Why the Divisional Round Really Is the Best Weekend in the NFL

It’s the AFC and NFC Divisional Playoffs, which is best the weekend of the season. History tells us so. There have been so many memorable games in this round of the postseason over the years that you can’t even count them all.

For what it’s worth, and it would be worth more if the Browns were involved, here are my picks for the four games, two on Saturday and two on Sunday:

SATURDAY

AFC — Buffalo Bills (12-5) at Denver Broncos (14-3) — 4:30 p.m. — Playing in Denver is never easy, as Browns fans know all too well, but it may be that the Bills are starting to figure out this sense of urgency thing. PICK — Bills 34, Broncos 30.

NFC — San Francisco 49ers (12-5) at Seattle Seahawks (14-3) — 8 p.m. — The beat-up 49ers topped the dysfunctional Philadelphia Eagles last weekend, so they proved they have what it takes to win in a tough environment. They’ll need that again in Seattle. PICK — 49ers 20, Seahawks 17.

SUNDAY

AFC — Houston Texans (12-5) at New England Patriots (14-3) — 3 p.m. — The Texans have a dominating defense, but they’re going to need more from former Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud. Just like the others this weekend, this game will go right down to the wire, but I don’t think the Patriots will be able to score enough points to win. PICK — Texans 16, Patriots 13.

NFC — Los Angeles Rams (12-5) at Chicago Bears (11-6) — 6:30 p.m. — this may be the most interesting game of the weekend. The Bears don’t believe they can lose, no matter how poorly they play in the first three quarters, and the Rams are probably getting sick and tired of how cold it’s going to be. Yes, the weather will be a factor, but I think the Rams, who have a better team overall, will figure out a way to win. PICK — Rams 26, Bears 24.

Whoever wins and loses, enjoy all the games.

Steve King

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail