NFL Playoff Predictions 2018–2019: Divisional Round
To no one’s surprise, I was very wrong with my picks. My only correct choice was the Colts over the Texans. So with a 1–3 record thus far, I present to you my Divisional Round picks. It can’t get any worse right?
(1) Kansas City Chiefs vs. (6) Indianapolis Colts
Brace yourselves, a snow game is coming. The Colts march into Kansas City riding high after their defeat over the Houston Texans and look to continue their dominance over the Chiefs in the playoffs. Indy is 4–0 all-time against KC in the playoffs, and the last time they met we were treated to this. The Chiefs sit atop the AFC as the #1 seed but have a dubious history in the playoffs under Andy Reid. Can the young gunslinger Patrick Mahomes rewrite the narrative?
Here’s how I see this one going. The Colts are going to want to run the ball, dominate the time of possession, and keep the Chiefs offense off the field (or at least try to). They’ll make big plays in the passing game when they have to and hope that it’s all enough to match the firepower of Kansas City. The Chiefs are going to come out of the gate well rested and ready for action. They’ll come out firing, and Patrick Mahomes will have to shoulder most of the work. At the end of it all, it will be a high-scoring, back and forth affair. A last-minute drive and Harrison Butker field goal will win it for the Chiefs 38–35. The Colts have had a fantastic season and I really want to see it continue, but I think the legend of Pat Mahomes will be adding another chapter after this game.
(2) Los Angeles Rams vs. (4) Dallas Cowboys
I really don’t want to take a side or have to even watch this game, in reality. I dislike both teams. But from a neutral standpoint, I have to say it’s going to be an entertaining fight. The Cowboys are coming off a decisive victory over the Seattle Seahawks, while the LA Rams are entering the Coliseum having rested over their bye week.
The Cowboys really impressed last week. Dak Prescott made HUGE plays when he had to and really took over at the end of the game. It was a steady dose of Zeke throughout, but when the pressure was on and the Cowboys needed a play, Dak delivered. Their defense is good enough to hold it’s own against a high-powered offense like the Rams.
The Rams slowed down somewhat near the end of the season, with an injured Todd Gurley and a suspect defense. Regardless, they are still led by Sean McVay and his offensive wizardry. Everyone who has made eye contact with him within the last 2 years is getting a head coaching gig at the moment. The Rams are determined to avenge their early playoff exit last year and make a push for the Super Bowl this time around.
I’m going to go with Rams over Cowboys 27–21. The Cowboys defense will keep the offense in the game long enough. But unlike the Seahawks last week, the Rams won’t be afraid to go for the kill. For how well the Cowboys played last week, it can’t be denied that they were helped by the fact that the Seahawks refused to utilize their effective passing game. McVay isn’t the type of coach to let that happen to his team.
(2) New England Patriots vs. (5) Los Angeles Chargers
Another playoff matchup, ANOTHER SNOW GAME. Football in the winter, you gotta love it. This is an intriguing matchup that features two veteran quarterbacks riding very different narratives. Phillip Rivers is having arguably the best season of his career, and his team looks like a legitimate Super Bowl contender in all three phases. Tom Brady and the Pats, on the other hand, isn’t having his best season. There are question marks about Brady’s age, the dropoff of Rob Gronkowski, and how their defense will hold up in the playoffs. All that said, the Patriots are still the 2-seed in the AFC and probably going to another Super Bowl. Sigh.
Everything in me wants to pick the Chargers to win, but do I think it’ll happen? No. Patriots 28–20.
(1) New Orleans Saints vs. (6) Philadelphia Eagles
I’m starting to believe in a true greater power that is watching over Nick Foles at this point. Best of luck to Cody Parkey wherever he ends up next, hopefully, he can get over his demons from this season and find success. The Eagles enter New Orleans to face a Saints team led by their own quarterback Jesus, Drew Breesus, in what will surely be a matchup to see who the football Gods favor more.
The Saints are looking to avenge last year’s playoff exit at the hands of the Minneapolis Miracle, while the Eagles are coming into the game on the momentum of a miracle of their own. In Week 11, the Saints wiped the floor with Philly 48–7. That was a completely different Eagles team to the one we see now. One obvious thing of note was that (a most likely injured) Carson Wentz QB’d the team at the time, and threw 3 interceptions in that game. Overall that game served as a turning point for the Eagles season. After that game, the defense starting to rally together and play for one another. Late season Nick Foles was activated. The Eagles looked like true defending champions. As for the Saints, they’re the #1 seed for a reason. Their offense is still extraordinary, and their defense isn’t great, but capable of making a pick stop or causing a key turnover when it needs too.
I’m going with Eagles over Saints 33–28. I’m all in on Nick Foles at this point. I thought there was no way they’d beat Chicago. I thought there was no way they’d win a game in the playoffs last year too. I can’t go against destiny any longer. All hail BDN.
