NFL Playoffs 2019: Divisional Round Preview and Predictions
From a dose of Luck in Houston to a “Double-Doink” that will haunt Chicago fans for years, Wild Card Weekend did not disappoint. Players and fans can celebrate or mourn all they want, but the the top four seeds, fresh off a bye, aren’t going to wait for them to finish. So, as we head into the Divisional Round of the 2018–2019 Playoffs, here’s an quick preview of what to expect in the second weekend of the NFL Playoffs:
#6 Colts @ #1 Chiefs (Sat. 1/12 — 4:35 P.M. EST)
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t impressed with the Indianapolis Colts under the leadership of Andrew Luck and Frank Reich in the last few weeks. The surging Colts, after starting the season 1–5, have won ten of their last eleven games, with their only loss coming against Houston, who they beat 24–21 in a Wild Card rubber match that was much more one-sided than the score shows. This Colts team is playing lights-out football at just the right time, and if Luck continues to play at this level, this team may just be a Super Bowl Contender.
Rookies Quenton Nelson and Darius Leonard are both making their case for Rookie of the Year with impressive performances week after week. Leonard, a second-round pick out of South Carolina State, leads the NFL with 163 tackles. But you have to watch him to truly see his potential. At just 23 years old, #53 is lighting up the turf, reading quarterbacks like a veteran and leveling running backs with sheer power. Nelson is also using power to show why he is worthy of his #6 overall pick in the 2018 draft. The Notre Dame guard is making plays left and right, protecting Luck and paving the way for Marlon Mack to break free. His effort has help transform the Colts from the worst-ranked offensive line in the league to the best.
Trust me, I could ramble on about the Colts for hours, but it is important to remember where their headed: a loud, sold-out Arrowhead Stadium in January. Oh, and they’re playing against a well-rested Patrick Mahomes.
The Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes have caught the attention of just about everyone in the sports world with their electric plays and dynamic offense. I’ll admit, I wasn’t a huge believer in Mahomes before the season began, and was even skeptical as the season progressed. But when he made that left-handed throw against the Broncos on Monday Night Football in Week 4, I knew the kid would be a star. The young QB is a pure athlete, and with Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill on his left and right, the Colts’ defense will have a handful to deal with.
Yes, the Chiefs’ defense is not nearly as flashy as their offense, but Dee Ford and Co. have consistently held opponents to under 40 points — which is all that they need to do with Mahomes on the other side of the ball. And don’t even get me started on Andy Reid. That man is a coaching legend, and I have full confidence that he will find a way to stop the red-hot Colts next Saturday.
Prediction: Chiefs 31, Colts 17
#4 Cowboys @ #2 Rams (Sat. 1/12–8:15 P.M. EST)
After a spectacular finish to Saturday’s Wild Card game against the Seattle Seahawks, Dak Prescott and the Cowboys are rolling right into L.A. for another Saturday Night Date against the 13–3 Rams.
Prescott continues to prove critics wrong with clutch throws and leadership at all the right moments. He’ll definitely have a lot on his plate this week, as he’ll have to worry about the Rams’ superstar Aaron Donald breathing down his neck. But the Cowboys shouldn’t be too intimidated by the Rams front four, who have allowed a league-worst 5.07 yards per carry. And with star running back Ezekiel Elliot in the backfield, all the Boys need to do is feed him. One of the most impressive aspects of Zeke’s game is his durability and stamina. It seems as if he gets stronger as the game goes on. If they can establish the run early, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Rams find themselves in a hole.
And how about that defense. Jaylon Smith, Demarcus Lawrence and Leighton Vander-Esch have rejuvenated the Dallas defense and terrorized quarterbacks all season. Their performance next week is crucial to the result.
For Los Angeles, the key will also be establishing the run game. Todd Gurley is coming off of an injury that sidelined him for the last couple of weeks, and as well as C.J. Anderson played in his absence, he wouldn’t put up the same numbers against this Cowboys linebacking corps. Todd Gurley’s health is vital to the Rams’ success, and I’m not so sure he’s going to be 100%. In addition, Jared Goff has not been performing well in the last few weeks, despite an incredible start to the season. So my central question is: Which Rams will we see next weekend? Will we see the high-flying offense that defeated the Chiefs in Week 11? Or will we see the deflated, inefficient offense showcased just two weeks later in against the Bears? Without Cooper Kupp, the Rams have been stumbling; and I’m wouldn’t be surprised if this highly coveted season ends in a disappointing fashion yet again.
Prediction: Cowboys 28, Rams 23
#5 Chargers @ #2 Patriots (Sun. 1/13 1:05 P.M. EST)
This may be the best game of the week. The Chargers are playing their best football and coming off of an emphatic victory on the road to cruise into New England for the second weekend. Philip Rivers, at 37 years old, is playing like he’s in his 20s. I’m constantly impressed by his poise, accuracy, and awareness. Whether he is facing the worst defense in the league or the best defense, he finds their weakness and exploits it. There is no doubt that Rivers will show up and perform in this Divisional Weekend. I am concerned, however, about the rest of his offense. Melvin Gordon III was shaken up in the first half of the Wild Card game and there wasn’t much production from star receiver Keenan Allen as well. Yes, they were playing a top Baltimore defense, but there is going to be no room for error against Belichick and the Pats.
Defensively, the Chargers are excelling. The front four are finally coming together, and the duo of Melvin Ingram and Joey Bosa is looking more and more dominant each week. Rookie Safety Derwin James, a favorite for Rookie of the Year, is all over the field, making plays in the run and pass coverage. Defensive Coordinator Gus Bradley is doing a phenomenal job highlighting his players’ strengths and using them to help the team create turnovers. One of the more unique formations in the NFL, the Chargers’ 7-DB scheme has proven to be very effective against many offenses this season. But can it stop Brady and the Patriots?
For the first time in many years, it feels as if the Patriots have dodged the spotlight, allowing the high-flying Chiefs and Saints to take most of the press. But don’t think for a second that Belichick isn’t ready or this Pats team is any worse than before. I could list all of the brilliant ways Belichick and Brady manipulate defenses, create turnovers, and outsmart opponents — but I think we’ve all already know that. These guys are wizards.
Veteran QB vs. Veteran QB. If any team can beat the Patriots on the road, it’s the Chargers. Los Angeles is an undefeated 9–0 in away games this season. Expect the Chargers to make this a close, exciting matchup. But I’ll take Brady at home any day of the week.
Prediction: Patriots 24, Chargers 20
#6 Eagles @ #1 Saints (Sun. 1/13 4:40 P.M. EST)
FOLES MAGIC! The Eagles are back in the divisional round with a familiar face under center. Nick Foles has continued to impress in the playoffs, making his case for the starting quarterback job for the Eagles — and maybe somewhere else. There is absolutely no way to predict what he will contribute in any given game, and that’s why, as strong as the Saints are, I really don’t know what is going to happen. Eagles’ Head Coach Doug Pederson has done an incredible job using his weapons on offense to despite the loss of his starting quarterback and running back earlier in the season.
In order to win this game, though, Foles will have to use Nelson Agholor and Alshon Jeffrey more effectively. On Sunday, he got away with a few too many back-foot lobs to Jeffrey. The Saints don’t have the best secondary in the league, but they definitely will do their homework. Most of Foles’ passes are to Zach Ertz, who is phenominal. But, if the Saints are smart, they will be all over the star tight end from start to finish. If Foles does not create more plays with Agholor and Jeffrey, it may be a long night for Philadelphia.
The Saints are far and away the best team in the league. Besides for an uncharacteristic loss in Dallas on Nov. 29, New Orleans has been absolutely untouchable on the field. Drew Brees, who will be 40 years old just two days after the game, is having arguably one of his best seasons to date. His decision-making and accuracy is a treat to watch as a fan, and his leadership carries this team above the pack. The one-two punch of the swift and shifty Alvin Kamara and the bustling Mark Ingram II is often too much for defenses to handle. And then there is Michael Thomas. In his breakout season, the Ohio State receiver racked up over 1,400 yards and 9 touchdowns off of a whopping 125 receptions. This Saints’ offense is menacing, and they’ll be ready to eat on Sunday.
Similarly to the Chiefs, the Saints’ defense isn’t the best in the league but does enough to allow the offense to steal the show. The Saints boasted the #2 rushing defense in the league during the regular season, holding opponents to about 80 yards per game. They should be able to do enough to stop Wendell Smallwood in this one.
Foles Magic ends in New Orleans. The Superdome will be loud, rowdy and disruptive, and the Saints’ offense will be too much for Philly to handle.
Prediction: Saints 42, Eagles 14
Mahomes, Brady, Brees, and more. Fans are in for an exciting weekend of football. Get your popcorn!
