An exhilarating first round of the playoffs has come to a close, and now only eight teams remain. Punishing defenses, young superstar quarterbacks, and plenty of action are coming your way this weekend. Below are breakdowns for each game, along with odds, score predictions, and analysis.
Bills at Broncos
Saturday, Jan. 17 | 4:30 p.m. | Line: Broncos -1
Who else but Josh Allen to lead a perfect game-winning drive and end the Jaguars’ magical season. The reality of an AFC without Buffalo’s usual demons is starting to set in. Elite defenses remain across the conference, but if anyone can put a team on his back, it’s Allen. Jacksonville’s run defense played very well and shut down the Bills’ rushing attack. Now Buffalo faces an even stronger Denver defense, one that will make life yet more difficult. Keeping the game close will allow Allen to play hero and work his fourth-quarter magic.
Bo Nix and the Broncos get a chance at revenge against the Bills, who knocked them out of the Wild Card round last season. Denver’s defense features a relentless pass rush, and pressure on Allen will be a major factor. That said, Allen is at his best when escaping the pocket. The Broncos must focus on containing him and preventing extended plays. Denver also needs to play mistake-free football. Their defense is their clearest path to a deep playoff run, and putting that unit in favorable situations must be the top priority.
Prediction: Bills 23, Broncos 20
49ers at Seahawks
Saturday, Jan. 17 | 8:00 p.m. | Line: Seahawks -7.5
Kyle Shanahan’s scrappy 49ers took down the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles on the road, 23–19. Unsung heroes Demarcus Robinson and Jauan Jennings stepped up in a big way, especially after George Kittle suffered an Achilles injury that will sideline him for the rest of the postseason. The pass defense held strong, and San Francisco limited Jalen Hurts to just 168 yards through the air. However, the rushing offense was suspect throughout, and Brock Purdy threw two interceptions. This was an impressive win for the 49ers, but with so much of the roster decimated by injuries, it’s fair to wonder whether they have enough left to finish the season.
The Seahawks will face the 49ers for the third time this season and the second time in a row. Just two weeks ago, Seattle won on the road with the No. 1 seed on the line, holding San Francisco to just three points. Even in victory, it was a sloppy performance offensively. Seattle went 0-for-3 in the red zone and missed two field goals. Klint Kubiak needs to make Sam Darnold’s life easier by simplifying the game plan. Establishing the run and using quick throws will allow Seattle to control the game and lean on its stout defense.
Prediction: Seahawks 27, 49ers 17
Texans at Patriots
Sunday, Jan. 18 | 3:00 p.m. | Line: Patriots -3
Not enough can be said about Matt Burke and the Texans’ defense after their dominant performance against the Steelers. They shut down every aspect of Pittsburgh’s offense, which managed just 175 total yards. The pass rush made life miserable for Aaron Rodgers, and two late defensive touchdowns turned a competitive game into a blowout. Houston embarrassed the Steelers in Pittsburgh. Still, this was not the case for much of the game, as C.J. Stroud struggled mightily through three quarters. He had difficulty handling pressure, and his pocket presence was shaky. Stroud’s three turnovers cannot be repeated, or Houston will not survive again.
The Patriots also advanced thanks to an outstanding defensive effort, holding the Chargers to just a field goal while completely bottling up Justin Herbert. The trenches were a mixed bag for New England. Defensively, they pressured Herbert relentlessly, recording six sacks. Offensively, the line struggled to protect Drake Maye, who was sacked five times. That unit must be better against an even tougher Texans defense.
Prediction: Texans 24, Patriots 19
Rams at Bears
Saturday, Jan. 10 | 6:30 p.m. | Line: Rams -3.5
Among quarterbacks in NFL history, Matthew Stafford sits high on the list of players you want leading a game-winning drive. He has done it too many times to count, cementing his reputation as one of the best in those moments. Los Angeles’ playoff experience matters against a quarterback and head coach making just their second postseason appearance. However, the weather looms as a potential issue. Sean McVay and Stafford have historically struggled in cold conditions, and Chicago is expected to be frigid.
The cardiac Bears shocked the NFL again, erasing a three-score halftime deficit to eliminate their longtime rivals, the Packers. The win was especially sweet for Chicago fans, as Green Bay has dominated the rivalry for over a decade. This marked just the Bears’ sixth win over the Packers in 32 games since 2010. Caleb Williams delivered an impossible fourth-and-eight throw that saved the season and instantly became one of the greatest plays in franchise history. This Bears team is relentless and refuses to quit, a trait that can carry them deep into the postseason.
Prediction: Bears 34, Rams 33
If this was your kind of read, you’ll like what’s next. Get The Sandman Ticket, our free, weekly newsletter with picks, insights, and a little bit of everything we love about sports.
