The AFC and NFC championship games are set.
During the NFL Divisional Round, the Chiefs made a step towards recording a historic three-peat after beating the Houston Texans 23-14. The Chiefs offense seems formidable early this season, especially tight-end Travis Kelce. The Lions met the Washington Commanders for the first time this season, a game that left Detroit fans wondering what might have been after losing 31-45.
Meanwhile, the LA Rams tried their best to hold off the Philadelphia Eagles in their snowy affair, but Saquon Barkley’s 207 rushing yards propelled Philly to victory. The most-anticipated divisional game between the Buffalo Bills and the Baltimore Ravens also lived up to the hype, featuring MVP candidates Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson. Despite neither being at their best, the Bills found a way to advance.
NFL analysts at SportyTrader analyzed these NFL Divisional matchups and their significance for the winners moving forward while making some bold predictions for the playoffs.
Buffalo Bills (27) def. Baltimore Ravens (25)
Continued aggressiveness and physicality will propel the Bills to the Super Bowl
The Bills must feel like they are at the final stage after defeating the Ravens.
Despite Josh Allen’s uncharacteristic season-low 127 passing yards in this game, he still punched in two on the ground and figures to rebound this Sunday. The Bills’ defense forced three turnovers (two fumbles, one interception) and must be on their best to avoid another disappointing playoff exit.
Buffalo remains in search of their first Super Bowl appearance since 1994, and they’ll have to overthrow the juggernaut Kansas City Chiefs to get there. The Bills’ last appearance this late in the postseason came against the same Chiefs in 2021— a 38-24 bludgeoning behind 325 passing yards by Patrick Mahomes.
The underdogs look to play spoiler this Sunday, hoping to shut down the Chiefs’ quest to be the first NFL team to record a three-peat.
Philadelphia Eagles (28) def. Los Angeles Rams (22)
Eagles ride a running game victory, but passing is critical
The last time the Eagles faced the Rams in November, Saquon Barkley recorded a pair of touchdowns in 302 total yards in their three-score victory.
This time around was much of the same, as Barkley recorded two more touchdowns and 232 total yards in a historic performance on snow against the Rams.
Before the game, Barkley consulted Philly legend LeSean McCoy, who recorded 200 yards a decade ago under the same weather.
Philadelphia will be the favorite in the NFC title game against the surprise Washington Commanders, and they have plenty of passing game weapons to leverage, even if A.J. Brown isn’t 100%. NFL analysts expect the Eagles to dominate the Commanders, but their aerial attack must complement Barkley better to reach Super Bowl LIX.
Kansas City Chiefs (23) def. Houston Texans (14)
Chiefs shift to high gear in a bid to record a historic 3-peat
The Chiefs seemed vulnerable for the better part of the season, winning many games by slim margins. However, Kansas City has shifted from cruise control to high gear over the last month, with their eyes set on winning a third consecutive Lombardi Trophy.
During their divisional matchups over the Texans, the Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce activated his playoff game. He recorded seven receptions for 117 yards and a touchdown, including this 49-yard multiple-tackle-breaking catch.
The Bills figure to have a solid shot at dethroning the champs, but the Mahomes-Kelce connection might very well be too much.
Washington Commanders (45) def. Detroit Lions (31)
Six-seed Commanders upend top-seeded Lions
Always expect the unexpected.
The Commanders had already eliminated one NFC North team, the Minnesota Vikings, and took down a second in absolute dominant fashion.
A 28-point second quarter set Washington up beautifully to complete the upset of the 15-win Lions. Perhaps the biggest momentum shifter was this pick-six by Quan Martin.
The Commanders were up 31-21 at the break, and their defense forced five turnovers to send the top team packing. They’ll now look to pick up their third upset in a row in their first NFC Championship game appearance since 1991— the same year they won their last Super Bowl.
Leave a comment