AFC Divisional Round Preview
The AFC divisional round is here after a crazy wild card weekend. Let’s break down both games.
(4) Houston Texans vs (1) Baltimore Ravens
After a huge win against the Cleveland Browns, the Houston Texans will face Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens. Coming into the season no one thought the Texans would be in the divisional round let alone the playoffs altogether. On the other side, the Ravens have not had great success in the postseason, but this could be the start of something new. Both teams met in week one, but both are nothing like they used to be in September.
The Browns had the best defense in the NFL and that did not matter one bit to the Texans. CJ Stroud did not look like a rookie all season and the playoffs were no different. They beat the Browns 45-14 and Stroud had himself a day. He had 274 yards and three touchdowns. The offensive line was great, allowing no sacks and barely any pressure. On defense, the Texans were able to pick off Joe Flacco for back-to-back pick sixes. They held the Browns to 14 points in the first quarter and the Browns did not score after that. They will need to figure out a way to contain Jackson who can take over a game all by himself.
Since Lamar Jackson has been the Ravens quarterback, he has a record of 1-3 in the playoffs. This is the best the team has looked, and they are probably the hottest team entering the playoffs winning. Their last six of seven and beating teams like the 49ers and Dolphins without any problems. Now that Jackson has receivers in Zay Flowers and Odell Beckham Jr., the Texans will have their hands full trying to cover them and watch Jackson because of his legs. The defense led by Patrick Queen and Roquan Smith will be big. This defense was only second to the Browns and led the NFL in sacks with 60. The Texans will have to watch the simulated pressures the Ravens put in to confuse the offensive line.
I think the Ravens have too much for Stroud and Jackson will lead the Ravens to their first AFC championship game since 2012.
(3) Kansas City Chiefs vs (2) Buffalo Bills
This is Patrick Mahomes’ first away game in the postseason it will be interesting to see how he reacts in a hostile environment. For Josh Allen and the Bills, this will be the perfect time for them to get past the Chiefs since they have beaten them in the playoffs twice in the last three years.
The Chiefs beat a banged-up Dolphins team in negative-degree weather with no problems. During the season the Chiefs offense did not look strong at all and led the league in dropped passes with 44. Rashee Rice stepped up to the plate and looked like a number one with 130 yards and a touchdown. Other than Isiah Pacheco the Chiefs needed another playmaker, and they might’ve found one at the right time. The defense looks as strong as it has ever looked since the Mahomes era. Holding one of the best offenses in the league to seven points makes it look easy. They stopped the run and only gave up one explosive play. This side of the ball will give them a good chance to win if they can create turnovers and stop the run for both Josh Allen and James Cook. Another thing the Chiefs’ offensive line is their tackle Jawaan Taylor is the most penalized in the league.
The Bills have a home game in the playoffs against the Chiefs and this is the perfect time for them to get over the hump. Since the Bills made the change at offensive coordinator the Bills offense looks better. The run game behind James Cook looks great and Allen is good at creating for others while also creating explosive runs for himself. The offense will be fine and will put up points, but the defense is where the worry is. The Bills’ health at cornerback does not look good. Taron Johnson has a concussion and Rasul Douglas and Christian Bedford are dealing with knee injuries. A thin secondary can put the Bills in a vulnerable spot where Mahomes can pick them apart. The Bills will have to eliminate the big plays and make the Chiefs sustain long drives.
This is hard to pick from. I like both teams and I think both quarterbacks will put on a show, but I can’t go against Mahomes, he has always figured out a way to win.
