THE MOJ: How the NFL playoffs will play out as the Bills and Chiefs get near

THE MOJ: How the NFL playoffs will play out as the Bills and Chiefs get near

It should be exciting to see Mahomes go to Buffalo for the first time to play in a playoff game against Allen.

We’ve chosen to continue this for you in light of last week’s performance during NFL Wildcard Weekend (3-3 straight up but 5-1 against the spread).

RAVENS -9.5 against. TEXANS, Saturday at 1:30 p.m.

The Texans of the opening week of the season are not the same squad who fell to the Ravens 25-9. The team has undergone evolution. It manages the football and, with Devin Singletary, has created a running game over the last several months. It also has C.J. Stroud, a superb young quarterback. In terms of scoring defence, the Ravens are #1. They also have quarterback Lamar Jackson, who is maybe the MVP of the NFL. It is unlikely that Jackson will assist the Texans with two interceptions for touchdowns in this game, like Joe Flacco did the week before. And I’m worried about Stroud’s performance outside this season. Stroud’s quarterback rating was 85.1 in five outdoor games as opposed to 108.3 inside.

RAVENS OVERCOME and WIN.

49ERS -9.5 against. PACKERS on Saturday at 5:15 p.m.

In the match against Dallas, Green Bay demonstrated that their play in the second half of the season wasn’t an exception. Jordan Love, the quarterback, has been able to play well thanks to a strong offensive line and a healthy running back in Aaron Jones, but they now have to contend with the 49ers, an overwhelming force. The issue is that San Francisco excels at everything Green Bay does, particularly on defence, where the 49ers have a clear edge. Next, you consider every key player on the 49ers roster, including Brandon Aiyuk, Nick Bosa, and Christian McCaffrey. Additionally, we must not overlook Brock Purdy. With Green Bay’s rush defence ranking of 28th, San Francisco should be able to dominate this game by running the ball.

LIONS -6.5 against. BUCCANEERS, Sunday at 12 p.m.

The Lions are playing with composure after winning their first postseason game in thirty-two years. Red zone performance on both sides of the ball against the Rams is an example of such poise, and it essentially won the game for the Lions. The Lions should be able to take advantage of the Bucs secondary thanks to the strong one-two punch of Detroit running backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, something Philadelphia was unable to do. The issue is whether quarterback Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay offence can stay up with the Lions, who will undoubtedly score scores. Though I don’t believe so, we will rely on the Bucs’ strong road record this season (8-1 against the spread), as they have been a reliable pick.

BUCS COVER, BUT LIONS WIN.

CHIEFS on Sunday at 3:30 PM at BILLS -3

The NFL held onto their best for last. This will be Patrick Mahomes’ first road playoff game (not counting the Super Bowl). Having said that, I don’t think he will wither. Mahomes and Buffalo’s Josh Allen are two outstanding quarterbacks facing off against one other. Over his career, Allen has often produced impressive statistics versus the Chiefs. Allen had three touchdowns passing against Kansas City in 2022. During the 2021 season, he completed seven airborne touchdowns in two games. Ultimately, he scored four touchdown passes in two games versus the Chiefs in 2020. Buffalo will score scores, but the Chiefs are in danger if this becomes a track meet since their offence isn’t as potent as it once was.