Divisional Matchups
Photo from NFL.
Karthik Anem
It’s that time of year again. The largest sport in America is dealing out some amazing matchups during the anxious periods of the NFL playoffs. The “scriptwriters” created some amazing matchups in these rounds. Some teams are fired up, knowing that this is their chance to hold the Lombardi. Others understand that they aren’t supposed to be here and are just enjoying how far they’ve come. These predictions are simply what I think the outcome will be and any team can come out on top at any time.
Matchup #1:
San Francisco 49ers vs. Green Bay Packers
31-28
No matter the outcome, the Cheeseheads have to be happy with their results of the 2023 season. Everyone, including the Packers, thought of this year as a rebuild, analyzing how Jordan Love is as a first-year starting quarterback. However, Jordan Love, albeit having some struggles, is looking like the Packer’s third straight star quarterback after Aaron Rodgers and Brett Farve. However, I see their hot streak being over after this week. Even though their offensive attack destroyed the Cowboys, the 49ers are a different animal. The 49ers front seven, especially Fred Warner, Nick Bosa, and Chase Young, are going to be too formidable against the Packers. On top of that, the 49ers are getting a fully rested CMC, who I expect will shred the Packers due to their questionable run defense, which ranks bottom-five in the NFL. The Packers also have to worry about the 49ers pass catchers like Deebo Samiel, Brandon Ayuik, and George Kittle, who all had 1000 scrimmage yards this season. All of these weapons are led by Mr. Irrelevant (Brock Purdy), who many question his skill due to the super team he is on. But he is the real deal, averaging 9.6 yards per attempt, the highest in the NFL. Jordan Love will keep his team in the game, but I see the 49ers advancing to the Conference Championship.
Matchup #2:
Detroit Lions vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
38-31
The Detroit Lions have come so far, earning their first playoff win since 1991 against the LA Rams. Now, the Lions are looking like a powerhouse team chasing their dreams for a super bowl. The Buccaneers, similar to the Packers, have overachieved with Baker Mayfield. However, there are still questions about Baker and whether he is the future of the franchise. This air raid offense will definitely be a feisty foe for the Detroit Lions’s defense with weapons like Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Trey Palmer. However, the Lions’s offense is no joke. Their offense, led by Jared Goff, has many options, like rookie Sam Laporta, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, and more. Goff should have a good day against Tampa’s defense, which allows 248.9 yards per game and is 29th in the league. The problem for the Buccaneers is that the Lions have a good defense. Aidan Hutchinson, rookie Jack Cambell, and CJ Gardner Johnson are just some of the stars on that upcoming defense. This game will be the battle of the offenses, which I give the edge to Detroit.
Matchup #3:
Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans
28-14
The Baltimore Ravens have looked like the team to beat all season. With MVP front-runner Lamar Jackson leading the way. Everyone thought of Lamar as a running back playing quarterback; everyone thought of him as a fraud. However, after he got some new weapons this year, like Odell Backhand Jr. and rookie Zay Flowers, Lamar became explosive, leading the Ravens to the number one seed in the AFC with their 6th rank offense (yards). Baltimore also has their running attack with Lamar and Gus Edwards, 1st in the league. Baltimore has a ferocious defense that has locked down amazing teams like the 49ers, Dolphins, and Browns. The Texans are no joke either. Being led by star rookie CJ Stroud, the Texans are an up-and-coming team with a lot of young stars. Their rookie pass rusher, Will Anderson, put up a great rookie season with 7 sacks. They also have upcoming corner Derek Stingly Jr. on offense, and other than CJ Stroud, the Texans also have star receiver Nico Collins who has been Stroud’s go-to guy. The Texans will definitely put up a fight against the mighty Ravens, but they will ultimately come up short due to the Ravens’s phenomenal pass defense.
Matchup #4:
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills
38-4
The battle between Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen is starting to become a classic. Being a new-age Tom Brady versus Peyton Manning type of battle, this matchup will be a shootout of the elites of the league. Mahomes, having a down year with no weapons is still Mahomes as shown last week. Mahomes still only has Kelce and upcoming rookie Rasheed Rice to throw to as competent receivers, and he can rely on Isaiah Pacheco for a running attack. What makes the Chiefs dangerous this year? Their stout defense. They have their superstar D-tackle, Chris Jones, who is arguably the best in the league. Also, they have lockdown corner L’Jaruis Sneed, who will be difficult to pass by for Bills flashy receiver Stefon Diggs. The Bills have a phenomenal mix of offense and defense with the man having the most touchdowns this year, Josh Allen, with 44 total. The Bills also have a great rush attack with upcoming star James Cook. This will be the game to watch this week, and I see the Bills coming out on top, but this could really be anyone's game.
