, 4:40 p.m., FOX
For the second straight postseason, the Eagles will be trying to make the Super Bowl with their backup quarterback, Nick Foles. It went pretty well last year, and it's off to a good start this year, with the help of the field goal uprights at Solider Field.
However, this week, Philly will be facing an offensive juggernaut in New Orleans, led by quarterback Drew Brees, a 40-something quarterback playing like he is in his twenties. Though the Eagles have been a pretty good underdog story this year, their season will come to an end at the hands of the Saints, who are playing like the Super Bowl favorites that Vegas thinks they are. Saints 40-24.
