Eagles Defeat Giants, 38-7
Last week, our writers were split down the middle when it came time to predict the Divisional Round showdown between the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles. In hindsight, perhaps those who picked New York should have known better. Philadelphia won both meetings in the regular season — including a 48-22 thrashing in Week 14. On Saturday night, Philadelphia took control early and never allowed the Giants back into the game. Jalen Hurts threw two touchdown passes in the first quarter (to Dallas Goedert and DeVonta Smith, respectively), and the Eagles added two more scores in the second quarter resulting in a 28-0 halftime lead. Defensively, Philadelphia limited the Giants to 13 first downs and 227 total yards. The outcome of this game was never in doubt.
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Chiefs Defeat Jaguars, 27-20
Kansas City saw its Super Bowl hopes flash before its eyes in the first quarter of its tilt with the rising Jacksonville Jaguars. In the process of leading the Chiefs to 10 points on their first two drives, Patrick Mahomes suffered a high ankle sprain which forced him out of the game for the majority of the second quarter. With Mahomes on the bench, backup QB Chad Henne led the team on a 98-yard touchdown drive to extend Kansas City’s lead to 17-7. Mahomes returned to the field after halftime, but was clearly hampered by his ankle.
The Jaguars had plenty of opportunities to claw their way back into the game. Down 17-10 at halftime, Jacksonville had two chances to tie the game early in the third quarter — but only mustered 36 total yards on 13 plays before punting the ball back to the Chiefs on back-to-back drives. After a KC field goal increased its lead to 10, the Jags responded with a touchdown to pull within three points. KC bounced back with a TD of its own, and then Jacksonville imploded. On its next drive, Jacksonville fumbled on KC’s six-yard line. Jacksonville’s defense forced a quick three-and-out to get the ball back, but Trevor Lawrence immediately threw an interception to all but end the Jags’ season.
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Bengals Defeat Bills, 27-10
Just a few weeks removed from Damar Hamlin’s life-threatening incident in Cincinnati, the Bengals and Bills met on the field once again. The visiting Bengals wasted no time proving that they were the better team this time around. Just as they did a few weeks back, the Bengals raced out to an early lead. Joe Burrow connected with Ja’Marr Chase for a 28-yard touchdown on the opening possession of the game, and found Hayden Hurst for a 15-yard score eight minutes later to extend Cincy’s lead to 14.
Cincinnati’s offense slowed down a bit over the next two quarters — it didn’t score another TD until 1:17 remained in the third quarter — but it didn’t matter. The Bengals held Buffalo to 10 points, and blanked the Bills in both the first and fourth quarters. On this day, the Bengals proved to be far superior. Buffalo will have a lot of decisions to make in the offseason.
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49ers Defeat Cowboys, 19-12
It wasn’t pretty, but the 49ers did what they needed to do to advance. In a defensive battle, San Francisco held the high-powered Cowboys to one touchdown. Additionally, the Niners intercepted Dak Prescott twice — leading to six points in the first half. The rivals were knotted at nine points entering the fourth quarter, but Christian McCaffrey gave the Niners the lead on the first play of the fourth. Dallas responded with a field goal to close within four points, but San Francisco answered back with a field goal of its own to go back up by seven. Dallas’ offense had a chance to tie the game when it got the ball with 3:04 remaining, but Prescott threw two incompletions and was sacked on 3rd & 10. San Francisco didn’t play its best game, but it was enough to secure a trip to the NFC Championship for the second year in a row.
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Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs
Why the Bengals Win: The Bengals have been the better team over the last two months. Since the start of November, the only game either of these two teams have lost was in Week 13 when Cincinnati toppled Kansas City 27-24. Bengals QB Joe Burrow has not lost to the Chiefs since entering the league, sporting a 3-0 record including the overtime win in the AFC Championship a season ago. With the way the Bengals’ makeshift offensive line played last week, Burrow should be granted enough time to pick apart KC’s secondary with some help from Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Defensively, the Bengals are coming off holding the No. 2 ranked offense to just 10 points. They haven’t allowed over 20 points in each of their last four games.
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Cincinnati at Kansas City Cont.
Why the Chiefs Win: The Chiefs have been here before and have previously won two AFC Championship games with Patrick Mahomes at the helm. Mahomes, Andy Reid and the rest of the Chiefs know what it takes to get it done on the biggest stage. They had complete control of last year’s AFC Championship, but let it slip through their fingers late. This season, Kansas City is better equipped to close out a second-half lead thanks to an improved run game. Playing this game at home should also provide a boost as the Chiefs haven’t lost a game in Arrowhead in over three months.
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Bengals/Chiefs Predictions
JF: The big question is the health of Patrick Mahomes and his lower leg. The line on this game opened at -1.5 for Kansas City. It seems a bit odd that the home team/No. 1 seed isn’t getting at least -3. Noted as a high ankle sprain, one has to wonder if the injury is actually more serious. From Cincinnati’s vantage point, losing three starters along the OL didn’t really matter all that much in the 17-point drubbing of Buffalo on the road. Joe Burrow is playing at an incredibly high level, and has firmly established himself as one of the best in the league. I worry Kansas City won’t have enough offensive balance to really make Cincinnati pay. We know the Bengals can run the football/chuck it deep. I’m not so sure about the Chiefs in this capacity. As such, we’re going to see a repeat of last year’s AFC Championship Game.
Cincinnati, 31-27.
HA: Both teams are a bit banged up. Cincinnati’s offensive line was able to overcome some injuries in its last game, but going up against Chris Jones and the Kansas City front could cause a whole new set of issues. The Chiefs have struggled to put the Bengals away in each of their previous three matchups (all losses), but they’ve been competent enough to hold significant second-half leads in all of those games. Mahomes and the Chiefs have been the most consistent team all year, and they prove that in a dramatic win over their AFC rival. Kansas City, 33-27.
DF: Before the playoffs began, I picked the Bengals to win the AFC. Cincinnati didn’t play too well against Baltimore, but the defending AFC champs throttled the Bills in Buffalo. Joe Burrow is clicking, and the defense is playing at a high level. Even if Patrick Mahomes was 100% going into this game, I would take the Bengals. For the second year in a row, Cincinnati upend the Chiefs at Arrowhead. Cincinnati, 27-23.
BCJ: Kansas City, 30-28.
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San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles
Why the 49ers Win: Purdy Magic. We’re all expecting the rookie QB to succumb to his age at some point. But as it stands, the unflappable signal-caller is still undefeated. He dealt with Dallas’ ferocious pass rush pretty well, and made the requisite throws when he needed to. Purdy also has the benefit in working with arguably the most gifted collection of skill players left in the playoffs. From a mindset standpoint, it may benefit the 49ers in playing this game on the road. The ‘underdog’ mentality can be cultivated despite potentially being the most talented team in the league. The pass rush can get after a less-than-100-perent Jalen Hurts, and the speed at LB should be able to help neutralize Miles Sanders.
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San Francisco at Philadelphia Cont.
Why the Eagles Win: The Eagles have rebuilt some regular season momentum after destroying the Giants at home. While he was moving a bit gingerly when running with the football, Hurts didn’t look bothered when throwing the ball downfield. Of course, Philadelphia’s vaunted pass rush popped off on the Giants’ anemic offense. It will be a whole new ballgame versus the 49ers — a team with far better personnel and a plethora of exotic screens within Kyle Shanahan’s offensive scheme. However, with Hurts back and the game being played at home in front of what should be an awesome crowd, the Eagles should be in the catbird seat for this contest.
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49ers/Eagles Predictions
JF: This should end up being another close game. In the wake of the win over Dallas, SF may have unlocked a lethal formula. By putting Christian McCaffrey in the slot and Elijah Mitchell in the backfield, the 49ers offense became far more dynamic. McCaffrey was integral in moving the chains — particularly on third down. Mitchell is a hammer in the run game, and gave SF some much-needed balance. For as good as Philly’s secondary is, they have to account for Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle, and now (theoretically) Christian McCaffrey.
That’s a tough ask — and you can also assume the 49ers scheming to get the ball out of Purdy’s hands quickly to mitigate the likes of Haason Reddick, Javon Hargrave, Brandon Graham, and Josh Sweat. Also watch for Hurts versus the 49ers defense. He didn’t look like he wanted to get hit, and the physical SF defense — led by Joey Bosa, Fred Warner, and the blitzing monster Talanoa Hufanga — will make sure its presence is known. San Francisco, 23-20.
HA: Just like the Chiefs have been the most consistent team in the AFC, the Eagles led wire-to-wire in the NFC all year long. Equipped with the most complete roster in football, the Eagles are unique in that they can win this game in a number of ways. With a number of playmakers on the offensive end, the Eagles will be able to do just enough against a stout 49ers defense. And, Philadelphia’s relentless pass rush will make it difficult for Brock Purdy and the San Francisco offense to establish anything on that side of the field. Playing in front of a raucous home crowd, the Eagles soar towards the Super Bowl. Philadelphia 24-20.
DF: Am I confident that both road teams will win on Sunday? Yes, yes I am. The Eagles have been atop the NFC the entire season, and the Niners have been one of the league’s two-best teams since Christian McCaffrey joined the franchise entering Week 7. Kansas City throttled the Niners in CMC’s first game with the team, but the Niners haven’t lost since. Including its victories over Seattle and Dallas the past two weeks, San Francisco has won 12 in a row. The Niners will make it 13-straight. In a back-and-forth battle, San Francisco’s defense will force a huge turnover late to swing the game in its favor.
San Francisco, 31-27.
BCJ: In honor of my father, there is only one way I can go with this matchup…
Fly, Eagles, Fly. Philadelphia, 33-30.
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Jaguars Defeat Chargers, 31-30
The Chargers ‘Chargered’. For years, the running joke about Los Angeles has been its proclivity to shoot itself in the foot in the dumbest ways imaginable. Two weeks ago, coach Brandon Staley opted to play the starters in a meaningless game against the Denver Broncos. In that game, star wideout Mike Williams fractured his back and was unable to play in the Wild Card matchup.
Still, Los Angeles stormed out of the gates and took a commanding 27-0 lead over the host Jaguars. The Chargers forced five turnovers in the first half — intercepting Trevor Lawrence four times and recovering a botched punt. Despite leading 27-7 at halftime, the Chargers found a way to lose. Jacksonville scored four-straight touchdowns to close within two points, and kicked the game-winning field goal as time expired.
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Jacksonville Jaguars at Kansas City Chiefs
Why the Jaguars Win: The Jaguars are lucky to be playing in this game. Despite Trevor Lawrence throwing four interceptions in the first half resulting in a 27-0 deficit, Jacksonville mounted an epic comeback in the second half to upend the Chargers. The Jags will be playing with house money this weekend in Kansas City. To knock off the No. 1 seed, the Jags will need a perfect game from Lawrence. If Lawrence can duplicate his second half performance from last week (three TDs), and the defense forces a couple of turnovers, Jacksonville can shock the world.
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Jacksonville at Kansas City Cont.
Why the Chiefs Win: Simply, Kansas City is a better football team. The Chiefs won 14 games in the regular season — including a 27-17 victory over the Jaguars in November. In that contest, Patrick Mahomes threw for 331 yards and four touchdowns. Kansas City led 20-0, and cruised in the second half. The Chiefs don’t need to do anything special to end Jacksonville’s season this weekend. If they take care of the ball offensively, the Chiefs will win.
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Jaguars/Chiefs Predictions
JF: This is a pretty big mismatch on paper. KC has a massive edge in collective experience, and the thought of Trevor Lawrence beating Patrick Mahomes on the road seems highly unlikely. The Chiefs will roll in this game. Kansas City, 41-17.
HA: Kansas City, 28-24.
DF: Jacksonville has far surpassed its preseason expectations. While some experts pegged the Jaguars as a sleeper team to win the AFC South, not many people believed they could win a game in the postseason. Last weekend’s shocking comeback win over the Chargers will be a lasting memory for the ’22 Jags. Kansas City has too much talent for Jacksonville to handle. Kanas City, 34-17.
BCJ: Jacksonville, 31-30
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Giants Defeat Vikings, 31-24
While these two teams had vastly different records in the regular season, it was generally accepted that this wasn’t a lopsided matchup. And, those thoughts were proven true as the 9-7-1 Giants prevailed in a tightly-contested affair with the 13-4 Minnesota Vikings. It’s fitting that New York’s most-maligned former draft picks – No. 6 pick Daniel Jones and No. 2 pick Saquon Barkley – were the stars of this one. Jones had his most impressive performance to date playing in his first playoff game.
The fourth-year hurler completed 24-of-35 passes for 301 yards and two scores — and added an additional 78 yards on the ground. Barkley accrued 109 scrimmage yards on 14 touches and scored a pair of touchdowns on the ground. Additionally, the Giants were able to keep All-Pro wideout Justin Jefferson mostly in check (seven receptions for 47 yards). The Giants are a tough bunch that have already shown some tenacity by defeating a favored team on the road. The top-seed Eagles cannot overlook this team.
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New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles
Why the Giants Win: This team is weird in a good way. Brian Daboll has already established himself as a very good coach. The team has some holes, yet they’ve been mitigated by scheme decisions. Daniel Jones was a monster in the win over a Minnesota. Saquon Barkley is a steadying presence rushing the football, and the defense has some interesting pieces. Also helping the Giants — they have the momentum in coming off a good road win. Despite having a Bye last weekend, Philadelphia is relatively beat up at the moment.
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New York at Philadelphia Cont.
Why the Eagles Win: Philadelphia will get Jalen Hurts back under center. When healthy, he was arguably the league’s leading MVP candidate. Hurts’ improved ability to throw the football has opened up the offense immensely. He’s a total hammer in the run game — complemented by the lightning aspect of Miles Sanders. The three-headed receiving trio of DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, and A.J. Brown is arguably as good as you’ll see in the league. Plus, the unit notched a whopping 70 sacks this season (four players have at least 11.0 sacks).
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Giants/Eagles Predictions
JF: This is a toss-up game. On paper, the Eagles are a better team. The contest is being played in the City of Brotherly Love, and as such the crowd will be wild. However, there’s just something about this New York team. Daniel Jones is playing with a ton of confidence right now. The Giants know Philadelphia inside-and-out as divisional rivals. Philadelphia has been really beat up in recent weeks — not to mention it’s been turning the ball over at an alarming rate. Even with Hurts back, we have to wonder about his conditioning plus the lack of momentum compared to the visitor. New York, 24-21.
HA: New York, 21-18.
DF: Philadelphia, 24-23.
BCJ: Philadelphia, 27-13
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Bills Defeat Dolphins, 34-31
After how their first two matchups fared, it was only right for these AFC East foes to play another one-possession game right down to the wire — even with the Dolphins being on their third-string quarterback in rookie Skylar Thompson. It got off to a rocky start for the visiting Dolphins, as they quickly fell into a 17-0 hole. Mike McDaniel and the Dolphins would not let up, though, as it took just seven minutes of game time for the Dolphins to erase a 17-point deficit thanks to two Josh Allen turnovers.
The Dolphins even took a lead following Allen’s third turnover of the game – a fumble returned for a touchdown in the third quarter. Allen would respond by tossing a pair of scores to end the frame, but the game was back within three points in the final quarter. Buffalo’s defense was able to secure the win by turning the Dolphins over on downs on the final drive. Turnovers kept Miami in the game, and that will be a key focus for the Bills moving forward as they prepare for a marquee matchup with the Bengals.
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Bengals Defeat Ravens, 24-17
The Cincinnati Bengals were lucky to win a game that was a lot closer than many expected it to be. Hosting the Baltimore Ravens for the second week in a row, the defending AFC champions needed a 98-yard fumble return for a touchdown to outlast its fierce division rival. With Lamar Jackson sidelined, the Bengals were tasked with stopping QB Tyler Huntley — and they struggled to do so for the most part. Huntley threw for 226 yards and two touchdowns, and also rushed for 54 yards on nine carries.
After trailing 10-9 at halftime, Cincinnati took a 17-10 lead with 5:02 remaining in the third quarter. Baltimore quickly tied the game at 17, and were on the verge of reclaiming the lead three minutes into the fourth quarter. On 3rd & Goal from the 1-yard line, Huntley had the ball knocked out of his hands while extending in an effort to reach the end zone. The ball fell directly into the arms of Sam Hubbard, and Hubbard raced 98 yards for the game-winning touchdown.
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Cincinnati Bengals at Buffalo Bills
Why the Bengals Win: Cincy’s star-studded offense garners much of the praise, but it’s been its defense which has shined in each of the last two postseason runs. Bengals DE Sam Hubbard clinched last week’s win over the Ravens with a 98-yard fumble return just a year after LB Germaine Pratt iced a Wild Card win over the Raiders with a game-ending interception. An opportunistic defense that can force turnovers is an ideal matchup against Bills QB Josh Allen — Allen led the league with 19 giveaways. With Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase making enough plays on the outside, the Bengals can walk into Buffalo and come away with another impressive playoff win.
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Cincinnati at Buffalo Cont.
Why the Bills Win: The Bills are the most complete team remaining in the playoffs. Buffalo finished No. 2 overall in both scoring offense and defense, and have playmakers in each level of the field. When Josh Allen is not turning the ball over, he might have the highest ceiling of any QB in the league. And, this game being played in Buffalo is a massive boon for the home team. As a result of the Week 17 matchup being voided, the Bills were granted home field in this pivotal matchup. Buffalo’s loud and raucous crowd will be a massive factor that the Bengals will have to account for.
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Bengals/Bills Predictions
JF: This should be a game which goes down to the wire. Ultimately, the Bengals will win narrowly — especially since Buffalo’s lack of a pass rush won’t take advantage of Cincinnati’s OL issues.
Cincinnati, 27-24.
HA: With this game in Buffalo, it’s difficult to pick against the Bills. Even with Von Miller out, the Bills have a stable of pass rushers who shouldn’t have much trouble breaking through Cincinnati’s leaky offensive line. Josh Allen has been turning the ball over at a rapid pace, but he’s also scored 13 touchdowns in his last four games. Allen has yet to lose a home playoff game (4-0) in his career.
Buffalo, 31-21.
DF: Cincinnati, 34-30.
BCJ: Buffalo, 28-23.
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49ers Defeat Seahawks, 41-23
For a while, Seattle made this game interesting. Brock Purdy — in his first-ever playoff game — missed some throws. There was a slight glimmer of hope for Pete Carroll’s team heading into halftime with a one-point lead. Then, right on cue, the Niners ratcheted up multiple levels which Seattle simply couldn’t match. Whether it was the big play ability of Deebo Samuel, the productive rushing of Christian McCaffrey, or the headiness of Purdy, SF was simply too good. They’ve now scored at least 37 points in four-straight games. Kyle Shanahan’s team has all the confidence in the world heading into Sunday’s tilt with Dallas.
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Cowboys Defeat Buccaneers, 31-14
Well…that was a beat down! Dallas used its immense talent advantage and exorcised the demons in getting its first road playoff victory in 30 years. Dak Prescott looked as good as he’s every looked in this game, and the defense was too much for the beleaguered Tampa Bay OL to handle. The only negative was kicker Brett Maher weirdly missing four extra-point attempts. In theory, the pressure should be off the Cowboys as the team heads to the Bay Area as an underdog versus the 49ers. Still, there’s also the possibility that this resounding victory over the Bucs ramps up the expectations for this team. Either way, they’ll have their hands full with the likes of McCaffrey, Samuel, Kittle, and company.
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Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers
Why the Cowboys Win: Dallas will be feeling pretty good about itself entering this matchup. The 49ers are a much tougher matchup than Tampa Bay proved to be, but Dallas will likely employ a similar plan of attack in order to advance to the NFC Championship. To beat the Niners, Dallas will try to get after Brock Purdy and speed up the rookie’s process. Offensively, the Cowboys can find success behind San Francisco’s secondary. Dak Prescott can exploit San Francisco over top with CeeDee Lamb, and gain chunks of yards over the middle by connecting with tight end Dalton Schultz (Schultz torched Tampa for 95 yards and two TDs).
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Dallas at San Francisco Cont.
Why the 49ers Win: San Francisco may have some issues with the Cowboys, but will ultimately be too much for the Boys to handle. The Niners can neutralize Dallas’ pass rush with their quick-passing game. With the ability to utilize Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel out of the backfield, the Niners can slow Micah Parsons and Co. off the edge. With Dallas keeping tabs on CMC and Deebo, George Kittle and Brandon Aiyuk will have plenty of opportunities down field. On the other side of the ball, the Niners will look to limit big plays down field — and make Dak Prescott beat them.
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Cowboys/49ers Predictions
JF: Dallas is talented. Dallas has momentum. Yet, Dallas is also volatile and inconsistent. It could stand toe-to-toe with the Niners on every given day. However, San Francisco looks like a total buzzsaw right now. The pass rush will pressure Dak Prescott into multiple turnovers, and even the greatness of Micah Parsons won’t be enough to stop SF’s explosive offense. San Francisco, 34-23.
HA: San Francisco, 28-27.
DF: The Niners have won 11 games in a row and are playing at an elite level. If Dallas can build an early lead, this game may come down to the wire. However, I envision the Niners jumping out to a quick 10-point lead. If they’re playing with a lead, the Niners won’t allow the Cowboys to have much hope.
San Francisco, 31-20.
BCJ: Dallas, 26-24.
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