*Chiefs vs Jaguars
*Eagles vs Giants
Bengals vs *Bills
*49ers vs Cowboys
Winning Team: Bold — My Pick: *
Up above were my picks from the past weekend! (Reference: NFL Divisional Round Predictions (22-23 Season)). I was 3 for 4 for the week but let’s talk about the games specifically.
The Chiefs vs Jaguars game was close, but closer than it needed to be. After Patrick Mahomes’s high ankle sprain early in the game, his backup, Chad Henne, former Jacksonville QB, marched the Chiefs down the field for a touchdown. Mahomes, however, came back after that and played out the rest of the game, even though he looked in visible pain the entire time. His injury severely limited the running he could do, and his ability to stabilize himself with his planting foot, and throw his body on the line for risky plays. Mahomes athleticism is one of his most important qualities—it allows him to distinguish himself in close games. Luckily for the Chiefs, the rest of the offense as well as defense stepped up to secure the close win. There were definitely opportunities for Jacksonville to have taken this game, but they weren’t able to keep the ball and finish their drives. I think Jacksonville is a good team that has future potential, but for now the Chiefs show continues.
Next up – the Eagles vs Giants game, where the Eagles outclassed the Giants 38-7. Daniel Jones was not able to get going until the third quarter where he got a single consolation touchdown. In my last prediction piece, I wrote that the game would come down to which Jalen Hurts played, the injured one or the MVP. Jalen Hurts, the MVP, showed up at this game, and made a resounding statement. He got started early with a 40 yard reception, and led his team to a convincing victory. A lot of credit must also be given to the fantastic Eagles running game which really distinguished them. They had about 150 more rushing yards than their opposition with three rushing touchdowns. The defense also did their part—they held their opposition to a very low score with an interception and five sacks. It was truly a team effort from the Eagles who can confidently walk into the NFC Championship Game.
The Bills-Bengals game was where I really messed up. I had the Bills down to win this game. I thought that the awful loss to the Chiefs last season would motivate them to step up in order to progress to the AFC Championship Game. I also discussed my thoughts on Josh Allen’s quality and the the Bill’s defensive ability to neutralize Burrow’s potency. None of this turned out to be true. The game was actually painful to watch. It felt as if nothing the Bills were doing worked—penalty calls on key plays, lack of 3rd down conversions, inability to get into the end zone, the list goes on. The main thing that stands out when examining the statistics is how dominant the Bengals running game was. They found pocket after pocket and the Bills defense seemed unable to stop it. On the other hand, the Bills effort to start their own running game was futile. The Bengals’ defense also really stepped up and made stops on big plays. I’m sure many people backed the Bengals for this game but few would have imagined how one-sided it ended up being. It was truly a masterclass from every part of the Bengals team.
The 49ers vs Cowboys game was closer than I liked. Neither offense was convincing. In Brock Purdy’s seven starts, the Cowboys defense was the hardest he has played, and the first time he has really faced resistance. Ultimately, I think that is a good thing going into the NFC Championship Game which I will discuss more later. I don’t think that the 49ers running game was as effective as it normally is. Purdy also found himself running back an awful lot, and finding himself in the corner trying to avoid the sack, eventually having to throw the ball away. The most success the 49ers found, which Purdy often goes to, was the receiver down the middle, which got some important receiving yards. There’s no question, however, that the game was won on defense. The 49ers defense made stops at key points that denied the Cowboys scoring opportunities, something that is crucial when the game is so close. Fred Warner had an amazing game and his interception along with Lenoir’s gave the 49ers additional chances . The 9ers defense is one of our most important assets—I believe its success will make or break our chances.
With that review out of the way let’s talk about the upcoming NFC and AFC Championship Games.
Eagles vs 49ers
Rookie Brock Purdy will have a challenge like never before. His 7-0 streak is very impressive, but if we examine the games he’s played in, they haven’t been against top class teams. Seahawks twice (ended 9-8), Buccaneers (ended 8-9), Cardinals (4-13), Raiders (6-10), Commanders (7-7-1), and then finally against the Cowboys where Purdy struggled to find his footing. The 49ers offense, which had faced little challenge in these past few games, finally faced a roadblock and how they respond to the adversity in the coming game will determine who wins the Championship. The Eagles defense will be extremely tough to beat. They have 75 sacks this season, and have some of the least yards per game conceded. QB to QB, Jalen Hurts at full strength has proven that he is a force to contend with against very tough defenses, something Purdy has not been tested against yet.
Yes, I am biased and probably in the minority here. I am sure the game is going to be very close, but I have to stay #faithfultothebay. After seeing Purdy screw up a running play in the game before his first start, I was fearful for what the 49ers were to become with the rest of their season ahead. Purdy, however, proved me very wrong and he’s led the 9ers to some really great wins. I think that the offensive roadblock against the Cowboys defense will give Purdy a taste of the challenge to come and I have confidence that he will rise to the occasion. The offensive success will be necessary to win this game, but the defense playing their best game will be just as important. We need to stop their running game, make interceptions, get sacks on big plays, and definitely not let them accumulate a lead early. I don’t think that these expectations are outrageous. We have defensive superpowers like Nick Bosa who leads the NFL in sacks. Along with this, we have cornerback Charvarius Ward who has consistently won matchups with wide receivers, Pro-Bowler safety Talanoa Hufanga, and Fred Warner who I discussed earlier. The uphill battle is not one we want to fight so it is crucial the the 9ers defense do what they have done all season—keep their opponents off the board. The Eagles have some really awesome talent but I think that the depth of the 49ers team as well as small but increasingly important advantages like the quality of kicker Robbie Gould can make the difference.
Chiefs vs Bengals
Mahomes ankle injury is going to play an important role. With the state of the art technology that exists today, trainers have found that the healing process can be accelerated to get Mahomes in a position where he can play, even though full recovery for a high ankle sprain takes weeks. Mahomes, however, is unlikely to be at 100%. When you have two really good teams, it often comes down to the QB and someone like Mahomes at full power can make all the difference. I will say, though, that it will also depend on how Mahomes teammates step up due to his injury, and protect and deliver for their QB.
The Bengals’ convincing performance against the Bills last weekend will give them a confidence boost heading into this game. We also got a taste of what the Bengals defense can do, even against a really good team like the Bills. The Bengals offense also looks strong as ever. Their potent running game could be a problem for the Chiefs who have not had the best defense against rushing offenses. Also, the protection that QB Joe Burrow was getting allowed him to make some awesome throws and his receivers made some great catches. Ultimately, I’m calling this game for the Bengals. I underestimated them once and I am not going to make the same mistake again. They are by no means underdogs. Whoever’s at full power and fitness will win the game, and I think that’s the Bengals right now.
