This article covers four predicted NFL Divisional playoff games to be played during 1/22-1/23/22. Two games are kicking off on 1/22/22 and that means the NFL Divisional playoffs are officially starting. Time to continue with a weekly cadence of highlighting the best games to watch. Also determining the potential upsets lurking below the radar. Hard part about doing this exercise in 2021, is trying to determine if any of the 2020 trends will continue. 2020 was the season of Covid-19 impacts, no fans in the stands and a surprising post season.
2021-2022 Playoff Picks Recap
Wildcard Round – 5/6 correct thanks to Buffalo, Tampa Bay, San Francisco, Kansas City and the Los Angeles Rams
2021 All Picks Recap
Top 5 games to watch – 55/90 correct
Top 5 upsets that could happen -37/90 correct
Wildcard Round – 5/6 correct
Overall picks – 97/186 correct which is right at the mean
NFL Divisional Round Games
AFC Divisional Game #1 Cincinnati vs. Tennessee
Late afternoon game (4:30 PM EST) from Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN on 1/22/22. Bengals advanced to this game after beating the Raiders in the AFC Wildcard round (26-19). Cincinnati has won four out of their last five games. Titans finished the 2021 season at 12-5 and on a three game winning streak. Tennessee earned the #1 seed in the AFC playoff bracket. Teams didn’t play each other this season and they have one historical playoff game from January 1991, with the Bengals winning 41-14.
Bengals benefited from an inadvertent whistle on a passing TD play against the Raiders during the Wildcard round. QB Joe Burrow and WR Ja’Marr Chase continue to play at a higher level than most second year and rookies do in transitioning to the NFL. Injuries to the defensive line corps may prove to be problematic since Tennessee will be easing stud RB Derrick Henry back into their playbook. Titans QB Ryan Tannehill quietly threw for 3734 passing yards and 21 passing TDs thanks to a seven deep WR/TE corps. If this game comes down to a field goal, the Bengals are more consistent in special teams.
Prediction: Titans are a 3.5 point home favorite and will grind out a six point win
NFC Divisional Game #1 San Francisco vs. Green Bay
Primetime game (8:15 PM EST) from Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WI on 1/22/22. 49ers advanced to this game after beating the Cowboys in the NFC Wildcard round (23-17). San Francisco is currently on a three game winning streak. Packers finished the 2021 season at 13-4 and won five out of their last six games. Green Bay earned the #1 seed in the NFC playoff bracket. Teams didn’t play each other this season and they have played eight memorable playoff games since 1995. This can be considered the rubber match, due to the 49ers and Packers both having four playoff wins each in this heated rivalry.
Special times call for special measures and this week may be the game that San Francisco uses rookie QB Trey Lance in red zone plays. Starting QB Jimmy Garoppolo has been dinged up the last month of the season and isn’t confident in the pocket. WR Deebo Samuel has become a threat to score every time he touches the ball. 49ers have some depth injuries at DL and DB, which the Packers will attack on offense. QB Aaron Rodgers and WR Davante Adams are entering the potential last three chapters of The Last Dance. They’ll hook up early and often this game, thanks to a sound Green Bay defensive unit that will play surprisingly strong.
Prediction: Packers are 6.0 point home favorites and will win by 8 points
NFC Divisional Game #2 Los Angeles Rams vs. Tampa Bay
Late afternoon game (3:00 PM EST) from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL on 1/23/22. Rams advanced to this game after dominating the Cardinals in the NFC Wildcard round (34-11). Los Angeles Rams have won six of their last seven games. Buccaneers advanced to this game after methodically dispatching the Eagles in the NFC Wildcard round (31-15). This is a rematch of the Week 3 matchup that the Rams won at home (34-24). Teams have played twice in the playoffs, with the Rams winning the 1979 and 1999 NFC Championship games.
Now things are getting interesting. Rams have been clicking since Week 13 and all of their big trade acquisitions are paying dividends on a week by week basis. QB Matthew Stafford will be playing stress free after finally getting his first career playoff win last week in the NFC Wildcard round. Only problem is he’ll be staring at the GOAT QB across the field, Tom Brady. Buccaneers have been playing efficient ball all season, but injuries on the offensive side could haunt them this week. They also took their foot off the gas pedal against Philadelphia in the fourth quarter and immediately gave up 15 points. Lots of momentum swings in this game and turnovers will be crucial.
Prediction: Rams are currently a 2.5 point road underdog and will win by three points in walk off fashion
AFC Divisional Game #2 Buffalo vs. Kansas City
Evening game (6:30 PM EST) from Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on 1/23/22. Bills advanced to this game after throttling the Patriots in the AFC Wildcard round (47-17). Buffalo is currently riding a five game winning streak. Chiefs advanced to this game after beating the Steelers in the AFC Wildcard round (42-21). Kansas City has won ten out of their last eleven games. This is a rematch of the Week 5 matchup that the Bills won on the road (38-20). Teams have met four times in the playoffs, with each franchise winning two games.
Best matchup of the weekend and a rematch of the 2020 AFC Championship game. Bills look like a completely different team when QB Josh Allen decides to run the ball directly at the line of scrimmage. Played a perfect game last week against New England, due to scoring seven TDs on seven offensive series. Buffalo’s defense has a tendency to bend but not break and they will be locked in for this matchup. Chiefs enter this game in their fourth year of AFC dominance, even though most historical great teams have a three year window. QB Patrick Mahomes will utilize TE Travis Kelce and WR Tyreek Hill a ton. If Kansas City can establish a running game, this will be a low scoring contest. Expect a score fest if both QBs get hot.
Prediction: Bills are currently a 2.0 point road underdog and will win by four points
Same bat time, same bat channel next week. I’ll review the results of the NFL Divisional games and try again for the Conference Championships playoff round.
Never walk away from the table when you’re on a heater in Vegas! Hope you enjoyed the predictions for the Divisional round of the NFL playoffs.
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