• NEWS
    Indiana Fever Makes Exciting Kelsey Mitchell Post on Tuesday

    Indiana Fever Makes Exciting Kelsey Mitchell Post on Tuesday

    Dortmund vs. Monterrey: Preview, odds, how to watch, time

    Dortmund vs. Monterrey: Preview, odds, how to watch, time

    Access Denied

    Access Denied

    AP Notifies Rules For New Land Pooling For Capital Amaravati

    AP Notifies Rules For New Land Pooling For Capital Amaravati

    Check Price, Full Specifications, Design, Features, And More Offers – All You Need to Know

    Check Price, Full Specifications, Design, Features, And More Offers – All You Need to Know

    Fever rule Caitlin Clark (groin) out for Commissioner’s Cup final

    Fever rule Caitlin Clark (groin) out for Commissioner’s Cup final

    Access Denied

    Access Denied

    Andhra Pradesh HC Asks Police Not to Act Against Jagan in Singaiah Case

    Andhra Pradesh HC Asks Police Not to Act Against Jagan in Singaiah Case

    Can eating cheese lead to nightmares? Here’s what we know |

    Can eating cheese lead to nightmares? Here’s what we know |

  • CAR & BIKES
    Renault to report .2 billion loss on Nissan stake in first half, ET Auto

    Renault to report $11.2 billion loss on Nissan stake in first half, ET Auto

    Kia Carens Clavis EV, MG M9, BMW 2 Series launching this July

    Kia Carens Clavis EV, MG M9, BMW 2 Series launching this July

    Skoda India clocks highest-ever H1 volumes with 36,194 units, Auto News, ET Auto

    Skoda India clocks highest-ever H1 volumes with 36,194 units, Auto News, ET Auto

    TVS iQube 3.1 launched at Rs 1.10 lakh

    TVS iQube 3.1 launched at Rs 1.10 lakh

    Maruti Suzuki sales dip 6.3% to 167,993 units in June 2025, ET Auto

    Maruti Suzuki sales dip 6.3% to 167,993 units in June 2025, ET Auto

    Kush Maini Mahindra Formula E Berlin rookie test

    Kush Maini Mahindra Formula E Berlin rookie test

    Kia India Reports 12.7% Growth in H1 2025 Sales with Carens Clavis Success, ET Auto

    Kia India Reports 12.7% Growth in H1 2025 Sales with Carens Clavis Success, ET Auto

    Delhi bans fuel sale to 15 year old petrol, 10 year old diesel vehicles

    Delhi bans fuel sale to 15 year old petrol, 10 year old diesel vehicles

    Hyundai Motor India sales dip 6% to 60,924 units in June 2025, ET Auto

    Hyundai Motor India sales dip 6% to 60,924 units in June 2025, ET Auto

  • GADGETS
    ‘The Old Guard 2’ Is a Tender Sophomore Stretched Thin by Sequel Syndrome

    ‘The Old Guard 2’ Is a Tender Sophomore Stretched Thin by Sequel Syndrome

    Ancient DNA Unlocks the Secret Recipe of Roman Fish Sauce

    Ancient DNA Unlocks the Secret Recipe of Roman Fish Sauce

    Nothing’s Phone 3 Really Goes Full-On Anti-iPhone, Huh?

    Nothing’s Phone 3 Really Goes Full-On Anti-iPhone, Huh?

    The Films and Shows You Should Be Streaming in July 2025

    The Films and Shows You Should Be Streaming in July 2025

    ‘American Empire? What American Empire?’ You Can Ask With This Reagan-Adjacent Stormtrooper Helmet

    ‘American Empire? What American Empire?’ You Can Ask With This Reagan-Adjacent Stormtrooper Helmet

    Not AirPods Max In the Best Way Possible

    Not AirPods Max In the Best Way Possible

    Could Nubia Be Joining James Gunn’s DCU?

    Could Nubia Be Joining James Gunn’s DCU?

    This Year the Squirtle Squad Is the Coolest SDCC Merch Around

    This Year the Squirtle Squad Is the Coolest SDCC Merch Around

    ‘Donkey Kong Bananza’ Is the Switch 2 Launch Game You’ve Been Waiting For

    ‘Donkey Kong Bananza’ Is the Switch 2 Launch Game You’ve Been Waiting For

  • BOLLYWOOD
    Suniel Shetty Reacts to Paresh Rawal’s Return to ‘Hera Pheri 3’: ‘Fine-tuning ho chuki hai…’ | Hindi movie news

    Suniel Shetty Reacts to Paresh Rawal’s Return to ‘Hera Pheri 3’: ‘Fine-tuning ho chuki hai…’ | Hindi movie news

    Konkona Sensharma recalls doing random films with ‘Life In a Metro’ co-star Irrfan Khan: ‘We had not taken things seriously at that time’ | Hindi Movie News

    Konkona Sensharma recalls doing random films with ‘Life In a Metro’ co-star Irrfan Khan: ‘We had not taken things seriously at that time’ | Hindi Movie News

    Vikrant Massey opens up about renting luxury designer outfits to attend Bollywood parties and events initially: ‘My wife said, it’s our expense for an entire month’ | Hindi Movie News

    Vikrant Massey opens up about renting luxury designer outfits to attend Bollywood parties and events initially: ‘My wife said, it’s our expense for an entire month’ | Hindi Movie News

    ‘Sikandar’ star Salman Khan gives fans a rare piece of advice while sharing his intense workout pictures; netizens say , ‘world’s biggest comeback is loading’ | Hindi Movie News

    ‘Sikandar’ star Salman Khan gives fans a rare piece of advice while sharing his intense workout pictures; netizens say , ‘world’s biggest comeback is loading’ | Hindi Movie News

    Did you know Salman Khan once told Dia Mirza ‘one day you will play my mother’ for THIS reason? |

    Did you know Salman Khan once told Dia Mirza ‘one day you will play my mother’ for THIS reason? |

    Tharun Moorthy’s ‘Thudarum’ Reignites Mohanlal – Shobana Magic; A Look Back At Mollywood’s Timeless On-Screen Pairings | Malayalam Movie News

    Tharun Moorthy’s ‘Thudarum’ Reignites Mohanlal – Shobana Magic; A Look Back At Mollywood’s Timeless On-Screen Pairings | Malayalam Movie News

    Paresh Rawal REACTS to being back on Hera Pheri 3; shares he has returned Rs 11 lakh with interest to Akshay Kumar’s production house: ‘Audience has given you so much adulation…’ |

    Paresh Rawal REACTS to being back on Hera Pheri 3; shares he has returned Rs 11 lakh with interest to Akshay Kumar’s production house: ‘Audience has given you so much adulation…’ |

    Apoorva Mukhija REACTS to her rumoured link up with Purav Jha: ‘There are 82,000 edits of us… And it’s only going to get worse…’ |

    Apoorva Mukhija REACTS to her rumoured link up with Purav Jha: ‘There are 82,000 edits of us… And it’s only going to get worse…’ |

    Amitabh Bachchan on Sarkar turning 15: Subhash Nagare was a man of the masses – Exclusive |

    Amitabh Bachchan on Sarkar turning 15: Subhash Nagare was a man of the masses – Exclusive |

  • SPORTS
    Wimbledon 2025: A record-breaking number of top-10 players are out

    Wimbledon 2025: A record-breaking number of top-10 players are out

    2025 Commissioner’s Cup: Live updates, highlights from Fever-Lynx in title game

    2025 Commissioner’s Cup: Live updates, highlights from Fever-Lynx in title game

    Fever’s Sophie Cunningham criticizes WNBA expansion plan, cities

    Fever’s Sophie Cunningham criticizes WNBA expansion plan, cities

    Mikael Granlund lands three-year contract with Anaheim Ducks

    Mikael Granlund lands three-year contract with Anaheim Ducks

    Jake Paul now ranked, eligible for WBA cruiserweight title shot

    Jake Paul now ranked, eligible for WBA cruiserweight title shot

    Meet Bryan Seeley, the man in charge of policing the new world of college sports

    Meet Bryan Seeley, the man in charge of policing the new world of college sports

    How does a legendary coach move to the college game? Before Bill Belichick, there was Bill Walsh

    How does a legendary coach move to the college game? Before Bill Belichick, there was Bill Walsh

    Transfer rumors, news: Man United, Al Nassr eye PSG’s Ruiz

    Transfer rumors, news: Man United, Al Nassr eye PSG’s Ruiz

    What’s it like to defeat your former pro parent on the tennis court?

    What’s it like to defeat your former pro parent on the tennis court?

  • DARTJETS VIDEOS
    Ultimate Relaxation Peaceful Music with Tranquil Backwater Sea Sound Yoga, Meditation & Sleep Music

    Ultimate Relaxation Peaceful Music with Tranquil Backwater Sea Sound Yoga, Meditation & Sleep Music

    Multiplayer Games of 2023

    Multiplayer Games of 2023

    Ultimate Relaxing Soothing Meditation Music: Find Inner Peace and Serenity

    Ultimate Relaxing Soothing Meditation Music: Find Inner Peace and Serenity

    TRAINS  COLLISIONS  SAFETY TECHNOLGY

    TRAINS COLLISIONS SAFETY TECHNOLGY

    AI Threats

    AI Threats

    The Battle of Wealth Diamonds vs Gold

    The Battle of Wealth Diamonds vs Gold

    DAILY COMMON FOOD AROUND THE WORLD

    DAILY COMMON FOOD AROUND THE WORLD

    Instant Pain Relief Using Kitchens Ingredients

    Instant Pain Relief Using Kitchens Ingredients

    VEGETARIANISM & VEGAN –  The Secret of Healty Life

    VEGETARIANISM & VEGAN – The Secret of Healty Life

No Result
View All Result
  • NEWS
    Indiana Fever Makes Exciting Kelsey Mitchell Post on Tuesday

    Indiana Fever Makes Exciting Kelsey Mitchell Post on Tuesday

    Dortmund vs. Monterrey: Preview, odds, how to watch, time

    Dortmund vs. Monterrey: Preview, odds, how to watch, time

    Access Denied

    Access Denied

    AP Notifies Rules For New Land Pooling For Capital Amaravati

    AP Notifies Rules For New Land Pooling For Capital Amaravati

    Check Price, Full Specifications, Design, Features, And More Offers – All You Need to Know

    Check Price, Full Specifications, Design, Features, And More Offers – All You Need to Know

    Fever rule Caitlin Clark (groin) out for Commissioner’s Cup final

    Fever rule Caitlin Clark (groin) out for Commissioner’s Cup final

    Access Denied

    Access Denied

    Andhra Pradesh HC Asks Police Not to Act Against Jagan in Singaiah Case

    Andhra Pradesh HC Asks Police Not to Act Against Jagan in Singaiah Case

    Can eating cheese lead to nightmares? Here’s what we know |

    Can eating cheese lead to nightmares? Here’s what we know |

  • CAR & BIKES
    Renault to report .2 billion loss on Nissan stake in first half, ET Auto

    Renault to report $11.2 billion loss on Nissan stake in first half, ET Auto

    Kia Carens Clavis EV, MG M9, BMW 2 Series launching this July

    Kia Carens Clavis EV, MG M9, BMW 2 Series launching this July

    Skoda India clocks highest-ever H1 volumes with 36,194 units, Auto News, ET Auto

    Skoda India clocks highest-ever H1 volumes with 36,194 units, Auto News, ET Auto

    TVS iQube 3.1 launched at Rs 1.10 lakh

    TVS iQube 3.1 launched at Rs 1.10 lakh

    Maruti Suzuki sales dip 6.3% to 167,993 units in June 2025, ET Auto

    Maruti Suzuki sales dip 6.3% to 167,993 units in June 2025, ET Auto

    Kush Maini Mahindra Formula E Berlin rookie test

    Kush Maini Mahindra Formula E Berlin rookie test

    Kia India Reports 12.7% Growth in H1 2025 Sales with Carens Clavis Success, ET Auto

    Kia India Reports 12.7% Growth in H1 2025 Sales with Carens Clavis Success, ET Auto

    Delhi bans fuel sale to 15 year old petrol, 10 year old diesel vehicles

    Delhi bans fuel sale to 15 year old petrol, 10 year old diesel vehicles

    Hyundai Motor India sales dip 6% to 60,924 units in June 2025, ET Auto

    Hyundai Motor India sales dip 6% to 60,924 units in June 2025, ET Auto

  • GADGETS
    ‘The Old Guard 2’ Is a Tender Sophomore Stretched Thin by Sequel Syndrome

    ‘The Old Guard 2’ Is a Tender Sophomore Stretched Thin by Sequel Syndrome

    Ancient DNA Unlocks the Secret Recipe of Roman Fish Sauce

    Ancient DNA Unlocks the Secret Recipe of Roman Fish Sauce

    Nothing’s Phone 3 Really Goes Full-On Anti-iPhone, Huh?

    Nothing’s Phone 3 Really Goes Full-On Anti-iPhone, Huh?

    The Films and Shows You Should Be Streaming in July 2025

    The Films and Shows You Should Be Streaming in July 2025

    ‘American Empire? What American Empire?’ You Can Ask With This Reagan-Adjacent Stormtrooper Helmet

    ‘American Empire? What American Empire?’ You Can Ask With This Reagan-Adjacent Stormtrooper Helmet

    Not AirPods Max In the Best Way Possible

    Not AirPods Max In the Best Way Possible

    Could Nubia Be Joining James Gunn’s DCU?

    Could Nubia Be Joining James Gunn’s DCU?

    This Year the Squirtle Squad Is the Coolest SDCC Merch Around

    This Year the Squirtle Squad Is the Coolest SDCC Merch Around

    ‘Donkey Kong Bananza’ Is the Switch 2 Launch Game You’ve Been Waiting For

    ‘Donkey Kong Bananza’ Is the Switch 2 Launch Game You’ve Been Waiting For

  • BOLLYWOOD
    Suniel Shetty Reacts to Paresh Rawal’s Return to ‘Hera Pheri 3’: ‘Fine-tuning ho chuki hai…’ | Hindi movie news

    Suniel Shetty Reacts to Paresh Rawal’s Return to ‘Hera Pheri 3’: ‘Fine-tuning ho chuki hai…’ | Hindi movie news

    Konkona Sensharma recalls doing random films with ‘Life In a Metro’ co-star Irrfan Khan: ‘We had not taken things seriously at that time’ | Hindi Movie News

    Konkona Sensharma recalls doing random films with ‘Life In a Metro’ co-star Irrfan Khan: ‘We had not taken things seriously at that time’ | Hindi Movie News

    Vikrant Massey opens up about renting luxury designer outfits to attend Bollywood parties and events initially: ‘My wife said, it’s our expense for an entire month’ | Hindi Movie News

    Vikrant Massey opens up about renting luxury designer outfits to attend Bollywood parties and events initially: ‘My wife said, it’s our expense for an entire month’ | Hindi Movie News

    ‘Sikandar’ star Salman Khan gives fans a rare piece of advice while sharing his intense workout pictures; netizens say , ‘world’s biggest comeback is loading’ | Hindi Movie News

    ‘Sikandar’ star Salman Khan gives fans a rare piece of advice while sharing his intense workout pictures; netizens say , ‘world’s biggest comeback is loading’ | Hindi Movie News

    Did you know Salman Khan once told Dia Mirza ‘one day you will play my mother’ for THIS reason? |

    Did you know Salman Khan once told Dia Mirza ‘one day you will play my mother’ for THIS reason? |

    Tharun Moorthy’s ‘Thudarum’ Reignites Mohanlal – Shobana Magic; A Look Back At Mollywood’s Timeless On-Screen Pairings | Malayalam Movie News

    Tharun Moorthy’s ‘Thudarum’ Reignites Mohanlal – Shobana Magic; A Look Back At Mollywood’s Timeless On-Screen Pairings | Malayalam Movie News

    Paresh Rawal REACTS to being back on Hera Pheri 3; shares he has returned Rs 11 lakh with interest to Akshay Kumar’s production house: ‘Audience has given you so much adulation…’ |

    Paresh Rawal REACTS to being back on Hera Pheri 3; shares he has returned Rs 11 lakh with interest to Akshay Kumar’s production house: ‘Audience has given you so much adulation…’ |

    Apoorva Mukhija REACTS to her rumoured link up with Purav Jha: ‘There are 82,000 edits of us… And it’s only going to get worse…’ |

    Apoorva Mukhija REACTS to her rumoured link up with Purav Jha: ‘There are 82,000 edits of us… And it’s only going to get worse…’ |

    Amitabh Bachchan on Sarkar turning 15: Subhash Nagare was a man of the masses – Exclusive |

    Amitabh Bachchan on Sarkar turning 15: Subhash Nagare was a man of the masses – Exclusive |

  • SPORTS
    Wimbledon 2025: A record-breaking number of top-10 players are out

    Wimbledon 2025: A record-breaking number of top-10 players are out

    2025 Commissioner’s Cup: Live updates, highlights from Fever-Lynx in title game

    2025 Commissioner’s Cup: Live updates, highlights from Fever-Lynx in title game

    Fever’s Sophie Cunningham criticizes WNBA expansion plan, cities

    Fever’s Sophie Cunningham criticizes WNBA expansion plan, cities

    Mikael Granlund lands three-year contract with Anaheim Ducks

    Mikael Granlund lands three-year contract with Anaheim Ducks

    Jake Paul now ranked, eligible for WBA cruiserweight title shot

    Jake Paul now ranked, eligible for WBA cruiserweight title shot

    Meet Bryan Seeley, the man in charge of policing the new world of college sports

    Meet Bryan Seeley, the man in charge of policing the new world of college sports

    How does a legendary coach move to the college game? Before Bill Belichick, there was Bill Walsh

    How does a legendary coach move to the college game? Before Bill Belichick, there was Bill Walsh

    Transfer rumors, news: Man United, Al Nassr eye PSG’s Ruiz

    Transfer rumors, news: Man United, Al Nassr eye PSG’s Ruiz

    What’s it like to defeat your former pro parent on the tennis court?

    What’s it like to defeat your former pro parent on the tennis court?

  • DARTJETS VIDEOS
    Ultimate Relaxation Peaceful Music with Tranquil Backwater Sea Sound Yoga, Meditation & Sleep Music

    Ultimate Relaxation Peaceful Music with Tranquil Backwater Sea Sound Yoga, Meditation & Sleep Music

    Multiplayer Games of 2023

    Multiplayer Games of 2023

    Ultimate Relaxing Soothing Meditation Music: Find Inner Peace and Serenity

    Ultimate Relaxing Soothing Meditation Music: Find Inner Peace and Serenity

    TRAINS  COLLISIONS  SAFETY TECHNOLGY

    TRAINS COLLISIONS SAFETY TECHNOLGY

    AI Threats

    AI Threats

    The Battle of Wealth Diamonds vs Gold

    The Battle of Wealth Diamonds vs Gold

    DAILY COMMON FOOD AROUND THE WORLD

    DAILY COMMON FOOD AROUND THE WORLD

    Instant Pain Relief Using Kitchens Ingredients

    Instant Pain Relief Using Kitchens Ingredients

    VEGETARIANISM & VEGAN –  The Secret of Healty Life

    VEGETARIANISM & VEGAN – The Secret of Healty Life

No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result
Home SPORTS

NFL playoffs divisional round: Schedule, previews for AFC, NFC

NFL playoffs divisional round: Schedule, previews for AFC, NFC

  • Stephen Holder

    Close

    NFL playoffs divisional round: Schedule, previews for AFC, NFC

    Stephen Holder

    ESPN

      Stephen joined ESPN in 2022, covering the Indianapolis Colts and NFL at large. Stephen finished first place in column writing in the 2015 Indiana Associated Press Media Editors competition, and he is a previous top-10 winner in explanatory journalism in the Associated Press Sports Editors national contest. He has chronicled the NFL since 2005, covering the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2005-2013 and the Colts since 2013. He has previously worked for the Miami Herald, Tampa Bay Times, Indianapolis Star and The Athletic.
  • Seth Walder

Jan 15, 2024, 11:15 PM ET

All six wild-card games are in the books, which means the divisional round matchups are finally set. In the AFC, the Texans will travel to Baltimore to play the Ravens, while the Chiefs will head to Buffalo to face the Bills. On the NFC side, the Packers will play the 49ers in San Francisco, and the Lions will host the Buccaneers after Tampa Bay beat Philadelphia on Monday.

Let’s look ahead to the divisional round schedule, which will include the first postseason games of the campaign for the Niners and the Ravens, who each had a bye. To get you ready for next week’s slate, Stephen Holder picked out the biggest thing to watch in each matchup, and Seth Walder explored how each team can win to advance to the conference championships.

Jump to a matchup:
GB-SF | TB-DET | HOU-BAL | KC-BUF

Wimbledon 2025: A record-breaking number of top-10 players are out

NFC

When: Saturday, 8:15 p.m. ET (Fox)

What to know: Packers quarterback Jordan Love showed stunning accuracy against the Cowboys’ edge rush and coverage in his playoff debut Sunday. But the challenge posed by the rested 49ers coming off a bye provides an even bigger test. San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy is no postseason rookie, and he has some unfinished business after his hot start in the 2022 playoffs was short-circuited by an elbow injury in the NFC Championship Game.

Editor’s Picks

2 Related

With Niners coach Kyle Shanahan aiming to improve his postseason record to 7-3 in seven seasons, look for San Francisco to rely heavily on Christian McCaffrey and the running game. That’s where this matchup could turn, allowing the 49ers to attack a Green Bay weakness. No NFL team had more runs plays of 10 or more yards than San Francisco’s 74 in the regular season. Meanwhile, the Packers rank in the bottom third in rushing yards against after first contact (29th with 906) and yards allowed per rush (23rd at 4.4). — Holder

Why the 49ers will win: Why won’t they win? I can ask that question from now until the Super Bowl, because after the Packers dismantled the Cowboys, that left San Francisco without a major threat remaining in the conference. The 49ers are the best team in football, and they’re the best team left in the NFC, by far.

San Francisco boasts the best trait a Super Bowl hopeful can have: the No. 1 offense (including the No. 1 passing offense). And it’s by a lot. The Niners’ 0.16 expected points added (EPA) per play was well ahead of the No. 2 team, the already-eliminated Dolphins at 0.12. Purdy is supported by an absurd set of playmakers in McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel and George Kittle. Oh, and we’re two paragraphs in, and I haven’t mentioned the defense, with Nick Bosa, Javon Hargrave and Chase Young rushing the passer. The 49ers have so many strengths that they don’t even need them all to click to win. — Walder

Why the Packers will win: The flip side of all the compliments I bestowed on San Francisco is that they are all bad news for Green Bay. These two teams are not in the same league. But it’s football. Things happen. The Packers could win, and it starts with Love — not just because he’s the quarterback but because of the type of quarterback he has evolved into over the course of the campaign. From Week 10 until the end of the regular season, Love finished second in QBR. The only signal-caller ahead of him? Dak Prescott, whom Love just outdueled in the wild-card round.

Defensively, even though the Packers have been disappointing all season, this is still a talented group. Could the Packers put it all together in their biggest game of the season? It remains possible. Turnovers, lucky bounces and an A-game from their defense are probably all necessary for the Packers to pull off this upset. But it could happen. — Walder


When: Sunday, 3 p.m. ET (NBC)

What to know: The Lions have the chance to make more history by winning multiple playoff games in the same season for the first time since their 1957 championship run. No doubt, Eminem will want to show up for that. It’s no mystery how they’ve gotten here, either. The city of Detroit might embrace its underdog personality, but after beating the Rams to advance, the Lions will be favored here because of their productive offense. They ranked in the top five this season in yards per play (third), scoring (fifth), passing yards (second) and rushing yards (fifth). The Lions displayed that offensive proficiency in a 20-6 regular-season win over the Buccaneers, outgaining Tampa Bay 380 yards to 251 in October.

But the Bucs have won six out of seven — including Monday night’s victory over the Eagles — and are an experienced bunch when it comes to postseason play. Tom Brady is gone, but many of the teammates who joined him in those playoff appearances remain. They won’t be intimidated by the stakes. — Holder

Why Lions will win: Edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson is suddenly playing at a different level. He has always been good, but the advanced metrics were never fantastic. Now? He’s suddenly on a three-game multiple-sack streak. And he posted a 33% pass rush win rate in the wild-card round — the highest of any player in the playoffs entering Monday night. Against Tampa Bay tackle Luke Goedeke (who registered a below-average 86% pass block win rate in the regular season), Hutchinson has the advantage, and that could make a big difference for the defense — the unit that is supposed to be Detroit’s weakness.

play

1:53

Stephen A. impressed by physicality of the Lions

Stephen A. Smith discusses the statement the Lions made with their win over the Rams.

The other side of the ball is clicking under offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who is getting the most out of quarterback Jared Goff. Tight end Sam LaPorta was able to return to action, and Detroit has one of the best running games in the league. Let’s be real: The Lions are the superior team here. They just have to play up to their ability. — Walder

Why Buccaneers will win: If you squint at these teams’ strengths and weaknesses, you can see a path for the Bucs. Their offense is imbalanced. They can’t run the ball, but their pass game has been fairly effective all season with Baker Mayfield. Tampa Bay ranked ninth in EPA per dropback (0.10) in the regular season. That’s just fine against Detroit. The Lions’ run defense is solid; pass defense is where they struggle.

In order to beat the Eagles, the Bucs deployed their typical blitz-heavy strategy — they blitzed on 40% of opponent dropbacks in the regular season, third-most — and it worked. Could it work again against Detroit? At the very least, the Lions aren’t blitz-beaters. Goff’s QBR dropped from 11th-best overall to 15th-best when facing the blitz. Mix in a little luck, and you can’t rule Tampa Bay out. — Walder

Wimbledon 2025: A record-breaking number of top-10 players are out

AFC

When: Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET (ESPN/ABC/ESPN+)

What to know: Welcome back to the postseason, Lamar Jackson. The leading candidate for NFL MVP will start his first postseason game since the 2020 season. Jackson was injured and missed Baltimore’s lone playoff game last season, but his presence gives the Ravens their biggest reason for optimism in making a run at the Super Bowl.

For the Texans, it’s a chance to shock the world. But for rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud and rookie coach DeMeco Ryans, it will be a massive test against a Baltimore defense that led the NFL in sacks during the regular season (60). Houston will be facing the hottest team in the league down the stretch, as the Ravens won six of their past seven games. And since Week 11, Baltimore has the highest point margin in the NFL (plus-90). — Holder

Why the Ravens will win: The 2023 Ravens’ defense finished sixth in EPA per play (minus-0.1) among all teams over the past 10 seasons. Sixth! Baltimore’s incredible defense — with all its simulated pressure that seems to constantly create sack opportunities — gives the Ravens a great chance against anyone.

I haven’t even mentioned the likely league MVP yet. Jackson finished the season hot, with incredible performances against the 49ers and then the Dolphins to close out his regular season (he sat in Week 18). With real receivers on this offense, including Zay Flowers and Odell Beckham Jr., every play is a constant dual threat of Jackson’s legs and arm. Baltimore can win with offense or defense (heck, or even special teams). And that’s why the Ravens are so tough. — Walder

2023 NFL Playoffs

• Early look at the divisional round »
• Wild-card overreactions (ESPN+) »
• Barnwell: Big questions (ESPN+) »
• Full playoff bracket and schedule »

Why the Texans will win: Well, how about Stroud? Sure, there are other reasons — from receiver Nico Collins to rookie edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. — to like Houston, but what Stroud has done in recent weeks gives the Texans hope against anyone. And that includes Baltimore. Since Week 16, Stroud ranks third in QBR, behind only Jackson and Love. Stroud is a rookie growing into the professional quarterback he’ll become before our eyes, and the progression is happening fast. He’s already at the point that Houston has become dangerous.

Oh, and the only defense that was better than Baltimore this season? Cleveland. And Stroud handled that test just fine in the wild-card round. — Walder


When: Sunday, 6:30 p.m. ET (CBS)

What to know: Time to hit the road, Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs quarterback will play a road playoff game for the first time in his brilliant career, giving the Bills another shot at a team that has ousted them from the playoffs twice in the past three seasons. In a rematch of the overtime playoff classic between these teams in the 2021 divisional round, the Chiefs and Bills will meet again at Highmark Stadium.

Both clubs won their opening-round games with relative ease, with the Chiefs eliminating the Dolphins and the Bills sending the Steelers home. The intensity gets ratcheted up next weekend, though. Mahomes wasn’t particularly fazed by playing on the road this season, completing 69.7% of his attempts. And he is 38-11 on the road in the regular season for his career, the most wins by any QB in their first 50 road starts since 1950, per ESPN Stats & Information. But Mahomes also had eight interceptions in games played away from Arrowhead in 2023. Will that trend continue in Buffalo? — Holder

Why the Bills will win: Did you see Josh Allen‘s 52-yard touchdown run? For all the attention on Allen’s mistakes, the reason Buffalo has one of the best offenses in the league is how dangerous he can be while creating on his own. He generated double the EPA (60.2) of any other quarterback on designed carries and scrambles this season.

Outdueling Mahomes is something entirely different than besting Mason Rudolph, like Allen did easily in the wild-card round. But on paper, the Bills have the best offense in this game, and it’s not even close. That’s the most important advantage to have in this game. — Walder

play

2:04

McAfee: Are the Chiefs back to being the Chiefs?

Pat McAfee likes what he saw from Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in taking down the Dolphins.

Why the Chiefs will win: The Chiefs will be underdogs, but they have a couple of key factors (beyond the obvious of Mahomes) working in their favor. First, the emergence of receiver Rashee Rice. The Chiefs’ offense was plagued throughout the season by the lack of a second receiving option beyond an aging and declining Travis Kelce. Rice, who produced a strong 2.6 yards per route run in the regular season, played an increasing role as the year went on and then exploded in the wild-card round for 130 yards on eight receptions against the Dolphins. The Chiefs might have found the playmaker they needed just in time.

Second, Kansas City’s defense is legitimate. Sure, the weather might have hindered the Dolphins on Saturday. But it took more than low temperatures to hold what was the second-best offense in football in the regular season to just seven points in the postseason. The Chiefs’ defense moved up to fourth in EPA per play (minus-0.06) for the season with its performance. That side of the ball absolutely gives them a chance against Buffalo. — Walder

Source link

Related Posts

Wimbledon 2025: A record-breaking number of top-10 players are out
SPORTS

Wimbledon 2025: A record-breaking number of top-10 players are out

July 2, 2025
2025 Commissioner’s Cup: Live updates, highlights from Fever-Lynx in title game
SPORTS

2025 Commissioner’s Cup: Live updates, highlights from Fever-Lynx in title game

July 1, 2025
Fever’s Sophie Cunningham criticizes WNBA expansion plan, cities
SPORTS

Fever’s Sophie Cunningham criticizes WNBA expansion plan, cities

July 1, 2025
Mikael Granlund lands three-year contract with Anaheim Ducks
SPORTS

Mikael Granlund lands three-year contract with Anaheim Ducks

July 1, 2025
Jake Paul now ranked, eligible for WBA cruiserweight title shot
SPORTS

Jake Paul now ranked, eligible for WBA cruiserweight title shot

July 1, 2025
Meet Bryan Seeley, the man in charge of policing the new world of college sports
SPORTS

Meet Bryan Seeley, the man in charge of policing the new world of college sports

July 1, 2025
Load More
ADVERTISEMENT

POPULAR NEWS

Plugin Install : Popular Post Widget need JNews - View Counter to be installed

Recent

‘The Old Guard 2’ Is a Tender Sophomore Stretched Thin by Sequel Syndrome

‘The Old Guard 2’ Is a Tender Sophomore Stretched Thin by Sequel Syndrome

July 2, 2025
Indiana Fever Makes Exciting Kelsey Mitchell Post on Tuesday

Indiana Fever Makes Exciting Kelsey Mitchell Post on Tuesday

July 2, 2025
Suniel Shetty Reacts to Paresh Rawal’s Return to ‘Hera Pheri 3’: ‘Fine-tuning ho chuki hai…’ | Hindi movie news

Suniel Shetty Reacts to Paresh Rawal’s Return to ‘Hera Pheri 3’: ‘Fine-tuning ho chuki hai…’ | Hindi movie news

July 2, 2025
Renault to report .2 billion loss on Nissan stake in first half, ET Auto

Renault to report $11.2 billion loss on Nissan stake in first half, ET Auto

July 2, 2025
Wimbledon 2025: A record-breaking number of top-10 players are out

Wimbledon 2025: A record-breaking number of top-10 players are out

July 2, 2025
ദുബായിലെ ഞങ്ങളുടെ വീട് | our home in uae | mallu traveler

ദുബായിലെ ഞങ്ങളുടെ വീട് | our home in uae | mallu traveler

July 2, 2025
Dartjets

We bring you news, magazine, personal blog, etc.

Recent News

  • ‘The Old Guard 2’ Is a Tender Sophomore Stretched Thin by Sequel Syndrome
  • Indiana Fever Makes Exciting Kelsey Mitchell Post on Tuesday
  • Suniel Shetty Reacts to Paresh Rawal’s Return to ‘Hera Pheri 3’: ‘Fine-tuning ho chuki hai…’ | Hindi movie news

Category

  • amazon
  • Blog
  • CAR & BIKES
  • CINEMA
  • DARTJETS VIDEOS
  • GADGETS
  • NEWS
  • SPORTS
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Contact

© 2023 Dartjets India.

No Result
View All Result
  • NEWS
  • CAR & BIKES
  • GADGETS
  • BOLLYWOOD
  • SPORTS
  • DARTJETS VIDEOS

© 2023 Dartjets India.