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AFC Divisional Round Predictions

Last week: 1-1 (For what it’s worth, I did say was I very tempted to take Tennessee.)
Prediction: Ravens over Titans

While I was high on the Titans last week, I can’t see them continuing to win. They’ve been a better team ever since Ryan Tannehill replaced Marcus Mariota. However, the Ravens have been an even better team for longer. I could list off a bunch of stats, yet I think this game can really boil down to a major component: Guarding Lamar Jackson.

We all know how great Jackson has played this season, and I believe the best way to stop the soon-to-be MVP is by spying him with a linebacker or defensive back. Here’s the catch: I don’t know if Tennessee, let alone any team, has a linebacker fast enough to cover Jackson.

Having a defensive back shadow Jackson is a better option, though it could open up Baltimore to run the ball more down Tennessee’s throats. The Titans have a good, well-balanced, well-coached team; the Ravens have a better one.

Prediction: Chiefs over Texans

Deshaun Watson is very, very good. Patrick Mahomes is also very, very good. It’s a safe bet to assume that both young superstars will be making plays left and right. The game is more interesting when you look at Kansas City’s struggles at home this season. Three of their four losses came in front of their home crowd. I’m willing to overlook that stat because those three losses occurred before the Chiefs’ bye week.

After their bye week, the Chiefs’ defense was reborn. They allowed nine, 16, three, three and 21 points in the previous five weeks, respectively. (The 16 points was at New England and the 21 points was in Week 17 to the Chargers.)

While I’m preparing for an onslaught of media coverage surrounding Watson and Mahomes, I’m also expecting the Chiefs’ defense to show up again and perhaps make a big play when they need it most.