With the NFL regular season coming to an end, it’s everyone’s favorite time of year: PLAYOFFS! Week 1 of the playoffs brought some great games and a few surprises, which leads us into week 2.
In the NFC, the first game saw the Los Angeles Rams beat the Carolina Panthers in a 34-31 shootout with the incredible performance by All-Pros Matthew Stafford and Puka Nakua, who had 111 yards on 10 receptions and 2 touchdowns. The Rams now face off against the Chicago Bears, who pulled off an unimaginable comeback with 26 fourth quarter points in a big win over the Packers. It’s hard to ignore the fact that the Rams have been here before and are playing well, but I have to go with the Bears in this one. I see them coming out on top as they have just been rolling behind second year quarterback Caleb Williams.
The San Francisco 49ers defeated the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles 23-19 and now face division rival and the number 1 seed Seattle Seahawks. With Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold listed as questionable for this matchup, it’s hard to make a decision about the game. Add to that the fact that the Niners will be without future Hall of Fame tight end George Kittle, who suffered a season-ending injury against Philly. This is a big loss for the 49ers. Even if Sam Darnold plays I would have to pick the 49ers as Christian McCaffery is such a threat that I don’t see the Seahawks containing.
On the AFC side of the ball, the Buffalo Bills advanced against the Jacksonville Jaguars in a 27-24 win. The Bills will be taking on the #1 seed Denver Broncos. Its hard to see a way for the Bills to get past this Broncos defense that leads the league in sacks, even with great quarterback play, I don’t see Josh Allen and the Bills overcoming the Broncos.
Next is the New England Patriots who beat the Los Angeles Chargers 16-3. The Pats absolutely dominated the Chargers as they led in passing yards, rushing yards, and sacks. New England is set to face off against the Houston Texans, who beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-6 being the largest margin of victory in the first round. The Patriots have been hearing that they have only had success due to a weaker schedule but I believe they will prove themselves against a great Texans defense and Drake Maye will lead the Pats to the AFC championship game.
