Jan 11, 20193 min read

NFL: Divisional Round Predictions

No. 4 Dallas Cowboys (10-6, 1-0) @ No. 2 Los Angeles Rams (13-3, 0-0): The Rams have one of the best offenses in the league, and should be able to put up points against the Cowboys. However, the key in this game will be how well Los Angeles’ defense can play. Dallas is at their best when they can hand the ball off to RB Ezekiel Elliott (1,434 yards, six touchdowns) and let him work. The Rams will stack the box, and lean on DL Aaron Donald to stop Zeke. On the other side, in order for L.A. to get their passing game going, they’ll need RB Todd Gurley (1,251 yards, 17 touchdowns) to gain yards early. In a game between the two best running backs in the league and two talented quarterbacks who were drafted in the same class, it should come down to the wire. We’ll take the Rams by a touchdown.

Blake Stoll: Rams.

Caleb Henderson: Rams.

Charles Post: Rams.

Chinedum Wejinya: Rams.

Greg Schwochow: Rams.

Max Heningburg: Cowboys.

Tyler Taylor: Rams.

Raven Martin: Cowboys.

No. 6 Philadelphia Eagles (9-7, 1-0) @ No. 1 New Orleans Saints (13-3, 0-0): The Eagles are the defending champions, but it looks like this might be the end of the road for them. QB Nick Foles has been on an unbelievable run over the last two playoffs, winning nine straight must-win games, including the 16-15 road win over the Chicago Bears a week ago. However, the Saints are simply a different breed. After Week 1, New Orleans has been the best team in the league and have been on top of our Power Rankings for months now. The biggest reason for that is undoubtedly QB Drew Brees (3,992 yards, 32 touchdowns). If it wasn’t for Mahomes’ breakout campaign, Brees would likely be the leading candidate for league MVP. The only way the Eagles stick around in this game is if they can somehow get around a stout run defense. RB Josh Adams (511 yards, three touchdowns) might be a player to watch.

Blake Stoll: Saints.

Caleb Henderson: Saints.

Charles Post: Saints.

Chinedum Wejinya: Eagles.

Greg Schwochow: Saints.

Max Heningburg: Saints.

Tyler Taylor: Saints.

Raven Martin: Saints.

No. 6 Indianapolis Colts (10-6, 1-0) @ No. 1 Kansas City Chiefs (12-4, 0-0): The Chiefs are known to collapse on their home field in the playoffs. That history dates back before HC Andy Reid came along and has only been cemented since. Kansas City led by 18 points last season against the Tennessee Titans, before bowing out late. It was another heart-wrenching loss in a long list of them. But a year later, and a different QB at the helm, can the Chiefs break the pattern? They have a chance to do so against the Colts. QB Patrick Mahomes (5,097 yards, 50 touchdowns) has transformed the offense and they’re averaging 32.2 points per game in their last five games. The only issue? Kansas City's defense has been pathetic. It should be high-scoring, but we trust Mahomes to bring it home.

Blake Stoll: Colts.

Caleb Henderson: Colts.

Charles Post: Chiefs.

Chinedum Wejinya: Chiefs.

Greg Schwochow: Colts.

Max Heningburg: Chiefs.

Tyler Taylor: Chiefs.

Raven Martin: Chiefs.

No. 5 Los Angeles Chargers (12-4, 1-0) @ No. 2 New England Patriots (11-5, 0-0): The Chargers and Patriots have two of the best quarterbacks in the league despite their high age, and this one could get high scoring, especially as the signal callers begin to get comfortable in the second half. QB Philip Rivers (4,308 yards, 32 touchdowns) is an MVP candidate, and despite coming off a poor performance against the Baltimore Ravens, he’ll be ready to go for this one. The Patriots’ defense is still a work in progress and Rivers has the ability to pick them apart. The same can be said for QB Tom Brady (4,355 yards, 29 touchdowns) on the other sideline. It seems like New England was just holding steady all year long, waiting for this moment, and they’re going to be heavily prepared. Give us the Pats by a score.

Blake Stoll: Patriots.

Caleb Henderson: Patriots.

Charles Post: Chargers.

Chinedum Wejinya: Chargers.

Greg Schwochow: Chargers.

Max Heningburg: Chargers.

Tyler Taylor: Patriots.

Raven Martin: Patriots.

Wild Card Records:

T-1. Chinedum Wejinya (3-1)

T-1. Raven Martin (3-1)

T-3. Blake Stoll (2-2)