2022 NFL picks, score predictions for Divisional Round

 No. 4 Los Angeles Rams at No. 2 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Sunday, January 23, 3:05 PM ET

I’d like to believe the Los Angeles Rams have a real chance at pulling off the upset. And honestly, their chances aren’t minimal. But their chances also aren’t promising. Why? Because they haven’t been great down the stretch, and now face off against a confident Tampa Bay Buccaneers squad.

Yes, the Rams got the win in the Wild Card round against the Arizona Cardinals. However, it was a limping Cardinals team that had lost four of its last five regular-season games and looked lost on Monday night. It was a solid win and confidence boost for Los Angeles, but the level of competition wasn’t high.

That won’t be the case against the Buccaneers this upcoming Sunday. Tom Brady is having one of his best seasons and is getting plenty of help from his supporting cast. On top of that, the Tampa Bay defense is doing its thing. As dependable as Matthew Stafford looked in the Wild Card round, the Buccaneers will take advantage of any and every mistake he makes.

This one could go either way. There’s the potential for the Rams to keep it close, taking it down to the wire. There’s also potential for the Buccaneers to blow them out, which I can’t really say for the other Divisional round matchups.

Ultimately, I’m predicting the Buccaneers put together a dominant showing and send the Rams packing without too much trouble.

Prediction: Buccaneers win 27-13