LA Rams @ Green Bay Packers
The Rams are coming off an impressive win against the Seahawks. Their defense led the way, and the pick 6 from Darious Williams was the TSN Turning Point. In order to beat the Packers, the Rams will need to be as efficient on the offensive side of the ball as well. The Rams will continue to run the ball and use the play action off of that. Goff will need to make the most of these play actions as the Rams won’t be able to win the game simply relying on the run.
The Packers are the NFC’s one seed and had a bye this past weekend. It’ll be a heavy dose of Rodgers to Adams as usual. Ramsey needs to follow Adams EVERYWHERE he goes, yes, even to the bathroom. Can’t wait for that matchup. I continue to be impressed with Aaron Jones. He’s one of the more underrated backs in the NFL. While I think the Rodgers will eventually need to get other receivers involved than Adams, I think the Packers win this game by double-digits.
Prediction: Packers 27-17
Baltimore Ravens @ Buffalo Bills
A gutsy win by the Ravens to beat the Titans 20-13. Baltimore’s defense came up clutch. Gotta love the celebration by the defense, especially Marcus Peters, after that game-sealing pick. Can’t say I blame them after the way the Titans acted after their win against the Ravens earlier in the season. Lamar Jackson played well on Sunday. His long TD run was something we have grown accustomed to see from him. In order to beat the Bills, he will need to continue ride that hot connection with Hollywood Brown. Don’t expect Jackson to have another game of 70+ rushing yards.
The Bills are the biggest threat to the Chiefs in the AFC. They almost coughed up the game against the Colts, but their defense held strong. The Allen to Diggs connection is a thing of beauty. Imagine how scary this offense can be when/if it John Brown gets going. Zach Moss will miss the rest of the season, but I think Devin Singletary can carry the load for the Bills. Buffalo’s Dline and linebackers will be key in stopping the Ravens high powered running offense. I think this will be a close game that comes down to late in the fourth.
Prediction: Bills 27-20
Cleveland Browns @ Kansas City Chiefs
There’s no fanbase I am happier for than DAWGNATION. You guys have suffered for way too long, and I hope the Browns can pull off the upset in Arrowhead Stadium. For this to happen the Browns will have to run, run, run, then run the ball some more. Chubb and Hunt will need to have the game of their lives…. no exaggeration. As the old cliché goes, the Browns will have to keep Mahomes off the field and on the sideline. Running the ball will at least chew some time off the clock. Now, the Browns should not be playing this game as if they are serious underdogs. They need to play their game, which usually includes running the ball a lot. Quick shoutout to my boy Landry on his 40 yard TD catch and run.. always loved him and his passion for the game.
Who can stop the Chiefs? Maybe a team with nothing to lose like the Browns? Maybe, but I doubt it. The Chiefs don’t need to overthink things here. Continue throwing the ball and get Hill and Kelce heavily involved. Will the Chiefs look rusty considering their starters haven’t played in a while? Maybe for a series or two, but I don’t think they’ll have trouble scoring. I get the feeling that Bell will get a TD in this game too. The Chiefs were my preseason pick to win the AFC and I think they’ll be too much for the Browns to handle.
Prediction: Chiefs 31-20
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ New Orleans Saints
Round 3…. Brady VS Brees. It’s 2-0 for Brees this season. Can he make it 3-0? I expect both he and Brady to have below-average games. When you think of these teams, you think of their offenses, but the Bucs are eighth and Saints third in terms of opponents points per game. The Saints defense is coming off a great game against the Bears, and I expect that to carry over to Sunday night. The Bucs defense looked fair against Washington and Taylor Heinicke. Thomas and Kamara need to be the focus for Tampa’s defense, but don’t overlook youngster Deonte Harris. Harris had seven catches on his seven targets for 83 yards against da Bears. I’m curious to see where Marshon Lattimore plays. Will he shadow Mike Evans? I guess so.. but what about AB and Godwin?
I expect Gronk and Cook to each get a TD. Gronk was surprisingly held without a catch against Washington. Ultimately, I think this game comes down to how the offenses perform in the redzone. The over/under in the game is 51.5 points. I’m definitely taking the under. I got a close game here with it coming down to the last second. The Saints were my preseason Super Bowl champions, so I’m taking them to advance to the NFC Championship game.
Prediction: Saints 21-20