We had two upset wins yesterday and waking up this morning, I’m not a happy Titans fan, but life goes on. We have two powerhouse matchups today and it will be interesting to see who will move on. Both games are virtually toss-ups. I’m not gonna waste any more time, so let’s get to it.

- Los Angeles Rams at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-3)

Both teams had big wins last week that were never in doubt, but I really don’t think they’ll have the same luck this week. The Bucs are 3-point favorites at home and have a stout 7-1 record at Raymond James Stadium. The Rams are just as tough on the road though, with a 7-2 record. I think we had proof last night that the only thing that matters is what team you are at the moment. These two teams met in LA back in Week 3 and the Rams had a 10-point victory. Even though that matchup result was a little lopsided, both teams have maintained their status as the elite teams of the NFC.

We’ll start with the favorites, the Bucs had a victory against the Eagles last week and let’s face it, they really had no business being in the playoffs, but they were and they were the first round obstacle for the defending Super Bowl champs. All you need to know going into this matchup about the Bucs is what I just said. They’re the defending SB champs with Tom Brady leading the offense. That’s really all you need to know. It is worth noting though, the Rams made the Cardinals look lost last week. Will they do the same this week? I find it highly unlikely, but they can be stopped. In the Week 3 matchup, Tom Brady threw for 432 yards and they still lost, he was also the leading rusher, believe it or not. The status of OT Tristan Wirfs will be a big factor in this game, but other than that, I don’t think there are any serious injury concerns for the Bucs.

The Rams are underdogs here and they really haven’t had that status all season long at any point. The Rams really didn’t look great on offense last week in the 34-11 win, but they didn’t have to. The Rams defense made Kyler Murray look silly. It’s worth noting, the Rams are in the bottom half of the league in pass defense though. It’s pretty obvious that this matchup against Tom Brady won’t be an easy task. Here’s the interesting part though, the Bucs are just as bad against the pass. It kinda surprised me to see that the O/U for this game is 48 points, considering how high-powered both offenses are. The Rams have the rushing advantage here with Sony Michel carrying the ball. Cooper Kupp is also still a target machine. The key will be to get him involved as much as possible.

Prediction

This one is tough, but I’m gonna go with a Bucs cover. You simply shouldn’t bet against Tom Brady in the playoffs, it’s not smart.

Los Angeles Rams 23 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 28

- Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs (-1.5)

I think this is personally the matchup of the week. Both teams are not considered the favorites to represent the AFC. Both teams met in Week 5 and the Bills won on the road 38-20. The Chiefs were off to a good start at the time and since then, they have an 11-2 record. Despite having a point and a half advantage. I think this matchup is as close as you’re going to get in the divisional round. Both teams had big wins at home last week and there’s only one spot to move forward. Who’s gonna advance?

The Chiefs defeated the Steelers in a game that was never in doubt. Like the Bucs matchup last week, the Steelers had no business being in the playoffs, but they were and the Chiefs moved past them. Patrick Mahomes had a monster 400-yard day and Travis Kelce even got a TD pass. The Steelers really didn’t play all that badly though, the Chiefs just took it to another level. Their matchup this week won’t be as fortunate. The Bills are the best defense in football and while they may get some cheap plays here and there, the Chiefs will have a tough night. The home crowd should be a help though.

Like I just said, the Bills have the best defense in football, they also have a Top 5 offense. The Bills have been seen as somewhat of a cursed team, because they have had some great teams over the last 30-40 years but haven’t managed to close out a successful Super Bowl winning season. They dominated the Patriots last week and even though this matchup will be tougher, the Chiefs defense isn’t very good. They allowed 21 points to the Steelers last week and while their points allowed isn’t terrible, their yardage allowed is 27th in the NFL. Horrible, horrible defense. The Bills defense must do what it takes to slow down the Chiefs offense, because it will be the key to victory.

Prediction

This round has seen some big road wins already and I think we’ll close the weekend with another big one. Give me a Bills win tonight.

Buffalo Bills 36 Kansas City Chiefs 30

Yacs

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