The NFL Divisional Playoffs have kicked off, with several high-stakes matchups pitting top teams against each other in a quest for the championship. In this week's Loop NFL Picks, our expert handicapper offers their take on the big games.
In one of the most anticipated rematches of the playoffs, the Houston Texans are set to face off against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots have been looking sharp all season, and it's likely that quarterback Mac Jones will continue his dominant form, leading his team to a convincing 7-point victory over the Texans.
On the other side of the field, the Chicago Bears are looking to avenge their loss to the Los Angeles Rams in last week's wild-card game. Bears coach Ben Johnson has been known for his outspoken personality, and he'll stop at nothing to get his team into the Super Bowl. However, the Rams' strong offense will prove too much for the Bears, leading to a 3-point Rams win.
In the NFC West showdown between the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks, the 49ers are looking to make their first playoff appearance since 2020. Despite being short-handed due to injuries, including the loss of star tight end George Kittle, the 49ers have found a way to overcome adversity. However, quarterback Sam Darnold will face his biggest test yet as he leads the Seahawks to a narrow 3-point win.
The AFC Wild Card game between the Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos has been set up as a rematch of last year's thrilling playoff battle. Josh Allen's dominance over Bo Nix is well-documented, but the Broncos' defense may prove too much for the Bills' offense, leading to a 3-point Broncos win.
These matchups have all the makings of thrilling divisional round games, with the potential for upsets and dramatic finishes on full display. Will your favorite team come out on top? Only time will tell.
In one of the most anticipated rematches of the playoffs, the Houston Texans are set to face off against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots have been looking sharp all season, and it's likely that quarterback Mac Jones will continue his dominant form, leading his team to a convincing 7-point victory over the Texans.
On the other side of the field, the Chicago Bears are looking to avenge their loss to the Los Angeles Rams in last week's wild-card game. Bears coach Ben Johnson has been known for his outspoken personality, and he'll stop at nothing to get his team into the Super Bowl. However, the Rams' strong offense will prove too much for the Bears, leading to a 3-point Rams win.
In the NFC West showdown between the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks, the 49ers are looking to make their first playoff appearance since 2020. Despite being short-handed due to injuries, including the loss of star tight end George Kittle, the 49ers have found a way to overcome adversity. However, quarterback Sam Darnold will face his biggest test yet as he leads the Seahawks to a narrow 3-point win.
The AFC Wild Card game between the Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos has been set up as a rematch of last year's thrilling playoff battle. Josh Allen's dominance over Bo Nix is well-documented, but the Broncos' defense may prove too much for the Bills' offense, leading to a 3-point Broncos win.
These matchups have all the makings of thrilling divisional round games, with the potential for upsets and dramatic finishes on full display. Will your favorite team come out on top? Only time will tell.
and the underdog teams are where its at, like the Texans vs Patriots, that's a 7-point spread, easy money for the other team 
if they can contain mac jones, they might just pull off the upset 
I'm all about the underdog story this week! The Chicago Bears seem like they're gonna get taken down by those Rams 
. But, you know what? I think Ben Johnson's gonna keep it real and try to outsmart that offense. Maybe he'll pull off a Hail Mary 
and take 'em to the Super Bowl! 
The Texans are gonna pull off a major upset and take down the Patriots in a nail-biter! 
Mac Jones is having an amazing season, but Deshaun Watson's got some tricks up his sleeve too. The Patriots might be looking sharp, but I think the Texans' defense will come out on top and secure that 7-point victory 
. Don't count them out just yet!
! The Texans vs Patriots is looking like a total blowout, but you never know what's gonna happen in the playoffs. And omg, Bears coach Ben Johnson sounds SO intense 
, I love it. But I think the Rams might actually take down the Bears, their offense is on fire 
.
. And Josh Allen vs Bo Nix is gonna be EPIC 
and let the pros handle it. Bring on the chaos and drama of the playoffs!!! 
So like I'm thinking about the NFL playoffs and I made a little diagram to visualize the matchups 
. Apparently, the conference championships will be played at neutral sites which could lead to some crazy matchups and travel days for teams 
. Can't wait to see how it all plays out! 
anyway, it's gonna be a crazy game!
they've got some tough matchups ahead of them, especially if the Texans can get their D going 
. And don't even get me started on the Bears, Johnson is just trying to make a name for himself by yelling at everyone and making questionable play calls 
. Mac Jones is a genius QB, but will he be able to outsmart Johnson's antics? Doubt it 
.
. Sam Darnold's gonna get roasted by that Broncos' defense, and the Seahawks will just coast to an easy win 
. And don't forget about last year's rematch, Josh Allen is gonna have his worst game ever against those Broncos 
.
. but you gotta respect the bears, ben johnson is always bringing the heat 
. and dont even get me started on the rams offense 
. but overall, these matchups are gonna be straight fire 
! The Patriots vs Texans matchup is gonna be lit, I can already imagine Mac Jones leading his team to a convincing win