NFL PREVIEW: PLAYOFFS - DIVISIONAL ROUND

INDIANAPOLIS @ KANSAS CITY

SATURDAY - 4:35PM - ARROWHEAD STADIUM

The Kansas City Chiefs come into Saturday's divisional round as the #1 seed in the AFC. Head coach Andy Reid now in his (6th) season has maybe his best team yet on paper headed into the postseason. Not only are the Chiefs leading the AFC, they also lead the NFL in most offensive categories including (1st - 35.3 ppg), (1st - 425.6 total offense) and (3rd) in passing this season. Largely due in part to the MVP caliber season 2nd year QB Patrick Mahomes is having. Mahomes taking over the reigns in KC after the Chiefs departed from the Alex Smith era has rejuvenated and revitalized a thriving Kansas City offense. He finished with over (5,000) yards passing and just the (3rd) player in NFL history to throw for (50) or more touchdown passes in a single season; the others Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, good company for sure. After losing RB Kareem Hunt (11) weeks in after a previous domestic dispute arose from the smokes, the Chiefs will continue to look for a balance during the playoffs to take some pressure of the young QB. His explosive weapons on offense make scoring a bit easier. WR Tyreke Hill (12 TDs / 1,479 rec yards) this season while TE Travis Kelce broke the season record for receiving yards (1,336 rec yards / 10 TDs) by a tight end to only be rebroken by 49ers TE George Kittle the same day. Kelce and Hill both have been vital to the success of Mahomes growth and the KC offense.

Indianapolis won't be no slouch this weekend. After coming off a dominant wild card round win versus their divisional rival the Houston Texans on the road (21-7); the Colts are the hottest team in football. Winners of (10) out of their last (11) after starting the season (1-5), the Colts proved to be battled tested in route to their first playoff appearance since 2014. QB Andrew Luck has also been healthy after rehabbing an ongoing shoulder injury and has finally appeared to be back to his all pro form. After missing the entire 2017 season and just playing (22) games between (2015-2016), Luck was able to play an entire season while only trailing Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes in touchdown passes with (39) on the season. The most he has thrown since that 2014 season. His QBR (71.5) and completion percentage (67.3%) are the highest in his (7) year career. Instant success stems from his offseason preparations to get back on the field this season as well as the hire of head c
oach Frank Reich. Reich comes over from being the offensive coordinator in Philadelphia helping lead them to their first Super Bowl in franchise history. Reich has bought his aggressive style offense and Luck has embraced it beautifully. The Colts have turned TE Eric Ebron who was left for nothing in Detroit. Ebron has (14) receiving touchdowns on the season, the most any Colts players has recorded since 2004. WR T.Y Hilton seems to be as healthy as he has been all season. While just in (12) games, second year RB Marlon Mack has emerged as their lead back. Reeling off an impressive (138 rush yards) performance vs the Texans. The Colts have found a balance on offense and defense.

Indy has an underrated defense that has been on the rise since week 7 of the regular season allowing just (16.4 ppg). Rookie LB Darius Leonard has led the NFL this season in tackles (163) while causing (6 turnovers - 2 INTs, 4 FF) earning all pro status in the process. The Colts did suffer some minor but key injuries to the back end of their secondary in their wild card win Saturday that will bring up questions on availability as they will need all hands on deck versus this potent Chiefs offense. As well as they play a lot of zone which could bode well for Mahomes. While the Chiefs have giving up (40) points or more four times this season. Kansas City defense ranks (24th) overall however, second to last in passing yards and total yards given up. A bright spot is that they lead the league in sacks with (52). Andrew Luck has been sacked a career low (18) times. Something has to give. Indy new general manager finally got the help Luck needed drafting (4) offensive lineman within the top (40) picks over their last few drafts. First round pick Quentin Nelson is a beast in the trenches for Indy. The Colts went (6/6) on 3rd down against Houston and will need to win 3rd down once more to keep Mahomes and that offense on the sidelines, while breaking down a below average defense in KC. The Colts are (4-0) in the playoffs vs Kansas City including the 2013 matchup where the Chiefs were up (28) points to watch Andrew Luck and the Colts prevail (45-44) in the 2nd largest comeback in NFL postseason history. However these are not Andy Reid's same ol Chiefs team. Mahomes under center brings a whole new dynamic to the table in comparison to former QB Alex Smith. Unlike Deshaun Watson who was not precise and looked like a QB making his first playoff debut last weekend vs Indy; Mahomes brings upon a calmness and more precision that will ultimately be the difference. Definitely a shootout in store come Saturday, and it would not surprise me if Andrew Luck and the Colts went into Arrowhead and pulled out the upset; but I see Kansas City winning their first home playoff game since 1993.

KANSAS CITY 41 INDIANAPOLIS 34

DALLAS @ LA RAMS

SATURDAY - 8:15PM - LOS ANGELES MEMORIAL COLISUEM

Not too many people were picking the Dallas Cowboys to come out victorious in their wild card game against the Seahawks. However, the Cowboys dominated the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball and won their first playoff game since 2014. Lets start with that Cowboys defense which has been lights out the majority of the season. They held Seattle who entered the game as the leagues leading rushing team averaging (160 rush yards) per game to just (73 rush yards) over the weekend. They kept Seahawks QB Russell Wilson in check most the game, but it was their ability to stop the run which helped them advance to the divisional round. RB Ezekiel Elliott countered back with (137) rushing yards and the go ahead score for Dallas. His (29) rushing touchdowns are tied for the (2nd) most since 2016. Elliott recorded (30) touches was the most for a running back for the Cowboys since Emmitt Smith in the postseason during 1995. Zeke led the league in rushing (1,434 yards) for the second time in three seasons. However QB Dak Prescott stole the show. His 3rd and 14 will go down as one of his signature marks of his career. Prescott eluded defenders on the way to picking up a huge 3rd down that could have make or break the Cowboys at the juncture in the game. Dallas got out early and are (9-0) this season when leading after halftime. The Cowboys were the only home team that won during the wild card round.

Being said, their next opponent won't be no cupcake. The Los Angeles Rams, back to back winners of the NFC West and posted another double-digit win (13-3) season this year. Second year head coach Sean McVay had the Rams as one of the hottest teams to begin the season winning (8) straight but have lost (3) of (8) since. Injuries and inconsistent play at time has given the Rams grief all season. RB Todd Gurley (knee) has kept him sidelined the last (2) weeks of the regular season and including the bye week; Gurley should be well rested on 3 weeks. He recorded consecutive (1,000) yard rushing seasons as well as led the league in total touchdowns with (21) all while missing two weeks. He is a pivotal part of the success of QB Jared Goff and this Rams offense. A Rams offense that finished (2nd) in scoring (32.9 ppg) while ranking (2nd) in total offense, and (5th / 3rd) respectively in pass and run offense for 2018. Offensive line has taken some hits as Goff was sacked (33) times this season up from his first (2) seasons in the league. However under McVay he continuously improves. Passing yards, completion percentage and touchdowns have went up over the past two years. Their defense came into the season looking like all pro status however, just seems to have some all pro talent. Injuries to the secondary (Joyner/Talib) have been costly all season as their secondary has been subpar to say the least. Even their front led by DT Aaron Donald and his league leading (20.5) sacks have not been enough or them at times to stop the run and get off the field.

The Los Angeles Rams are a different team at home. Only one loss on the season at the Coliseum but it will be rocking with Cowboys fans as their are plenty in the LA area and due to the way they travel; the Cowboys will be at a home away from home. Jared Goff has (32 TDs / 12 INTs) on the season however his play goes tremendously down on the road. As well as their most recent loss to Philadelphia, Goff has went (3 TDs to 9 turnovers) in their losses or on the road this season. Wide receivers Robert Woods (1,219 rec yards / 6 TDs) and Brandin Cooks (1,204 red yards / 5 TDs) have came up huge with WR Cooper Kupp being done for the season. Kupp has been clutch with Goff and you can definitely see Kupp out of the lineup having an effect on Goff and this Rams offense. Kupp had (566 rec yards / 6 TDs) in just (8) games before going down to season ending injury. While having a healthy Todd Gurley back in the mix should help Goff out even though former starting RB C.J Anderson has filled his void; the versatility of Gurley to catch and run out of the backfield makes him special. Dallas has their own special back in Ezekiel Elliott though. Elliott continues to prove to be one of the elite backs in the league each week. The Rams have not defended the run well at all this season. Allowing for (273, 190) rush yards to Seattle and (194) rushing yards to the Bears. To alongside Dallas (5th) rank rushing defense this should be a great game. Cowboys linebackers rookie Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylen Smith led the team in tackles over the weekend just as they have during the entire season. Dallas front seven continues to get after it and have been key to their winning ways dominating the line of scrimmage early. Whichever team wins in the trenches on both sides of the ball will win this game. This will be key versus the Rams. Get this; Dallas defense vs top 5 offenses this season, allowing just (16.5 ppg - 1st), (151 pass yards - 1st), (273 total yards - 1st). A recipe they will look to take on the road. As well as bringing over WR Amari Cooper midseason (60 rec / 831 yards / 6 TDs) has given Dak a #1 receiver to stretch the field against a mediocre LA secondary. Since taking over as QB for the Dallas Cowboys in 2016, Dak Prescott has the most game winning drives (15), primetime wins (13), and rushing touchdowns (19) across that span. I think he comes up big again on the road.

DALLAS 30 LOS ANGELES RAMS 27

LA CHARGERS @ NEW ENGLAND

SUNDAY - 1:05PM - GILLETTE STADIUM

The New England Patriots battled their way to a #2 seed and a first round bye, what's new? However, with this team, everything looks new or just plugged in to fit the Patriots system. Injuries, departures, arrivals, defense and offense looking a shell of themselves occasionally this season and this has been one of the most daunting seasons for even the G.O.A.T QB Tom Brady. The (10) consecutive AFC East titles we get but this is far from your usual Patriots team heading in the postseason. Brady with some would say a down season threw (11 INTs) for the first time in over (5) seasons. Somehow they still seem to be in the mix every year. Offense ranks (4th) in scoring and (5th) in rushing with (127.3) rush yards per game. Rookie RB Sony Michel has led the way on a depleted running back core. They lost RB Jeremy Hill after one week, RB Rex Burkhead has finally returned off  IR, RB James White is not your traditional back and yet here we are. Michel only played in (13) games and accumulated (931 rush yards / 6 TDs). The versatile back has been injury prone dating back to his time in college but finally seems healthy enough headed into a matchup vs a tough Chargers defense. While Brady and the Pats have dealt with the RB issue, the receiving core has had their own tasks. WR Josh Gordon came and gone, played in (11) games. WR Julian Edelman started the season on a 4-game suspension. TE Rob Gronkowski has appeared in (13) games but his production is far from what we usually expect due to lingering injuries for the all pro Gronk. Once again their defense is not the best but have held opponents to just (20.3 ppg). That bend don't break mentality must continue.

The team they will be facing Sunday is as dangerous as all the wild card winners; the Los Angeles Chargers. The LA Chargers switched their game plan versus Ravens QB Lamar Jackson after just facing him and losing to this same Baltimore team in week 16. The Chargers found success with having (7) defensive backs on the field for (58 of the 59) snaps on defense. Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley schemed up more speed on the field which kept Jackson and a Ravens offense second guessing and turning the ball over a rapid pace. Los Angeles controlled the game from beginning to end. Contained the Ravens to just (90 rush yards) in comparison to their week 16 matchup (159 rush yards) allowed. They managed the clock as well while causing (3) turnovers and sacked Jackson (7) times Sunday, compared to just (3) sacks in their first matchup. The Chargers defense only allowed (69) total yard of offense in the first half. Their defense ranks (8th) overall, (9th) in total yards given up, and (9th) versus the pass and the run for 2018. Los Angeles has cleaned up their kicking woes after going through about (6) kickers in the span of two seasons, something had to give. Kicker Michael Badgley went (5/6) kicking field goals and his (5) made FGs was a Chargers playoff record.

The ageless wonder that is Chargers QB Phillip Rivers continues to dazzle even after (8) kids and (15) seasons in the NFL. However Rivers is (0-7) vs Brady and just (1-7) all time against the Patriots. Rivers/Brady have not met in the playoffs since the 2007 season where Rivers was playing with a torn ACL; this time he should have two healthy ACLs against Bill Belichick and a New England team that is (7-1) in the divisional round and (12-2) at home since 2010. I believe it will come down to the playmakers that surround these talented veteran QBs. The Chargers are getting healthy. WR Keenan Allen looks good, WR Mike Williams continues to play well, while RB Melvin Gordon, when healthy is a top tier back in the NFL. TE Antonio Gates continues to come up clutch for Rivers in is 16th season as well as a healthy TE Hunter Henry returns off IR. Henry has (12 TDs) in just (22) games. While their defense has stars at every level. Rookie DB Derwin James is an absolute stud. James led the team in tackles (105) and had (3 INTs) as well as (3.5) sacks and was voted an all pro in his first season. Defensive ends Melvin Ingram (7) sacks and Joey Bosa (7 games), (5.5) sacks lead a top 10 defense in every category. New England will need to be mindful of this aggressive defensive front. The Chargers get to the QB as well as defend like no other. However, #12 on the home team is like no other. Brady has dissected defenses apart for years especially in the postseason, especially at home. WR Chris Hogan could be due for a game and WR Phillip Dorsett as they look to help out Brady and this Patriots aerial attack which has been lackluster at best. Gronkowski health has always been a concern but getting Julian Edelman involved early will be a must. Both teams will need to get their running game involved a lot in this matchup. Rivers is a statue in the pocket, the Pats will need to ruffle him up and that usually leads to mistakes as the games goes along for Rivers. If New England can establish the run with Michel and company it may take pressure off Brady but if the Chargers are getting to Brady with a 3 or 4 man rush; Los Angeles will continue to show why they have dominated on the road outside of Cali this season (9-0) including postseason.

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS 31 NEW ENGLAND 28

PHILADELPHIA @ NEW ORLEANS

SUNDAY - 4:40PM - NEW ORLEANS SUPERDOME

Last year this time the New Orleans Saints were seconds from a trip to the NFC Championship game, then a miscalculated tackle later and WR Stefon Diggs and QB Case Keenum pulled out the luckiest of plays "Minneapolis Miracle." A year later I know it still stings especially for DB Marcus Williams but for the Saints and New Orleans fans alike. However, they have a chance to correct their mistakes from the playoffs a season ago. The Saints come into the postseason with the best record in the NFL (13-3). All season long, they have looked better then the competition and Sunday they will try to avenge their loss last year with a date with Nick Foles and the Philadelphia Eagles. The Saints crushed the Eagles (48-7) at home in week 11. A straight up beatdown on the defending SB champs as they rattled then QB Carson Wentz all game dominating time of possession, turnover battle and total yards. The Saints average around (31.5 ppg) and have looked brilliant on offense all season. Saints QB Drew Brees has done less this season throwing for just (3,992) yards his lowest since 2005. Brees also has posted (32 TDs) to just (5 INTs) and a career high (74%) passer completion percentage. RB Alvin Kamara was a pro bowl snub this year. Kamara was (2nd) to Todd Gurley in total touchdowns (18 TDs - 14 rush / 4 rec) and combined for over (1,500) yards from scrimmage. Third year WR Michael Thomas broke a franchise record for receptions (126) and receiving yards (1,405) in a season. Thomas has been Mr. Reliable for Drew Brees all season long.

The Philadelphia Eagles has relied on backup QB Nick Foles once again. Foles going on another magical run is now (9-1) over his last two seasons starting for the Eagles in the month of December and the playoffs. The Eagles offense continues to put up numbers even with Fo
les taking over for the once injured franchise QB Carson Wentz. Philly ranks (7th) in passing offense this season and has not missed a beat after inserting Foles in the lineup. His connection with fellow wideout Alshon Jeffery is apparent as well as him spreading the ball around to numerous receivers has paid dividends for Philadelphia. Nick Foles has started less than 5 games this season and became the first QB in playoff history to win a playoff game in consecutive seasons. The team just seems to have a better flow with St. Nick at the helm. The Eagles got the luck of the goal post and a timeout to freeze Bears K Cody Parkey and stole a victory out of Soldier Field (16-15) on Sunday. An even bigger challenge taking it on the road once more, this time to a loud NOLA. He seems to be composed as ever and that is thanks to head coach Doug Pederson making the offense friendly and cater to Foles strength as well as the play of their defense. They have been playing with that intensity that helped fuel their SB run a season ago. Philly has come out strong holding (9) opponents to less than (7) points in the first half of games this season. Across their last (4) game stretch, just given up (17.0 ppg) during that span. Secondary has played better and their front seven has stifled the running game of all their opponents.

Philadelphia continues to take this underdog mentality with them, on the road again. The Eagles won their (4th) straight playoff game dating back to last postseason as an underdog by beating the Bears Sunday. They probably should had lost Sunday, but they made enough plays down the stretch to win the game on both sides of the ball. Finding that balance on offense won't be easy with a tenacious defensive front in New Orleans. They rank (2nd) versus the run and have (49) sacks on the season which is top 5 on defense. Defensive anchors Cam Jordan (12.0) and Sheldon Rankins (8.0) lead the team respectively in those categories. Their secondary can play overly aggressive which can either help or hurt you. Their secondary would be their downfall on defense, however the pressure the front seven puts up allows some miscues on the back end. Getting down has not been a problem for Foles and the Eagles as they are (3-0) in the playoffs when trailing in the second half of games. Running back by committee seems to be the game plan moving forward but Foles and his weapons versus that Saints secondary will be the key. TE Zach Ertz (1,163) yards may be the only (1,000) yard receiver on the team but the weapons of WR Nelson Anghlor, WR Alshon Jeffrey, and WR Golden Tate will be a lot for the Saints to cover. However pressure and forcing turnovers was what helped them win their first matchup and look for plenty more of that come Sunday. Philly seems to have improved their run defense from the first time these two teams played however, Brees threw (4 TDs / 0 INTs) on the night. If Philly can't at least provide some hits on Brees, with that revamped offensive line you cannot let Brees have a clean pocket at his disposal to work with. Being said, I believe the Philly magic ends in NOLA; voodoo a little bit more stronger down south.

NEW ORLEANS 34 PHILADELPHIA 20

NFL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND (PREDICTIONS)

NFC: DALLAS COWBOYS AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

AFC: LOS ANGELES CHARGERS AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS