Super Bowl LVI Recap

I) The Rams defeated the Bengals 23-20 in Super Bowl LVI on Sunday in Sofi Stadium. Cooper Kupp was named game MVP and the Rams defense stopped Cincy on a last second drive to preserve the win. 

II) The game was good game, but a not a great one. It was close at the end and that is all you can ask for a Super Bowl. You want the game close at the end and that is what you got. I would give the game a "B."

III) The turning point of the game for me was when Cincy took a 17-13 lead on Tee Higgins 75 yard TD pass from Joe Burrow to start the third quarter and then got an interception of Matt Stafford on the next play. They really could have put a stranglehold on the game, but they settled for a field goal and a 20-13 lead instead of potentially being up 24-13.

IV) Give Matt Stafford credit. He put together a great drive at the end of the game with his team down 20-16. He made some big throws to Cooper Kupp, and hit him for the game-wining 1 yard TD pass with 1:25 left in the game. Stafford came over to the Rams in the trade from the Lions and did what he was supposed to do. He delivered a championship for the Rams.

V) Cooper Kupp was the best receiver in the NFL this year and he topped it off with a great performance in the Super Bowl. He deserved to get the MVP award and he had two TD catches and the game winner. His best play may have been the 4th and 1 run he had on the game-winning drive to save the Rams season.

VI) Aaron Donald made his case for MVP with a dominating defensive performance. He had 2 sacks and he pressured Joe Burrow on 4th down on the last play to stop the Bengals.

VII) The Rams defense dominated the Bengals offensive line. They registered seven sacks in the game. Von Miller had two sacks and he looked as good as he was in Super Bowl 50. 

VIII) The Bengals had a dream run that fell one game short. Really, they were a few plays away from winning the Super Bowl. It is never easy to get back to a Super Bowl, but with Joe Burrow at QB, they have a rising star, and they will be a team that should be in contention in the near future.

IX) Sean McVay wins his first Super Bowl at the age of 36. He is the youngest coach to win a Super Bowl in NFL history. The Rams were ridiculed for hiring him at such a young age in 2017, but all he has done is help turn this franchise around and deliver a Super Bowl trophy.

X) The Rams have now won their second Super Bow in franchise history and their first since 1999 when they were in St. Louis. This is their first Super Bowl win in Los Angeles, and caps off a season in which they put all their chips on the table and it paid off. Congrats to the Rams-their planned worked. 

Super Bowl LVI Preview and Pick

Super Bowl LVI is set and the Rams and Bengals will battle it out for the Lombardi Trophy in Sofi Stadium in Los Angeles. This is the fifth Super Bowl appearance for the Rams, and they are in the Super Bowl for the second time in four years. The Bengals are making their third Super Bowl appearance and it is their first trip to the Super Bowl since Super Bowl XXIII following the 1988 season. It should be a fun and competitive game in a matchup that no one saw coming before the season started. Here are the storylines for Super Bowl LVI between the Rams and Bengals....

I) Cool Joe Burrow- Joe Burrow has a chance to win the Super Bowl in his second year as a pro. He won a National Championship in 2019, was the first pick in the 2020 Draft, and now is in the Super Bowl in his second year. He has an opportunity to really make the leap if he wins this game.

II) All-In Rams- The Rams tried to build a super team to reach the Super Bowl, and it is one win away from officially paying off. They traded Jared Goff for Matt Stafford. They traded for Von Miller mid-season. They signed Odell Beckham Jr after he was released by Cleveland during the season. They have traded away draft picks to acquire veterans. All that was done and here they are in the Super Bowl once again. 

III) Sean McVay's Legacy: McVay has taken the NFL by storm since becoming a head coach in 2017. He took the Rams to playoffs his first year, went to the Super Bowl his second year, and now he returns to the Super Bowl in his fifth year. That is two Super Bowl appearances in five years. If he wins this Super Bowl, it will be as impressive of a five year run for a first time head coach in a long, long time in the NFL.

IV) Cincy Hope: The Bengals making it to the Super Bowl this year is one of the most improbable turnarounds in recent NFL history. They won 2 games two years ago and had the #1 pick. They only won 4 games last year, and now they are in the Super Bowl. This franchise had not won a playoff game sine 1990 before this playoff run. Now, they are AFC Champions with a legitimate chance to win the Lombardi Trophy. This certainly gives hope to all the other franchises in the NFL that they are not as far away as they think they are from reaching the ultimate goal. 

V) The Los Angeles Market: From 1995 to 2016, Los Angeles didn't have a NFL franchise, and no one really seemed to care out there. Ultimately, the Rams maneuvered their way to LA from St. Louis, and once again Los Angles was back in the NFL. The Chargers moved from San Diego a year later. The Rams were a LA-based team from 1946-1994, so having the Rams back in LA seemed like a logical fit for the NFL. The massive Sofi Stadium was built and now LA has winning team in the Rams and modern day stadium to support its' market. The move to Los Angeles was criticized by many around the league, but with the Rams in their second Super Bowl since moving to LA, and Sofi Stadium hosting the Super Bowl, it is safe to say that the move has worked out. 

Last Week's Record: 0-1-1

Overall Playoff Record: 6-4-2

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

A Case for the Rams: They have an advantage of being at home and playing in their home stadium. I really felt that the Bucs had a huge advantage last year when they hosted the Super Bowl, and I think the Rams will benefit this year. The Rams have the advantage in the coaching department with Sean McVay, and I think he will learn from his experience in 2018 when the Rams lost to the Patriots. I like the Rams pass rush going up against the Bengals offensive line too.The Rams were built for this moment. They had to get to the Super Bowl with their collection of stars, and all those big-time players are playing well for them (Stafford, Kupp, OBJ, Donald, Ramsey, Von). They did what they set out to do and they even got the monkey off their back by beating the 49ers in the NFC Championship Game. I think they are battled-tested after winning close games over the Bucs and the 49ers. This just feels like this is their moment. 

A Case for the Bengals: Every time it seems like you count out the Bengals this year, they come back and prove you wrong. At 7-6, they looked like they were trouble with their schedule down the stretch, but they won three out of their last four games to win the AFC North. People were picking against them against the Raiders and the Titans in the playoffs, and they won those games. No one picked them to beat the Chiefs in Arrowhead in the AFC Championship, and they were down 21-3 in the first half, yet they stormed all the way back and won in overtime. It just seems they have defied the odds at every point this season. I think the youth of the Bengals could be a positive factor as well. They can play fast and loose as the underdog in this game. Joe Burrow has also made the leap this year as one of the next great young QBs in the NFL, and it might be his time already. There are a lot of positive vibes with this team, and it won't shock anyone to see them win this game. 

Prediction: Los Angeles Rams (-4) over Cincinnati Bengals: This should be a close game and highly competitive throughout, but I think the Rams do just enough to hold onto the victory and win their first Super Bowl since Super Bowl XXXIV in 1999. 

Final Score: Rams-27 Bengals-21

Championship Sunday Reaction

 AFC Championship Game

Cincinnati-27 Kansas City-24 (Overtime)

1- This might go down as the biggest collapse/choke job in the history of the AFC Championship. The Chiefs were up 21-3 in the first half on the Bengals. They could not be stopped. After taking a 21-10 lead at halftime, the Chiefs only scored three points the rest of the way. The Bengals came all the way back and won the game in overtime 27-24. This was an absolute shocker based on the way it went down.

2-The decision by the Chiefs to go for it from the Cincy one yard line with only 2 seconds left in half was questionable. The play call was even worse. Pat Mahomes hit Tyreek Hill in the flat but he was tackled short of the endzone and time ran out. Instead of taking the easy field goal and being up 24-10 at the half, the Chiefs got too greedy and cute, and it back fired on them.

3-The Bengals did an amazing job in the second half. Joe Burrow made some huge plays in avoiding sacks and keep plays alive and extending drives. He also made some clutch throws and bring the Bengals all the way back. Give the Bengals defense credit too. They shutdown Mahomes and that offense in the second half and gave them nothing. They got two key interceptions as well. Just a fantastic job by that defense.

4-The game also shifted when the Bengals picked off Mahomes down 21-13 in the 3rd quarter. They scored a touchdown on the ensuing drive, got the two-point conversion and tied the game at 21. The second interception was on the first drive of overtime when Mahomes got picked off on the third play on a terrible throw to Hill, who was doubled covered. The Bengals took advantage and drove into field goal range to win the game 27-24. 

5-The Chiefs have been to four straight AFC Championship Games and two Super Bowls in the last four years. The window is not shut on Mahomes. Andy Reid is still a top coach and this team will be back, but this feels like a real opportunity lost. Up 21-3 and at home over the underdog Cincinnati Bengals, and they lost the game. Mahomes was really bad in the second half, and it wasn't Andy Reid's finest hour as well. Trust me, I enjoyed every second of it, and this was just a terrible loss by the Chiefs, and it will haunt them all offseason.

6-The Bengals continue their improbable run to the Super Bowl. To go into Arrowhead and knock off the Chiefs after being down 21-3 is truly amazing. Joe Burrow has cemented his spot as one of the next "Franchise" QBs in the league, and this team was 2-14 two years ago, and 4-11-1 last year, and now they are in the Super Bowl. Give head coach Zac Taylor credit as well. He has done a great job turning this team around. It seems pretty improbable that the Bengals are going to the Super Bowl for the first time since 1988, but here they are. 

NFC Championship Game

Los Angeles-20 San Francisco-17

1) This game played out very similar to how I felt it would play out. It was a close game throughout, but the Niners have to be thinking about the fact that they held a 17-7 lead going into the 4th quarter. They had to feel that they were going to win the game, but they couldn't close it out.

2) The Rams battled back and scored 13 points in the 4th quarter to come back and win the game. Once again, their stars played great. Matt Stafford, Aaron Donald, Cooper Kupp, Odell Beckham Jr, and Von Miller all played well and helped the Rams win the game. The Rams looked liked they were going to lose to the 49ers for the seventh straight time, but they came through and won the NFC Championship.

3) Kyle Shanahan will be thinking about his decision to punt when the 49ers had a 4th and 2 from the Rams 45 yard line with 10:05 left in the game. SF was up 17-14 at that point, and touchdown on that drive probably puts the game away. Even if they settle for a field goal, they can take up some more time. Shanahan tried to draw the Rams offsides, but they didn't bite and he punted it away. LA came down and tied the game at 17 on the next drive.

4) Sean McVay did not have one of his best games as a head coach in this spot. He had two horrible challenges which left him with none at the end of the game, and he burned all of his timeouts. They are lucky they won the game, and his clock and game management was really off the charts bad in this one. 

5) The 49ers are going to be kicking themselves after Jarski Tartt dropped an easy interception at midfield with SF up 17-14 in the fourth quarter. The Rams tied it up on a field goal on that drive. That was a killer for SF.

6) The Rams defense turned it up and shut down the Niners on their last two drives to secure the win. All those investments on that side of ball paid off in the end.

7) The Niners were very close to advancing to another Super Bowl, but they fell just short. There will be some sleepless nights for them in the offseason as well. It looks like Jimmy G will end up getting traded in the offseason and the run with this group might be over.

8) The Rams loaded up on stars and big-name players and it paid off. They traded away first round picks and it worked. They are heading back to the Super Bowl and get to play the game in their home stadium as a bonus. 

Championship Sunday Picks

It is time for Championship Sunday in the NFL. The final four teams are set, and at this point in the playoffs, I always like to look at the possibilities that would create the best Super Bowl matchup. Here's how I rank the possible Super Bowl games in order:

1) Chiefs vs Rams: This game has plenty of star power on both sides. Plus, the last time these two teams played it was that classic shootout on Monday Night Football a few years ago.

2) Chiefs vs 49ers: This game would be a rematch of the Super Bowl from two years ago. That was a really good game, and this rematch would not disappoint.

3) Rams vs Bengals: This game would feature Zac Taylor going against his old mentor, Sean McVay. Plus, you would get the upstart Bengals going into LA to take on the star-studded Rams

4) 49ers vs Bengals: This would be a rematch of Super Bowls XVI and XXIII. Both of those were won by the 49ers.  

Now, onto the picks for Championship Sunday.....

Last Week's Record: 2-2-0

Overall Playoff Record: 6-3-1

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

AFC Championship Game

(4) Cincinnati at (2) Kansas City

A Case for the Bengals: They are the true underdog of the four teams left. No one thought they would be here, and they can use that as motivation. Even after beating the Chiefs in Week 17, no one believes they will win this game in Arrowhead. They can play fast and loose. They can let it all hang out. They won two close games to get here, and they might not get nervous if it is a close game late. Maybe Joe Burrow really takes the leap here with a dominating performance. 

A Case for the Chiefs: The fact that they outlasted the Bills and won that game in the Divisional Round tells me that KC is going to win this game and get to another Super Bowl. I can't see them losing this game-especially with the way they beat the Bills last week. It looked like they were going to lose with only 13 seconds left, but they tied it and won it in overtime. It felt like the winner of that game was going to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. They will take the Bengals seriously because they already lost to them in the regular season, and I think Pat Mahomes and that offense will dominate from start to finish. Plus, they get to host this game because the Titans were upset last week, and this will be the third straight home game for the Chiefs. 

Prediction: KANSAS CITY (-7) over Cincinnati: The Bengals were a fun story, but the Chiefs win and advance to their third straight Super Bowl. 

Final Score: Chiefs-34 Bengals-24

NFC Championship Game

(6) San Francisco at (3) Los Angeles Rams

A Case for the 49ers: They have won two really tough playoff games the last two weeks in Dallas and in Green Bay. They are battle tested and have confidence that they can win any game in any stadium. The Niners fans travel well and expect a big contingent to make their way to Sofi Stadium for this game.  They have the look of a 2007 Giants or the 2010 Packers. Teams that got hot at the right time, won playoff games on the road, and advanced to the Super Bowl. Kyle Shanahan owns Sean McVay right now, and the 49ers have defeated the Rams six games in a row-including a wild Week 18 win. Once again, there is just something about this Niners team that has a really good vibe to it.

A Case for the Rams: After losing to the 49ers so many times the last few years, you have to think that the Rams and Sean McVay are due to break through and knock them off. Can SF really beat the Rams three times this year? You have to love how the stars are playing for the Rams in these playoffs. Matt Stafford, Von Miller, and Odell Beckham Jr., have all done their part to help the Rams advance. It just feels like they are due to put this all together and beat the Niners at home to win the NFC Championship.

Prediction: LOS ANGELES (-3) over San Francisco: In a very hard fought game, the Rams do just enough to get past the 49ers and advance to their second Super Bowl in four years. 

Final Score: Rams-26 Niners 21

Broncos Name Nathaniel Hackett as Head Coach

 On Thursday, the Broncos named Nathaniel Hackett as their new head coach. Hackett comes over from Green Bay where he spent the last two years as the offensive coordinator for the Packers. Hackett was considered one of the front-runners for the position since the Broncos started exploring new coaches to replace Vic Fangio. Here are my quick hit thoughts on the hire:

-I give any new coach a chance in Denver, so I am going to be optimistic about Hackett. There is a lot to like about his coaching ability and personality, and I'm willing to support him and hope he does very well in Denver.

-I thought Dan Quinn was going to get the job. He was considered the front-runner for the job, and I am surprised he didn't get it. I was fine with Quinn getting it, but I am also fine with Hackett getting the job.

-I am very curious to see who Hackett adds to his staff. That will be very important. As a first time head coach, I do hope that he adds some experienced coaches to help him navigate his first run as the head man.

-The biggest thing that is going to make Nathaniel Hackett successful in Denver is who he finds to be his next quarterback. If they find the "guy" at QB, then they will win games and Hackett will be a great hire. If they continue to struggle to find that QB, then Hackett will be gone in a few years. It is that simple.

-Now that Hackett is the new Broncos coach, expect the Aaron Rodgers to Denver rumors to be loud all offseason. This will be the big storyline for the Broncos and the entire NFL.

Divisional Playoff Reaction

 AFC Divisional Playoff Game

Cincinnati-19 Tennessee-16

1) Ryan Tannehill threw an interception on the first play of the game, and it was a foreshadowing of things to come. He ended up throwing three interceptions on the day and the last one was the killer and gave Cincy a chance to win at the end.

2) The Titans sacked Joe Burrow nine times and still lost the game. That is going to sting the Titans all offseason.

3) Why did Mike Vrabel go for two after a Cincy penalty with the score 6-6 in the second quarter? Just kick the extra point and go up 7-6. Of course, the Titans didn't get it and it was 6-6 tie.

4) The Bengals were up 16-9 in the third quarter, and Tennessee picked off Joe Burrow for an apparent interception. It looked like the ball hit the ground and it was incomplete, but somehow the call stood and the Titans tied it up on a Tannehill TD pass to make it 16-16. At that point, I thought the Titans were winning this game.

5) After getting stopped on a 4th and 1 midway through the 4th quarter, but then getting a sack on Burrow, the Titans had the ball late in the game, but Tannehill threw a ball into coverage and it was tipped and intercepted. Burrow hit Jamar Chase on a corner route and rookie kicker Evan McPherson nailed the game-winning field goal as time expired.

6) The Titans have to be really disappointed in the way they lost. Ryan Tannehill and Mike Vrabel did not have their best day, and it cost the Titans. It will be a tough offseason for Tennessee.

7) The Bengals miraculous run continues as they advance to the AFC Championship Game for the first time since 1988. They were fortunate to win, but they got it done, and it is remarkable what they have done this season. 

NFC Divisional Playoff Game

San Francisco-13 Green Bay-10

1) The Packers special teams really killed them in this game. A blocked field goal at the end of the half kept the score 7-0. Then, Green Bay is up 10-3 in the 4th quarter, and a blocked punt touchdown by the Niners tied it at 10 and turned the whole game. You could feel the air come out of the crowd at Lambeau Field after that play.

2) The Packers went down the field on the first drive and scored to make it 7-0 but they didn't score another touchdown the rest of the game and only produced 10 points. That has to be in the conversation when you talk about this game.

3) Aaron Rodgers deserves the MVP award, but he wasn't good enough again in the postseason for the Packers. That's the bottom line. He didn't do enough to get it done-even at home.

4) The Packers were up 7-3 in the 4th quarter, and they were inside the 10 of SF. A touchdown there to make it 14-3 would have sealed the game in my opinion. But, the Niners defense came up big and forced the field goal and it gave them a chance to tie the game-which they did. The Niners defense deserves a lot of credit for how they stopped the Packers offense all night. 

5) Give Jimmy Garrapolo credit. He made a couple of big throws down the stretch to George Kittle and Deebo Samuel had some big runs to keep the chains moving and set up the game-winning field goal. Great job by HC Kyle Shanahan, and this was a classic win for the Niners. They head back to the NFC Title Game for the second time in three years.

6) Who knows if this was Aaron Rodgers' last game in Green Bay. It feels like they are headed for a divorce. Rodgers is amazing, but this is just another bitter playoff loss he has suffered the last few years with the Packers. 

NFC Divisional Playoff Game

Los Angeles Rams-30 Tampa Bay-27

1) This game was all Rams in the beginning. They built a 20-3 halftime lead and they were up 27-3 in the third quarter and completely dominating. They literally almost gave the game away. A fumble, a bad snap to Matt Stafford led to a fumble, a missed field goal, and another Akers fumble in the 4th quarter gave the Bucs life and a chance at an all-time comeback. 

2) Give Stafford a lot of credit. With the game tied at 27, he hits Cooper Kupp on the long bomb down the middle to set up the game-winning field goal with no time left. What a big-time play for a guy who is getting his playoff moment.

3) Tom Brady and the Bucs looked like they were sleepwalking through the first three quarters, but then they turned it on in the 4th quarter and almost pulled it out. Brady's throw to Mike Evans to make it 27-20 late in the 4th quarter was great, and the fact that they tied at 27 was remarkable. They just couldn't finish off the comeback.

4) The Rams advanced and were the better team for most of the game on Sunday. Now, they get to host the NFC Championship Game against the 49ers. This is why they traded for Stafford and Von Miller and signed OBJ. So far it has paid off, but they have to win this week at home to really validate.

5) Brady was non-committal about coming back for next year, and he will take time to figure out what he wants to do. I can see it going either way with him. In any event, his run with the Bucs has been a success, and his team somehow found a way to get back into that game yesterday. It was a crazy game and you can't fault Brady if he wants to retire-even after that loss to the Rams. 

AFC Divisional Playoff Game

Kansas City-42 Buffalo-36 (OT)

1) This was the most anticipated game of the weekend and it lived up to the hype. 25 points were scored in the last two minutes of the game. It was just an incredible display. It was like a boxing match with two fighters going toe to toe.

2) Pat Mahomes and Josh Allen showed that they are the two best young QBs in the league. Allen was amazing in defeat. He threw for four touchdowns, made countless plays with his feet, and converted multiple 4th downs. He brought his team back twice to take the lead late, only to lose it to Mahomes.

3) Mahomes continues to show why he is the face of the league and next superstar QB. He rallied his team twice at the end of the game and somehow got KC in field goal range to tie it at 36 on the last play of the game. Of course, he wins the coin toss and hits Travis Kelce with a touchdown pass to win it in overtime. Just amazing. Mahomes is heading to his fourth straight AFC Championship Game in four years as a starter, and he is now 8-2 in the playoffs. Just incredible. It is the era of Mahomes.

4) The Bills have to be sick to their stomachs all offseason. After Allen threw the TD pass to Gabriel Davis and take a 36-33 lead with only 13 seconds left, they allowed KC to hit two big throws and tie up the game. How they let Kelce just run straight down the field untouched is just unbelievable to me.

5) This was a classic between two great QBs who will probably rule the AFC for the next 10 years. It looks like Mahomes-Allen will become the new Brady-Manning in terms of rivalry and big games.

6) This is tough pill to swallow for the Bills. They were good enough to win a Super Bowl with this team. They had the game won in Arrowhead over the Chiefs and yet somehow they lost. I have a feeling they will be back very soon with this group, but this is such a bitter defeat. They will be thinking about this game all offseason.

7) The Chiefs pulled out a miraculous win and now they head to their fourth straight AFC Championship Game at home next week against the Bengals. It is hard to see them losing that game and look for them to get to their third straight Super Bowl. 

Divisional Playoff Picks

Last Week's Record: 4-1-1

Overall Playoff Record: 4-1-1

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

AFC Divisional Playoff Game

(4) Cincinnati at (1) Tennessee

A Case for the Bengals: The Bengals have nothing to lose. They are playing with house money. They got their first playoff win since 1990 with their win over the Raiders last weekend. They can be loose all game and all the pressure is on the #1 seeded Titans in this game. I like the vibe of this Bengals team coming out of last week. Plus, these teams didn't play each other during the regular season, and I think that gives the Bengals an advantage. Also, maybe Joe Burrow really makes the LEAP in this game and puts him on the level on the other young franchise QBs in the NFL. 

A Case for the Titans: The Titans are battle tested the last few years in the playoffs and have consistently been one of the better teams in the AFC. They made the AFC Championship Game two years ago, lost a tough playoff game last year at home, and this year grabbed the #1 seed. I give the coaching edge to Mike Vrabel over Zac Taylor. It sounds like Derrick Henry is going to give it a go here since being out most of the year with a foot injury, so that would be a huge factor in this game for the Titans. Obviously, being at home with their fans will give them an edge and having the bye last week will be big for them. Also, will this moment be too much for a young Bengals team? It won't be for the Titans. 

Prediction: TENNESSEE (-3) over Cincinnati: This will be a close game for awhile. I think it goes back and forth, but ultimately the Titans will find a way to win the game and advance to the AFC Championship Game for the second time in three years.

Final Score: Titans-27 Bengals-20

NFC Divisional Playoff Game

(6) San Francisco at (3) Green Bay

A Case for the 49ers: They have something brewing right now. They were down 17-0 to the Rams in Week 18 with their playoff hopes at stake, and they came back and won the game. They went into Dallas and dominated the Cowboys for most of the game and pulled it out in the end, and now they head to Green Bay. I think they are battle tested because they were basically playing playoff games every week for like the last month of the season. They know they can win on the road. I like Kyle Shanahan in the coaching matchup over Matt LaFleur. I don't think they are going to go into Lambeau Field on a chilly Saturday night and feel intimidated. I think the 49ers truly believe they can hang with the Packers and win this game.

A Case for the Packers: They have benefit of getting the bye last week, so they are rested and ready to go. Aaron Rodgers is the MVP of the league this year, and he is playing at a high level. The lost in the NFC Championship Game the last two seasons, and Rodgers has been so close the last few years that it seems like he is destined to get through to another Super Bowl. It will be interesting to see how the cold weather affects the Niners-especially with Jimmy G having a thumb injury on his throwing hand. Also, the Packers are getting healthier for this game on their defense, so the reinforcements are there. The Niners might be without Nick Bosa and Fred Warner due to injuries they suffered in the Dallas game last week, and they have a shorter week because they played Sunday afternoon in Dallas and head to Green Bay and play on Saturday. This will be San Fran's third straight road game including the Week 18 finale at the Rams, so that could play a factor.

Prediction: GREEN BAY (-6) over San Francisco: This game will be close throughout and I think San Francisco will keep it close and within a one possession game into the fourth quarter, but I think Rodgers puts the Packers on his back like he has all year and puts them into their third straight NFC Championship Game. 

Final Score: Packers-26 Niners-19

NFC Divisional Playoff Game

(3) Los Angeles Rams at (2) Tampa Bay

A Case for the Rams: The Rams are coming off a huge win at home over the Cardinals in the Wild Card round, and their star acquisitions all played well. Matt Stafford, Von Miller, and Odell Beckham Jr. all played well last week. You can see a scenario where Miller and Aaron Donald just make life miserable for Tom Brady. The Bucs got a little banged up on the offensive line last week in the win over Philly, so that could be a huge factor. Stafford got his first playoff win out of the way, and I think that could give him some huge confidence heading into this game. The Rams buried the Bucs earlier in the season, so they have that to use as motivation. Sean McVay will have them ready to go and with all the stars that they have on their team, they are about as dangerous as anyone to knock off Brady and the Bucs. 

A Case for the Buccaneers: The bottom line is that you really can never bet against Tom Brady in a big playoff game. Somehow, he will find a way to get it done. I think Tampa Bay will use the motivation of losing to the Rams earlier in the year and keep that fresh in their minds when they make adjustments for this rematch. The Bucs have had one goal this year and that was to get back to the Super Bowl and win it again, and I think that mindset will give them an edge on Sunday. They can match all the star players for the Rams with their own, and they looked dominant last week in their blowout win over the Eagles. It is hard to bet against this group-which has won all five playoff games since Brady arrived in Tampa. Throw in the fact that they are home, and you have to like their chances. 

Prediction: Los Angeles Rams (+3) over TAMPA BAY: This is a hard game to predict, but I think at least one road team will win this weekend, and I think that will be the Rams. I expect a really close game, but look for the Rams to get back to the NFC Championship Game for the first time since 2018.

Final Score: Rams-28 Buccaneers-25

AFC Divisional Playoff Game

(3) Buffalo at (2) Kansas City

A Case for the Bills: They have one of the three best QBs in the NFL with Josh Allen, and he is playing at such a high level that he can single-handedly win any game in any environment. He is that good. They could be down late in the game, and he could just take the game over. They already beat the Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium back in October, so they know they can win there. They seem to be a team that is built to stop this KC offense. I don't think they will be intimidated, and this team just looks and feels different after they had that loss to the Bucs in Tampa. They haven't lost since, and I think that this could be their time in the AFC, and this could be one of those passing of the torch games.

A Case for the Chiefs: At one point they were 3-4 and people were worried if they were going to make the playoffs. They finished 12-5 and absolutely destroyed the Steelers last week at home in the Wild Card round. We know how dominant their offense can be when they get going-especially at home. As good as Josh Allen is, Pat Mahomes is better. They can use the loss at home to Buffalo in October as motivation. As long as they don't turn the ball over and try to get too cute on offense, no one is beating them-especially in Arrowhead. Can they really lose twice to Buffalo at home in the same year? That seems unlikely. 

Prediction: KANSAS CITY (-2) over Buffalo: The Bills will give the Chiefs everything they can and this will be a very competitive game. I think this is definitely the best game of the weekend, and the one that is "Can't miss," but I just don't see the Chiefs losing here at home. KC advances to their fourth straight AFC Championship Game with Mahomes out-dueling Allen. 

Final Score: Chiefs-31 Bills-24