And Then There Were Four
The Divisional round of the NFL playoffs that took place this past weekend provided one of the best rounds of football in playoff history. Four instant classic games took place as the Bengals, Chiefs, Rams and 49ers advanced to Championship weekend. The Bengals advanced to the AFC championship for the first time since 1988 with a 19-16 win over the 1 seeded Titans. The two championship games shape up to be two more great games.
The Bengals will have to do what the entire league has struggled to do since Patrick Mahomes has been the Quarterback of the Chiefs. Win at Arrowhead. Arrowhead is rightfully known to be one of the toughest places to play in the league. If the Bengals want to have a chance in this one, it starts with protecting Joe Burrow better. Burrow was sacked nine times by the Titans in the Divisional Round, but the Bengals were able to overcome it.
A huge test awaits for the Bengals on the defensive side of the ball. The late game heroics of star players like Hill, Kelce, and Mahomes last week was yet another reminder of what they can do in the clutch. The Chiefs got into field goal range in less than 13 seconds and kicked a game tying field goal to send the game to overtime in their win against the Bills. The Bengals defense was stout last week, but the level of difficulty will dramatically increase this week. I think the Bemgals will compete in this game, but I think they are a year or two away from winning a road playoff game at a pace like Arrowhead. I like the Chiefs to win 34-24.
The NFC title game will be an interesting matchup between two teams who went on the road to pull off upsets in the Divisional Round. The Rams beat Tom Brady and the Bucs 30-27, and the 49ers knocked out Aaron Rodgers top seeded Packers 13-10. This will be the third meeting of the season between the two teams, the 49ers winners of both the previous two meetings. I think it’s going to be hard for Jimmy Garopollo (who is playing through a thumb injury) to keep up with Matt Stafford, Cooper Kupp and company. For the 49ers to have any chance, their front seven needs to make Stafford uncomfortable. They’re certainly capable. I like the Rams 31-20.
