NFL picks and score predictions for the Divisional Round as we’re down to eight contenders.
The first round of the 2022 NFL Playoffs is in the books, and it was quite the show. While there were more blowouts than expected, it was still an exciting three-day affair that reminded us why we love postseason football. Well, guess what? There’s more to come this week.
As I’m sure you expected, we’ve now got you covered with the Divisional Round edition of NFL picks and score predictions. As always, I’ll never claim to know what the future holds. As it turns out, odds are high at least a few of my picks will be completely wrong. I will, however, make my selections based on research, experience, and careful consideration.
I’m usually not one to toot my hoot too loudly, but I do want to call out that I correctly predicted all six of the Wild Card weekend games. That makes me a shiny 6-0 to start the 2022 postseason. I can’t promise the perfect streak will continue this upcoming weekend, but it’s a promising sign as we move through the early parts of the playoffs.
Just remember that making picks is not a science. Plenty of research goes into it, but there’s no crystal ball — craziness occurs every Sunday. Then again, isn’t that part of the fun of it all?
Now that we’ve gotten all of that out of the way, here are my NFL picks and score predictions for the Divisional Round. Just keep in mind that I assume no responsibility if you choose to place wagers based on my picks — that’s your decision, not mine.
NFL Playoff Divisional Round picks and predictions
No. 4 Cincinnati Bengals at No. 1 Tennessee Titans
Saturday, January 22, 4:35 PM ET
I know, I know. Derrick Henry is back, which means the No. 1 seed Tennessee Titans are suddenly worthy of the Super Bowl conversation. I understand that, and I’m not denying they have the potential to go the distance this season.
Before they do that, though, they have to get through the Cincinnati Bengals. And based on what we’ve seen from the Bengals in recent weeks, the Titans aren’t going to be able to cruise in this one. In fact, they’ll need every ounce of offense Henry can muster if they’re going to outscore Joe Burrow and the Bengals offense.
Don’t let last week fool you — Cincinnati has the potential to light up the Tennessee defense. Yes, they struggled at times to move the ball against the Las Vegas Raiders defense. But when it mattered most, Burrow and Co. found a way to put points on the board. Plus, this Bengals defense is no slouch, meaning they aren’t just going to let the Titans roll them over.
This could be a low-scoring affair, with Tennessee trying to control the clock while the Bengals do their best to keep the ball away from Ryan Tannehill and Henry. Let’s say it comes down to the final possession, with Burrow tossing a dazzling touchdown to Ja’Marr Chase as time expires to secure a trip to the AFC Championship game.
Prediction: Bengals win 24-21
No. 6 San Francisco 49ers at No. 1 Green Bay Packers
Saturday, January 22, 8:15 PM ET
Despite having eight of the best teams in football still alive, this could easily be the best game of the Divisional Round. The Green Bay Packers are arguably the league’s top team, but it’s hard to ignore the talent the San Francisco 49ers possess.
Unfortunately, injuries could play a significant factor in this one. The 49ers suffered a couple of key injuries on defense in their Wild Card showdown, with Fred Warner and Nick Bosa both ailing. Slowing down Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams, Aaron Jones and the rest of the Green Bay offense won’t be easy if the 49ers are missing two of their top defensive playmakers.
Furthermore, I’m still not sure Jimmy Garoppolo is the man for the job in San Francisco. The 49ers have been winning plenty as of late, but at times it feels as though they’re winning in spite of Garoppolo. Kyle Shanahan will have to rely heavily on Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, and Elijah Mitchell while hoping his quarterback doesn’t make too many costly mistakes.
With home-field advantage, a far superior talent under center, and being well-rested coming off the bye week, the Packers have the clear edge. The 49ers won’t roll over and give them the win, but Rodgers and the rest of this Green Bay roster will wrestle it from them while keeping their own Super Bowl dreams alive.
Prediction: Packers win 33-28
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
No. 3 Buffalo Bills at No. 2 Kansas City Chiefs
Sunday, January 23, 6:30 PM ET
Trust me, I wanted to pick the Buffalo Bills in this one. Heck, I will probably regret not picking them. But when it came down to it, they’ve just been too inconsistent and erratic throughout the 2021 season. The same can’t be said for the Kansas City Chiefs — at least since they hit their stride.
Everything about the Bills’ statement win in the Wild Card round indicates they’re ready to go the distance. I’d like to believe that. But too many times this season, I’ve called Buffalo the best team in the AFC only to be let down. I can’t get behind them, especially against a Chiefs squad that’s been red-hot since the beginning of November.
Sure, Josh Allen is coming off a career game during which he threw more touchdowns than incompletions. Sure, the Buffalo defense was stifling — against Mac Jones. This week, the Bills will be tasked with slowing down Patrick Mahomes and an explosive Kansas City offense, which will be ten times the task it was to hold the New England Patriots to only 17 points.
The Chiefs have Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, and Travis Kelce. Even Jerick McKinnon seemed like a dangerous weapon on Sunday. As much as I’m growing tired of seeing Kansas City in the AFC Championship, I don’t think we’re going to avoid it this year.
Allen and the Bills keep it close all game but come up short at the end. Mahomes and Co. make their fourth consecutive attempt to claim the AFC crown.
Prediction: Chiefs win 32-30