NFL Divisional Round Previews/Predictions
After a riveting Super Wild Card Round in the National Football League last weekend, there are 8 teams left that will compete this weekend to get even closer to reaching Super Bowl 57 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on Sunday, February 12th at 5:30 PM CT on FOX. Here’s a look at the contenders and which teams White’s World likes to survive and advance to the NFC and AFC Championship Games next Sunday, January 29th.
Last Weekend’s Record, SU, 6-0. ATS, 4-2
Saturday
Jacksonville Jags (10-8, 4-5 Road) @Kansas City Chiefs (14-3, 7-1 Home)
GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, 76,416
3:30 PM CT
NBC
Mike, Cris, Melissa
Head Ref, Shawn Hochuli
Chiefs by 8 1/2
It’s hard enough to defeat Patrick Mahomes and the No.1 seeded Chiefs any time, let alone at Arrowhead where the noise can push the Richter Scale to a minor earthquake. I love what Trevor Lawrence did in the second half against the Chargers last Saturday Night. After what looked like a total collapse in the first half by him as he threw 4 ints and Jacksonville was down 27-0 at halftime, Lawrence led his team to a second half charge to capture the victory over the Chargers, 31-30. This is a taller task. Lawrence is getting there, but he’s not on Mahomes level yet. For that matter, who is? I like Mahomes and the Chiefs to move on convincingly at home. The forecast is for rain then snow in KC. Who knows if that’s accurate 2 days out? Rain was expected all afternoon at San Francisco last Saturday on the Friday Weather.com hourly forecast and the sun came out. And, after the game, “Who’s ready for their jazz bath…”
Chiefs 28, Jaguars 10
Giants (10-7-1, 4-4 Away) @ Eagles (14-3, 7-2 Home)
Lincoln Financial Field, Philly, 71,896
7:15 PM CT
FOX
Joe Davis, Daryl “Moose” Johnston, Pam Oliver, Kristina Pink
Ref, Clete Blakeman
Eagles by 7 1/2
Jalen Hurts has been dealing with an injured right shoulder, his throwing shoulder, which could impede his play Saturday Night in Philly. I loved what the New York Giants did last Sunday in Minneapolis going into U.S. Bank Stadium and upsetting the Vikings, 31-24. Give me the G Men to do it again. This time at the Linc.
Giants 31, Eagles 28
Sunday
Cincinnati Bengals (13-4, 6-3 away) @ Buffalo Bills (13-3, 7-1 Home)
Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, New York, 71,608
2 PM CT
CBS
Jim, Tony, Trace
Ref, Carl Cheffers
Bills by 5 1/2
I’ve stopped doubting Joe Burrow. What else does he have to do to “get some respect.” Give me another road upset.
Bengals 27, Bills 24
Dallas Cowboys (13-5, 5-4 Away) @ San Francisco 49ers (13-4, 8-1 Home)
Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA.
5:30 PM CT
FOX
Kevin, Greg, EA, Tom
Ref, Bill Vinovich
Niners by 4
After Dak Prescott and the Cowboys annihilated Tom Brady and Tampa Bay last Monday Night at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, they gained massive momentum heading into this Sunday evening’s game at Levi’s. However, Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, George Kittle and a terrific Niners defense awaits. Along with Brock Purdy, Mr. Irrelevant in the 2022 draft, who is beyond relevant for the this terrific team. I like the home team here.
49ers 30, Cowboys 24