The field is set for the NFL playoffs and it seems as though we should be in for a great couple of weeks. Before I get into any gambling angles for this weekend (that post will be out at the end of the week) I wanted to first give my predictions on how I see the playoff bracket shaking out. There’s still some unknowns when it comes to certain players as of right now so that’s why I’m going to hold off on the gambling side of things for now. Let’s get started.
Final Standings
AFC
- Chiefs 14-3
- Bills 13-3
- Bengals 12-4
- Jaguars 9-8
- Chargers 10-7
- Ravens 10-7
- Dolphins 9-8
NFC
- Eagles 14-3
- 49ers 13-4
- Vikings 13-4
- Buccaneers 8-9
- Cowboys 12-5
- Giants 9-7-1
- Seahawks 9-8
Super Wild Card Weekend
2. 49ers over 7. Seahawks
Just like they did during the regular season against Seattle the Niners roll to kick off the playoffs.
5. Chargers over 4. Jaguars
I hate doing this to the Jags, but this is a completely different Chargers team than the one they beat in Week 3. Jacksonville has been fighting for their lives for five weeks now. It seems about time they run out of gas.
2. Bills over 7. Dolphins
Just like the Niners the Bills roll here. If Tua plays he’ll keep Miami in the game. If not prepare for a blowout.
6. Giants over 3. Vikings
You had to know this was coming. I’m still calling fraud alert on the Vikings. The Giants had them on the ropes Christmas Eve. This time they finish the job.
3. Bengals over 6. Ravens
The Ravens have been sliding as of late. I don’t even think Lamar Jackson can save them now. Bengals win a hard fought game.
4. Buccaneers over 5. Cowboys
I wasn’t going to do it, but after watching Dallas’ starters scuffle against the Commanders I think Tom’s got one more playoff win in him for the Bucs.
Divisional Round
1. Chiefs over 5. Chargers
It’s hard to beat a team three times, but I think Kansas City gets it done. The Chargers will battle to the end, but Mahomes walks out victorious once again.
2. Bills over 3. Bengals
I had the Bills winning in their canceled Monday Night game so I’m going to stick with that. This could be one of the best games of the entire playoffs. If it happens buckle-up.
1. Eagles over 6. Giants
Just what the doctor ordered for the banged up Eagles. They should cruise to a win here while they look to get healthy for the NFC Championship game.
2. 49ers over 4. Buccaneers
The 49ers handed the Bucs one of their worst losses of the season at Levi’s Stadium earlier this year. There’s nothing that makes me think that can’t happen again.
Championship Round
2. Bills over 1. Chiefs (Neutral Field)
Looks like we do get the neutral field game after all (or at least that’s what I see happening). I think the Bills show everyone why they should’ve been the 1 seed this whole time.
2. 49ers over 1. Eagles
The Eagles are limping (literally) into the playoffs and I think that finally comes back to bite them here. Sure they got a nice cushy matchup with Giants in the divisional round, but the Niners are a different animal.
Super Bowl
2. 49ers over 2. Bills
If there’s one thing the media loves it’s a good narrative. The Bills have been through hell in the last week and are the obvious storybook team of destiny this year. They were also probably the team picked the most to win the Super Bowl before the season started. Well let me tell you something about stories. They’re made up. Unfortunately not everything in life has a happy ending. If it did they’d be hoisting the Lombardi trophy on February 12th, but that won’t be the case. The Bills ended the season for my Patriots in Week 18 and theirs will come to an end at the hands of the 49ers. They always say defense wins championships and if the 2000 Ravens could win Trent Dilfer a Super Bowl this 49ers defense can win Brock Purdy a Super Bowl. In about four weeks we’ll know for sure and when that day comes the name of the second month on the calendar will be changed from February to Brocktober.
Jake's Takes 