2024 NFL Playoff Predictions
& Regular Season Wrap-Up
I genuinely almost forgot that we have more NFL football to come after the last week. Between Monday and Saturday, we saw a whirlwind- nay, a literal tornado- tear through the coaching world, turning the coaches carousel into a proverbial tilt-a-whirl. This was highlighted by three moves in the span of 24 hours: Pete Carroll being removed as head coach of the Seahawks, followed by Alabama coach Nick Saban announcing his retirement, and culminating with the Patriots announcing they had parted ways with Bill Belichick.
Plenty of other coaches also lost their jobs on “Black Monday” (and prior to it), and there’s been a ton of speculation and pondering as to who will be filling each coaching vacancy. And don’t forget, Jim Harbaugh, fresh off winning a National Championship with Michigan on Monday, will likely be heading back to the NFL if he can find a job suitable for him.
But now, all of a sudden, instead of worrying about which coach is going to be coaching where, we need to take a look back at the year that was, as well as look ahead to what could be an exceptional slate of playoff games.
Before this season began, I made a number of outlandish predictions for the 2023 NFL season. It’s time to revisit them all so you can see how out of touch with everything I am.
Preseason Predictions Review
1. The New York Jets will finish below .500.
Prediction: CORRECT
This really has more to do with Aaron Rodgers rupturing his Achilles four snaps into the Jets’ first game of the season, but I will take my wins where I can get them.
Naturally, without Rodgers, the Jets floundered under Zach Wilson, Tim Boyle, and later Trevor Siemian, and stumbled to a 7–10 record in 2023. While the defense was outstanding, posting the third fewest yards allowed, they posted the second worst offense in the league- averaging 268.6 yards per game. I’d imagine that having Rodgers under center would help the Jets immensely next year- although those weapons he brought in like Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb don’t seem to be doing the team many favors.
2. The Green Bay Packers will make the playoffs.
Prediction: CORRECT
Even with some speed bumps along the way, Jordan Love appears to be the answer for Green Bay at quarterback. While he started with 14 touchdowns to 10 interceptions in his first 9 games, he ended the season by throwing 18 touchdowns to just 1 interception over his last 8, throwing for multiple touchdowns in every game across that stretch except 1. He’s adjusted to a rotating personal which has included the likes of young players like Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, and Jayden Reed, even having to deal with his top playmaker, Aaron Jones, being out with injury. And still, Love has thrived. And for his efforts, the Packers won six out of their final 8 games and squeaked into the playoffs as the 7 seed.
Obviously you can give me all the credit for this one and not Jordan Love or Matt LaFleur or anyone else. Me.
3. A Trio of Cardinals Predictions:
3a. Kyler Murray will miss the entire 2023 season.
Prediction: INCORRECT
3b. The Arizona Cardinals will finish 0–17.
Prediction: INCORRECT
3c. They will have the first two picks in the draft next year.
Prediction: INCORRECT
There’s a lot to recap here with all three of these mini-predictions, but the gist of it is that a) the Cardinals all bought into Jonathan Gannon’s system, and that b) they are much, much better with Kyler Murray as their quarterback and should build around him rather than tossing him to the wayside.
I want to give a half-hearted apology to Jonathan Gannon (half-hearted because I still don’t think this team is all that good… yet), as it’s clear the players were in and giving their all in every single game I watched this season- at least by eye test. I fully expected them to roll over and die, but they earned wins against both the Cowboys and Eagles this season, and were in just about every single other contest they played in.
A lot of credit also has to be given to Josh Dobbs’ first half of 2023, as he became a household name in Glendale this season (before being shipped off to Minnesota and plummeting back down to Earth). Dobbs’ unlikely success (1569 yards, 8 touchdowns, 5 interceptions) seemed to sum up this Cardinals’ season as a whole- scrappy and never to be counted out. But let’s also be honest, the Cardinals look a whole lot better with Kyler Murray as their QB. Murray did return in week 11, where he went 3–5 over the team’s last 8 games, throwing for nearly 1800 yards, 10 passing TDs (and 3 rushing TDs) and 5 interceptions.
And while they won’t have the first two picks in the draft (partially due to Carolina being so bad and Houston being so good), they will be picking 4th, and have a strong chance to grab Marvin Harrison Jr., giving Kyler a top-receiver to revive what was a once-dead Cardinals team.
4. Russell Wilson will not be the Broncos’ starting QB by the end of the season.
Prediction: CORRECT
Aside from all the contract stuff where the Broncos don’t want to risk shelling out $37 million to Russ in case their highly-overpaid, efficient-but-not-good quarterback gets hurt- I think we can say that the last two years in Denver have not been kind to Russell Wilson. In fact, I’d go so far to say that the trade that went down a few years ago makes the Seattle Seahawks look like total geniuses. There’s a good chance that Wilson will be gone next year, marking the end of a tumultuous period in Denver.
Despite winning 6 straight at one point in the season and finding themselves firmly within the playoff picture, the Broncos got smothered by the Detroit Lions, and then allowed 21 straight points to Bailey Zappe and the Patriots to lose the next week Christmas Eve, after which coach Sean Payton announced that Wilson would be benched for the remainder of the season in favor of Jarrett Stidham.
Broncos Country, let’s hide.
5. The Detroit Lions will win the NFC North.
Prediction: CORRECT
The Lions have the #3 seed after finishing 12–5, winning their first division title since 1993.
While the Lions didn’t finish with the league’s #1 offense (as I originally predicted), they did finish with the league’s #3 offense, as Jared Goff played himself into a Pro Bowl-type year, throwing for 4,575 yards this season.
That offense is just so good, you guys. It’s nothing flashy by any means- their leading receiver is Amon-Ra St. Brown, who continues to be criminally underrated as a pass catcher despite being third across the league in both receiving yards and receptions- but it seems like everybody contributes to that offense, and that’s what makes them so good- and what makes Jared Goff look so good.
Dan Campbell’s team hit on a couple of rookies this season in a big way- Sam LaPorta was the best among all tight ends this season with 10 touchdowns, an outstanding rookie campaign means the future can only get brighter for the man called in to replaced TJ Hockenson (did I mention the Vikings didn’t make the playoffs?). Jahmyr Gibbs was also great behind veteran David Montgomery, rushing for 945 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Between Gibbs, LaPorta, St. Brown and Montgomery, the Lions became only the second team in NFL history to have four players account for 10 or more touchdowns in the same season.
I’m looking forward to what this team can do in the playoffs, especially since they’ll be taking on old flame Matthew Stafford and the Rams to start out.
6. The Raiders will discover that Derek Carr was not the problem.
Prediction: CORRECT
Only because Josh McDaniels is a whole dumbass, and he god fired midway through the season.
Carr was never the problem in Vegas. The problem was McDaniels, who I guess… forgot that post-ACL-tear Jimmy Garoppolo doesn’t have the same clout that a healthy Derek Carr did? The Raiders, in the last two year McDaniels was their coach, have ranked 30th in scoring and 31st in yards after being ranked 12th in both in 2022.
Garoppolo, McDaniels, and GM David Ziegler, were all relieved of their duties following the team’s loss to the Lions in late October, amid public frustrations from star players like Davante Adams, who joined the team in 2022 to reunite with Derek Carr. With Carr now in New Orleans, I wonder just how much longer the Raiders will keep Adams around.
But like interim head coach Rich Bisaccia in 2020 (who helped the team make the playoffs thanks to a miraculous run under his leadership), linebackers coach Antonio Pierce stepped up to take McDaniels’ role. And since (as of writing), the Raiders still have not named a permanent head coach, players like Maxx Crosby have been vocal about their support of Pierce as head coach going forward, going so far as to request a trade if Pierce is not made head coach.
Let’s talk about Derek Carr for a moment, though…
7. Derek Carr will ball out in New Orleans.
Prediction: INCORRECT
While Carr did play in all 17 games for the Saints this season, he wasn’t exactly what you’d call brilliant. He’s actually been marginally worse on a per-game basis this year than his last year in Vegas when he only played 15 games. He finished strong, throwing for 15 touchdowns against 3 interceptions in his last 6 games, but the middle of the season saw the QB plagued with injury- just a 90.6 passer rating between weeks 4 and 13. He was 6–2 when healthy, but a 3–5 stretch in the middle of the season made me wonder if him playing through his shoulder injury was entirely worth it.
8. The Washington Commanders will shock everyone and make the playoffs because Eric Bieniemy is a genius.
Prediction: INCORRECT
So… the Commanders finished 4–13 and will be picking second in the draft next year. Won’t be the first prediction in which I completely whiff on picking a team to make the playoffs.
For a team with plenty of weapons on it, as well as what was the NFL’s leading passer for a number of weeks in Sam Howell, the team averaged just 19.4 points per game this season, good for 25th in the NFL. They were also one of the league’s worst on 3rd down, with a 35.6% conversion rate, ranking 24th in the league.
And, as it turns out, having the league’s passing leader doesn’t automatically equal success. Howell was pulled on more than one occasion for backup Jacoby Brissett, who played moderately well in Howell’s place- in both games he participated in, the Commanders only lost by one score. We learned a lot about the QB position in DC. It might be that Caleb Williams or Drake Maye is the answer in Landover going forward.
Where the cracks showed for the Commanders were on defense. They ranked dead last in passing defense, allowing 262.2 yards per game. The evidence was clear- a 230-yard game for DJ Moore here, busted coverage against the Rams allowing Cooper Kupp to score on a 62-yard catch and run there. In addition, the trading of Chase Young and Montez Sweat didn’t do the team any favors on the defensive line.
While Bieniemy probably won’t be the Commanders’ next coach with Ron Rivera getting fired, it’s clear that this team still has a lot of work to do going forward, both on on offense and defense.
9. The Titans will be sellers at the trade deadline- specifically dealing both Derrick Henry and DeAndre Hopkins.
Prediction: INCORRECT
Well, I was close. The Titans are definitely appear to be embracing the rebuild, with Mike Vrabel out as head coach, Will Levis likely in to replace Ryan Tannehill next season, and Derrick Henry thanking both the fans and every single member of the Titans staff personally as he approaches free agency next season. Hopkins had a solid season this year despite being counted out by many (including me) due to his age, and he has one more year on his contract.
The only thing wrong with this prediction is that the rebuild didn’t start sooner.
10. The New England Patriots will win the AFC East, because it turns out that the Offensive Coordinator was the missing piece.
Prediction: WOEFULLY INCORRECT
Don’t do drugs, kids.
“I believe in Mac Jones” I said back in September. How young and naive I was. I no longer believe Mac Jones is a viable option for this franchise.
Go figure that, after bringing in Bill O’Brien, the Patriots were somehow worse this year than last year, in an offense that was co-coordinated by Matt Patricia and Joe Judge, who collectively have zero years’ experience running an offense together.
So, they finished 4–13 this year. The offense was putrid. The defense was stout but plagued with injuries, as Matthew Judon and Christian Gonzalez missed most of the regular season with injuries. Juju Smith-Schuster hasn’t panned out in the way that New England wanted while Jakobi Meyers looks like a great asset to the Raiders offense. The lone bright spot this year was Demario Douglas, the 6th round rookie from Liberty, who more than passed the eye test this season. I look forward to seeing how he and Kendrick Bourne cohabitate (if that’s a thing they’ll do) next season.
To top it off, the season’s end began with a 17–3 home loss to the Jets (their first loss to Gang Green since 2016), and concluded with the team parting ways with coach Bill Belichick after 24 years.
Patriots fans face a murky look toward the future. What was once a “reload-not-rebuild” franchise is very much facing a rebuild going forward. With the #3 pick in the draft ahead next year, and major questions needing answers regarding both the offensive line and pass catching rooms, it will be up to new head coach Jerod Mayo (and whoever the new GM will be) to put together a team that can (hopefully) go nowhere but up next season.
Overall, 5-for-10, which I think might be the best I’ve ever done with my predictions.
I took a stab at the playoff field as well, at which I fared slightly better. But only slightly:
- Buffalo (AFC East Winner, #2 seed — Predicted as 2nd AFC East, #6 seed)
- Baltimore (AFC North Winner, #1 seed — Predicted as 2nd AFC North, #7 seed)
- Kansas City (AFC West Winner, #3 seed — Predicted as AFC West Winner, #2 seed)
- Philadelphia (2nd NFC East, #5 seed- Predicted as NFC East Winner, #2 seed)
- Detroit (NFC North Winner, #3 seed — Predicted as NFC North Winner, #3 seed)
- Green Bay (2nd NFC North, #7 seed — Predicted as 2nd NFC North, #7 seed)
- San Francisco (NFC West Winner, #1 seed — Predicted as NFC West Winner, #1 seed)
7 for 14. Not my best.
I also predicted the correct records for the following teams:
- Tennessee (6–11)
- Denver (8–9)
- Detroit (12–5)
- Green Bay (9–8)
- Chicago (7–10)
6 for 32. Better than last year (2/32), but still. Yikes. But how about that NFC North, though?
2024 NFL Playoff Preview and Predictions
With the regular season (and what has been a wild offseason to this point for those already eliminated) now behind us, there still is football to be played! Here are my predictions for the upcoming road to the Super Bowl.
Super Wild Card Weekend (Jan 13–15)
#5 Cleveland Browns at #4 Houston Texans (+1.5)
Saturday, January 13th, 4:30pm (NBC)
We begin with what might be the two best stories in all of football. First, the Houston Texans, who have found a rare answer at QB in the form of the sensational CJ Stroud. The Ohio State product has been far and away the best rookie QB this season, and despite not being available the last time the Texans and Browns played (when Amari Cooper put up a team-record 265 receiving yards), Houston should be rightfully confident that they can beat anybody when Stroud is playing QB. On the other end, 38-year old Joe Flacco is turning back the clock to help the Browns salvage a season that looked dead in the water only a few weeks ago. Since Flacco came in at QB in early December, he won 4 of 5, helping the Browns to the 5 seed in the AFC in convincing fashion. The Browns also sport one of the league’s best defenses, and they’ll need their secondary, specifically Denzel Ward and Martin Emerson Jr., to control Nico Collins and Noah Brown, who can be deadly in open space.
I’m looking for Stroud to have trouble solving man coverage and for the Browns to stretch the field vertically early on. Browns win a close one and keep their momentum into the divisional round.
Prediction: Browns 23, Texans 21
#6 Miami Dolphins at #3 Kansas City Chiefs (-4.0)
Saturday, January 13th, 8:00pm (Peacock)
If Mike McDaniel had ever wished for it to colder, I don’t know that he ever could have dreamt of: temps of 0 degrees with wind chills between -20 and -30. This is walrus weather. So I fully anticipate that Andy Reid and his team will be prepared.
Now, don’t get me wrong- the Chiefs offense has looked inept at times this season. Whether it’s been drops by their receivers, or being afraid to perform in front of Taylor Swift, things have not been going “all too well.” But who am I to bet against Patrick Mahomes? From so many years of watching Tom Brady and Bill Belichick operate together, you should never count out the best QB and (now I can officially say it since Bill is technically unemployed at time of writing) best coach in the league in the playoffs. It won’t be a pretty game, but I think the Chiefs can figure out a way to move the ball in the cold.
Besides, all they have to do is beat a banged up Dolphins team, in the cold, at home- a team which has not fared well historically in cold-weather games. Sure, I know Tyreek Hill used to play in KC, but his quarterback is from Hawaii and has never won a game when the temperature is under 40 degrees, much less 0. And Tua Tagovailoa says he’s not going to wear gloves because being cold is a “mindset”? All right, tough guy.
Prediction: Chiefs 24, Dolphins 14
#7 Green Bay Packers at #2 Dallas Cowboys (-7.0)
Sunday, January 14th, 4:30pm (FOX)
The Ice Bowl. The “Dez Caught It” game. The Rodgers-to-Jones game. The Packers and Cowboys go back a long way when it comes to their playoff matchups. In this game, however, Jordan Love will be making his first playoff start against a Cowboys team that has not lost at home this season, and looks more complete on both sides of the ball than most other Cowboys teams I’ve seen of late. This game also features some added pressure for Mike McCarthy, who is coaching against his former team and probably will lose his job if he loses this game. So there’s that.
I think this game will be a lot closer than people think. Both Dak Prescott and Jordan Love lead the league in QBR since week 10 — If Jordan Love can show out as he’s done over the last few weeks of the season, Green Bay has a real shot to steal one, even against one of the league’s best defenses.
This time around, though, I think the Cowboys finally exorcise the demons. Look for Tony Pollard to get going- the Packers run defense is 28th in the league, allowing 128.3 yards per game this season. And I know Pollard hasn’t had the best of years, but the playoffs always bring out those heroes from the most unlikely places.
The Cowboys slay the dragon, finally.
Prediction: Cowboys 27, Packers 24
#6 Los Angeles Rams at #3 Detroit Lions (-3.0)
Sunday, January 14th, 8:00pm (NBC)
This is the game I’m looking forward to the most. Jared Goff faces off against the Rams and Sean McVay. Matthew Stafford comes back to Detroit to face the Lions, the team that gave him his start before the two quarterbacks were traded for one another, and Stafford won a Super Bowl the following season. The Lions come into the game with the third best offense in football, but the Rams have been on a tear and are a very scary team to face in the first round of these playoffs, having won seven of their last eight to get to this point.
I don’t expect a lot of defense in this one. The Rams have plenty of weapons with which to score. Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua both have the potential to post huge numbers, and Kyren Williams has put together a fantastic sophomore campaign from the RB position. If the Lions are going to stop this high-octane offense, playmakers like Aiden Hutchinson (who finished the regular season with 5 sacks in his last two games) will need to put pressure on Stafford and keep him from having time to make those tight-window throws. The Lions have also been stiff against the run for most of the season (stats impacted mostly by mobile quarterbacks), ranking third in yards per carry allowed. Overall, I think Detroit knows their secondary is their weakness, with Kindle Vildor and Cameron Sutton having their hands full with Kupp and Nacua. Coach Dan Campbell will make sure his team is prepared for those two talented receiving threats.
The Lions have a great offense of their own that features not one, but two great RBs in David Montgomery and Jahymr Gibbs. Even with the Rams improving run defense, the Lions still have the capability to move the ball on the ground. It’s consistent and diverse enough to exploit the Rams’ weaknesses, the edges of the defense. Supplement it with effective pass catchers like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Josh Reynolds, and Jameson Williams, and the Lions can exploit a pass defense that ranked 25th in pass defense DVOA from weeks 14–17. The one caveat for the Lions is that they will likely be without Sam LaPorta. Even if he does play (and there is suspicion that he might), he won’t be 100%. Still, I think the offense is good enough and matches up against a defense that can be beaten.
I’ve gone back and forth with this for a long, long while. Stafford will likely be less affected playing against his old team than Goff will be playing against his. But with a rowdy Ford Field crowd behind them, under the lights in primetime, the Lions feel like a team of destiny. They were the better team all year long and I have them winning a tight one.
Prediction: Lions 31, Rams 24
#7 Pittsburgh Steelers at #2 Buffalo Bills (-9)
Monday, January 14th, 4:30pm (CBS)
Thanks to New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s announcement, this game has been moved from Sunday to Monday, due to the likely two to seven inches of snow predicted to fall at game time, paired with 40–50 mph winds in Buffalo on Sunday. There’s one part of me that understands this need to move the game for the safety of the fans and players.
The other part of me knows that the Dolphins will complain about their game not being moved if they lose against the Chiefs because of the weather. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
The Bills won five straight to win the AFC East for the fourth straight year, and roll into the wild card round with the most favorable opponent possible: a TJ Watt-less, Mason Rudolph-helmed Pittsburgh Steelers team.
Without Watt, the Steelers to look toward Alex Highsmith to have an even larger role in the Pittsburgh pass rush. If Bills tackle Dion Dawkins can keep up his impressive 2023 season (4th in pass block win rate among tackles), then Josh Allen is going to have a pretty easy day moving the ball through the air or with James Cook (or, let’s face it, by himself) on the ground.
The Bills are 13–2 in home playoff games since 1970. Look for that to improve to 14–2 on Monday.
Prediction: Bills 31, Steelers 13
#5 Philadelphia Eagles at #4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+3.0)
Monday, January 15th, 8:15pm (ABC/ESPN)
Week 3 saw the Eagles come into Tampa and leave with a 25–11 win. Since then, the Eagles and Bucs have gone in opposite directions. Tampa Bay has thrived behind Baker Mayfield as of late, winning five of their last six, while the Eagles, once in line for the #1 seed, have lost five of their last six. Their once imposing defense has fallen off a cliff, yielding 142 rushing yards per game over the last seven weeks.
The Eagles relied heavily on the run game in week three, and I’d look for them to do so again and pound D’Andre Swift and Kenneth Gainwell, particularly if Jalen Hurts’ finger on his throwing hand is still limiting his ability to grip the football. Oh, and don’t forget- AJ Brown has officially been ruled out of Monday’s game as well, leaving DeVonta Smith as the team’s #1 receiver. If there were ever a perfect storm for a team that many predicted as Super Bowl contenders, this is it.
Tampa’s offense is not without its injuries either- Mayfield is dealing with both a rib and an ankle injury, but I would look for him to lean heavily on Rachaad White against a once-great Eagles run defense.
I expect the Eagles to take care of business this week. Swift put up huge numbers on the ground back in week 3, and even if Hurts can’t throw the football effectively, he is still enough of a threat with his legs. Plus, Swift gets tackled at the one yard line so much that anything that happens after that is a foregone conclusion. But this is probably the last win they’ll get this year.
Prediction: Eagles 20, Buccaneers 18
Divisional Round (Jan. 20–21)
#5 Cleveland Browns at #1 Baltimore Ravens
This matchup pits Joe Flacco against the Ravens. Boy howdy, I love playoff football, don’t you?
The Ravens are unique team in my eyes- they are the best team in the NFL, but haven’t exactly dominated anyone on the offensive side of the ball on the way there. Instead, they’ve used their suffocating league-best defense to keep other offenses off the field and the ball in the hands of their likely MVP quarterback, Lamar Jackson. While on offense, the Ravens are meticulous in moving the ball down the field, shortening games tremendously with their ground attack.
I love the Browns, and Jackson’s Ravens have not fared well in their last playoff games (including an upset loss at home to the Titans in 2019- the last time Lamar won MVP), but this matchup doesn’t favor the Browns on paper. If they had Nick Chubb, I would say the Browns have more of a chance. But with a strong passing attack and not a fantastic rushing one (Jerome Ford is fine but not a difference maker the way Chubb is), the Ravens’ strong pass defense should be able to keep Flacco in check will maintaining tempo of their own on the offensive side of the ball.
Prediction: Ravens 30, Browns 20
#3 Kansas City Chiefs at #2 Buffalo Bills
Another year, another Mahomes-Allen playoff matchup.
I stand by that this is a very different Chiefs team than we’ve seen in playoffs past. Something is off with this team. I’m not sure if it’s the drops or Mahomes and Kelce not being on the same page- something is definitely not right here and that should be of concern (to them, I on the other hand am very excited for things to not be right in Kansas City).
Mahomes would (in this scenario) be playing a road playoff game for the first time in his career, and it could not be in a less friendly environment than Highmark Stadium up in Orchard Park, New York. If the Chiefs are going to win this game, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce will need to turn back into Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. If only it were that simple.
The Bills went into Kansas City in week 14 and beat the Chiefs 20–17, and it feels only right that they actually get to play a game against the Chiefs in their house. Kansas City’s run defense leaves a lot to be desired, and I would wager that James Cook, Latavius Murray, and even Leonard Fournette, would thrive in a hard-nosed rushing-based attack against that rush defense.
Again, I would be a fool to bet against Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes, especially since the best of rivals always seems to bring out the best performances in the best players and coaches. This Chiefs-Bills game should be no different and will not be a cakewalk for the Bills, even if I think they’ll win. Still, I think with a chance to end the Chiefs’ AFC Championship game appearance streak at five with a win on their home turf, the Bills will continue their hot streak and get it done.
Prediction: Bills 28, Chiefs 24
#5 Philadelphia Eagles at #1 San Francisco 49ers
Remember last year’s NFC Championship game, where Brock Purdy got hurt and literally couldn’t throw the ball and the Eagles ran all over the 49ers to get to the Super Bowl?
This is going to be… not that.
The Niners are the best team in the NFC and buried the Eagles by 23 in Philadelphia in early December. Since the Niners have a little bit of a chip on their shoulder, feeling they weren’t given a fair shake in last January’s NFC title game, I would imagine they’ll enter this game thinking they’ve got something to prove.
If Jalen Hurts’ finger is still causing him issue by this point, I don’t feel confident that the Eagles’ ground attack will be successful against this 49ers front. Speaking of the ground attack, if the Eagles defense looks vulnerable against the Buccaneers, Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel could be in line for a big day.
In any case, this season was the Eagles to lose and they lost it. San Fran by a million.
Prediction: 49ers 38, Eagles 22
#3 Detroit Lions at #2 Dallas Cowboys
The Lions were one smart referee away from beating the Cowboys in Dallas and being the #2 seed in the NFC. This game could easily be in Detroit just as well as it will be in Dallas.
The Lions will enter this game with a chip on their shoulders, and Taylor Decker will likely make damn sure he is reported as eligible. The Lions win the rematch in Dallas and go to Santa Clara for the NFC Championship game.
Prediction: Lions 23, Cowboys 17
AFC Championship
#2 Buffalo Bills at #1 Baltimore Ravens
Sunday, January 28th, 3:05pm (CBS)
The Bills haven’t faced the Ravens yet this season, and this Ravens team is not the same team that came to Buffalo in 2020. This team features a much different Lamar Jackson, who has blossomed into a mature passer and a much more choosy runner- with the weapons they feature on offense, the Ravens have the ability to stretch the field, close out on long drives, and seemingly come up with a solution to any problem a defense can pose. I think that multi-dimensional offense will pose too many problems for a Bills defense that is still somewhat banged up and susceptible to giving up too many big plays. On defense, they lead the league in total defense, Josh Allen leads the league in interceptions. Need I say more?
The Ravens are balanced, well coached, and peaking. And if they can keep Josh Allen off the field, they will suffocate this game away from Buffalo.
Prediction: Ravens 33, Bills 21
NFC Championship
#3 Detroit Lions at #1 San Francisco 49ers
Sunday, January 28th, 6:40pm (FOX)
We shall see, in this game, just what Brock Purdy’s ability to withstand a playoff gamut is. San Francisco is the juggernaut that we’re all expected to get to the Super Bowl, but I don’t expect the Lions to go quietly here. The offense can be as dangerous as any in the postseason, especially in this scenario where they’ve beaten Matthew Stafford and then avenged their late-season loss to the Cowboys in the previous round. Their defense can also run hot.
But when it comes down to brass tax, the 49ers are the better team. I think, in the comfort of Levi’s Stadium, Purdy and that 49ers offense will be just fine. With the idea of actually winning an NFC Championship a legitimate possibility once again, the Niners’ dynamic playmakers and superior offensive scheming (and better defense) will get them back to the Super Bowl.
Prediction: 49ers 28, Lions 17
Super Bowl LVIII
Allegiant Stadium — Las Vegas, NV
Baltimore Ravens vs. San Francisco 49ers
Sunday, February 11th, 6:40pm (CBS)
I know, I know. This is the boring Super Bowl. I’m with you- I would have much preferred a Browns-Lions Super Bowl. That would be the wholesome one.
But think about- there are some stars on both teams that would have a chance to earn their first rings in this game. Lamar Jackson and Christian McCaffrey would be playing in their first Super Bowls. Kyle Shanahan would finally be able to reach the top of the mountain. John Harbaugh would be able to take some of the spotlight away from his brother Jim. The possibilities are endless.
The Ravens demolished the 49ers in Santa Clara, 33–19, on Christmas night, forcing Brock Purdy into 4 turnovers. And while Kyle Shanahan is likely to not forget that and ensure that something like that does not happen again, I think the Ravens are too balanced and match up too well with the 49ers for San Francisco to win this game.
Can someone get Lamar a ring, please?
Prediction: Ravens 26, 49ers 17
