NFL Playoffs Predictions: Divisional Round Weekend

And then there were eight. The 2022 NFL season is entering its final stages.

Wildcard weekend was, in fact, wild. The round was sandwiched by blowouts as the 49ers beat the Seahawks 41-23 and the Cowboys beat the Bucs 31-14, but the meat in the middle was a handful of extremely entertaining games that were all decided by one score.

The highlight of this divisional round is that three of the four NFC East teams qualified. The most impressive of the three being the New York Giants, who powered over Kirk Cousins and the Vikings as Daniel Jones’ stock market continues to rise.

Two games lie ahead this Saturday, followed by another two on Sunday. Let’s dive into each matchup and choose our winners to advance to the AFC and NFC Championships.

AFC: Jacksonville Jaguars (4) @ Kansas City Chiefs (1)

(Sat. 1/21, 4:30 PM EST)

After putting up 27 points on the Jags in one half, it seemed like the Chargers were waltzing their way to the divisional round. Asante Samuel Jr. had picked off Trevor Lawrence three times as Lawrence became the first QB to throw four interceptions in the first half of a playoff game.

However, Lawrence came out in the second half and threw four touchdown passes to complete the third largest comeback in playoff history.

On the other hand, the Chiefs have managed to secure the one seed in the AFC even after the departure of Tyreek Hill. Even without the fastest man in the league, Patrick Mahomes has been able to use his new weapons in Juju Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling to remain one of the league’s best QBs.

During this MVP-candidate season for Mahomes, he ended the regular season atop the league in passing yards, touchdowns, and QBR. It’s no doubt that his unfathomable ability to create plays is a big reason why the Chiefs are always fun to watch and capable of taking on any team, which is why I’m taking Kansas City to run DUUUVAL nation out of Arrowhead.

Score Prediction: Jaguars 24, Chiefs 34

New York Giants (6) @ Philadelphia Eagles (1)

(Sat. 1/21, 8:15 PM EST)

Diving headfirst into U.S. Bank Stadium against Kirk Cousins and the receiving yard leader in Justin Jefferson, Brian Daboll was the first-year head coach to come out on top.

Led by Saquon Barkley and Daniel Jones, who combined for four touchdowns, everything was going right for the Giants as they held Cousins to under 300 passing yards and Jefferson to 47 receiving yards.

Heading into Philadelphia this weekend, things aren’t looking so bright for the Giants this time as the Eagles have already swept them in the regular season. With Jalen Hurts healthy, this Eagles team looks like they’re surefire NFC Championship bound. There was a slight scare with his shoulder, but he doesn’t seem worried about it anymore.

During an MVP-candidate season of his own, Hurts has used new WR A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith to post career highs in passing yards, touchdowns, passer rating, and adjusted QBR.

Philadelphia has been the team to beat all season, so if there’s a time for Daniel Jones to really shine, it’s now. I don’t think there’s cause for a blowout here, but give me Philadelphia to move on.

Score Prediction: Giants 27, Eagles 35

Cincinnati Bengals (3) @ Buffalo Bills (2)

(Sun. 1/22, 3:00 PM EST)

How this game didn’t get a primetime spot, I’ll never know.

The Bills managed to escape the Dolphins after Josh Allen’s messy first half, throwing two interceptions and fumbling on their first drive of the third quarter. Even though it was projected in the days leading up to be a cake walk with Miami being forced to start Skylar Thompson, there were a lot of lessons to be learned as Buffalo now hosts the reigning AFC Champions.

This game has a lot of emotional connotations for the Bills, however, as it was during their regular season matchup with the Bengals when Damar Hamlin went down in the first quarter. It was recently reported that they and his family were gifted “3” pendants in honor of Hamlin.

While there’s a much deeper meaning rooted in this game, it’s really tough for me to witness how they played last week and pick them to beat Cincinnati. The Bills have committed three turnovers in each of their last three games, and with Cincy having a +6 turnover ratio on the season, those will likely come at a good time in a crucial game like this.

Joe Burrow has also been locked in all season, despite the continued issues on their offensive line. Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins both put up 1,000+ yard campaigns even with respective injuries during the year.

He’ll be able to make plays, and Joe Mixon will be a problem as well. This will be the most entertaining game of the year. Give me Cincinnati by a game-winning field goal.

Score Prediction: Bengals 44, Bills 41

Dallas Cowboys (5) @ San Francisco 49ers (2)

(Sun. 1/22, 6:30 PM EST)

I recently saw reports saying Brock Purdy will continue to start at QB even if Jimmy Garoppolo is cleared by doctors. I also saw everyone yawn at those reports, and I don’t blame them. Purdy has been an absolute stud.

After whomping the Seahawks with four total touchdowns, Purdy and the 49ers are absolutely steamrolling their way through the league (they haven’t lost since OCTOBER). Their offense has been rolling, their defense has been elite, eight of their last eleven wins were decided by multiple scores, a stat you don’t see from any of the other remaining teams.

The Cowboys played well in the Wildcard round, Dak Prescott managed to maintain control of the ball, but that was against a very shaky Bucs team that basically got into the playoffs on a technicality.

What’s worth noting for the Cowboys’ favor is that their defense is also very good, sitting second in the league in turnover ratio. Micah Parsons may give Purdy some trouble, but with his supporting cast the 49ers are the more complete team here. I’m expecting multiple sacks by both teams and also multiple explosive plays by both teams, but favoring San Francisco.

Score Prediction: Cowboys 21, 49ers 30