Exciting predictions for the NFL playoffs’ second round include the Texans covering a +9 spread against the Chiefs, leveraging Kansas City’s struggles and recent matchups. The Lions are favored at -9.5 against the Commanders, capitalizing on Washington’s red zone issues and Detroit’s home advantage. Lastly, the Bills are predicted to win against the Ravens, bolstered by their unbeaten home record and potential absences in Baltimore’s lineup, particularly that of leading receiver Zay Flowers.
Exciting NFL Playoff Predictions for the Second Round
The NFL playoffs are here, and it’s time to share my predictions for the thrilling second round! Are you ready for an action-packed weekend of football?
PICK #1: Texans +9 at the Chiefs
Let’s kick things off with a look at the Texans, who have had a challenging history in the second round of the playoffs. Since their debut in 2002, they have made it this far five times but unfortunately hold a record of 0-5. This includes a notable game where they lost a commanding 24-0 lead to the very team they face this weekend—the Chiefs.
One concern for this bet is the two-week rest enjoyed by Kansas City, giving them a substantial advantage. However, despite their stellar 15-1 season record, the Chiefs have only managed to win by nine points or more on four occasions. Their point differential ranking at 11th in the league indicates they’re not dominating as they once did, opting instead for longer possessions on offense.
Additionally, the Chiefs’ guards have struggled this season, which is concerning as they prepare to meet one of the NFL’s top pass-rushing duos, Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter. While the Texans’ offensive line isn’t much better, I still believe that Kansas City will face challenges scoring freely, helping to keep the game close—just what we need to cover the spread.
In their previous matchup during Week 16, the Texans lost by eight points, largely due to two costly interceptions that led to ten points for the Chiefs. Houston also faced a setback with the injury of Tank Dell, inhibiting their offensive performance significantly after his exit. However, they have demonstrated a solid pass defense, leading the league in completion percentage allowed and ranking fourth in interceptions. This will likely force Kansas City to rely more on their running game, which could result in a tighter game overall.
Ultimately, I foresee the Texans covering the spread with those nine extra points.
PICK #2: Lions -9.5 against the Commanders
Now, let’s discuss the Lions, who are coming off a strong season with a record of 15-2. Last week, Jayden Daniels made headlines as the first rookie quarterback in 13 years to win an away playoff game. He showcased impressive skill, albeit with minimal help from his ground game, which averaged just 2.3 yards per carry.
Washington’s struggles in the red zone last week raise concerns for their upcoming match against Detroit. If they can’t convert drives into touchdowns, they’ll be in for a rough time against the Lions. With the Lions enjoying the benefits of home-field advantage for the third week in a row, while the Commanders are on the road for the third consecutive week, the odds seem stacked against Washington.
Although Detroit’s defense has allowed a significant amount of passing yards this season, it’s worth noting that this is often a result of opponents being forced to throw due to the Lions’ explosive offense. Moreover, Washington has a weak run defense, allowing the fifth-highest average yards per rush, which opens the door for Detroit to exploit their strong ground game.
Considering these factors, I believe the Lions will win decisively, covering the -9.5 point spread.
PICK #3: Bills to Win Against the Ravens
Finally, let’s delve into the highly anticipated clash between MVP contenders Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen. I’m backing the Buffalo Bills for a straight win in this matchup. Many fans still recall the Ravens’ dominant 35-10 victory over the Bills in Week 4, where Baltimore rushed for an impressive 271 yards. However, it’s important to note that three key defenders for the Bills were absent during that game.
This time, the Bills will be at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, where they boast an unbeaten home record of 9-0 this season. The Ravens, on the other hand, had a mixed record of 6-3 on the road. A critical factor to watch is the potential absence of Zay Flowers, the Ravens’ leading receiver, whose absence could significantly impact their offensive strategy.
Buffalo’s defense will likely focus on pressuring Lamar Jackson to make plays with his arm, a challenge that could be heightened without Flowers in the lineup. While some observers have praised the Ravens’ recent defensive performance, it’s essential to consider the quality of their opponents in those matchups. The teams they faced have consistently ranked lower in terms of offensive output, making those statistics somewhat misleading.
With a mix of strong offensive performance from Buffalo and the potential vulnerabilities in Baltimore’s lineup, I’m confident in placing my bet on the Bills. Despite being slight underdogs, I believe they will rise to the occasion and secure the victory.