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2023 NFL picks, score predictions for Divisional Round

By Sayre Bedinger

NFL picks; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid shakes hands with Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson after a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
NFL picks; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid shakes hands with Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson after a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /
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NFL picks: Sam Hubbard #94 and Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrate as they walk off the field after defeating the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Wild Card playoff game at Paycor Stadium on January 15, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Baltimore Ravens with a score of 24 to 17. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

(3) Cincinnati Bengals at (2) Buffalo Bills

Sunday, January 22, 3:00 PM ET (CBS)

The start of this Bengals and Bills matchup in the postseason is almost certainly going to be emotionally charged as the last time these two teams took the field, Bills safety Damar Hamlin left in an ambulance and the sports world stopped to pray and send well wishes as he fought for his life.

Lately, there have been nothing but positive updates on Hamlin whose health continues to improve as the Bills advanced in the postseason, albeit in a bit of a surprise shocker, against the Miami Dolphins.

The Dolphins gave the Bills yet another scare and Buffalo now has to deal with Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals, a team that is about as good as it gets right now in the NFL. Although the Bengals’ offensive line is slightly depleted again, they head into Buffalo ready for another tough road playoff matchup against one of the league’s best overall teams.

This game, as they say, “could come down to whoever has the ball last”. Although the Bills have been one of the best teams all year long, it just feels right now like the Bengals are the more complete team.

They haven’t lost since Halloween. They are able to absolutely pick apart teams through the air, Lou Anarumo’s defense has been shutting teams down, and the Bengals can pound it on the ground with Joe Mixon and Samaje Perine.

I don’t think Buffalo has that ability to win with a strong ground game right now, and without Von Miller, who is that closer for the team late in games? What’s more, the Bills have a whopping nine turnovers in their last three games.

This is shaping up to be a fascinating playoff game, and whatever team wins this game is likely facing a trip to Kansas City. The road to the Super Bowl through the AFC is a gauntlet. Could we be headed to a rematch between the Chiefs and Bengals, or will it be a chance at revenge for the Bills against Patrick Mahomes?

Prediction: Bengals win 27-24

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