NFL Divisional Round: 1 matchup to watch in each game

We’ve reached the 2021 NFL Divisional round, and here are four matchups to watch as the games unfold this weekend.

Cincinnati Bengals at Tennessee Titans (-3.5)

If the Bengals are going to pull off the upset, they need to protect Joe Burrow. Burrow has been sacked over 50 times this season, constantly under pressure behind one of the league’s worst offensive lines. Tennessee has a great front anchored by defensive tackles Denico Autry and Jeffrey Simmons, and edge rushers Harold Landry and Bud Dupree.

If Cincinnati can protect Burrow, he’ll have the ability to hit big plays with Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd on the outside against a subpar group of cornerbacks.

San Francisco 49ers at Green Bay Packers (-5.5)

The talk all week has been about whether the 49ers can run the ball against the Packers. Green Bay has been one of the NFL’s worst run defenses all year. However, there’s another issue for Green Bay on the other side of the ball worth considering.

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The Niners were able to sack Dak Prescott five times in their 23-17 upset win over the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Wild Card round. If San Francisco can generate that type of pressure against Aaron Rodgers in the NFL Divisional Round, the Packers will be on upset alert.

Los Angeles Rams at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-3)

The Buccaneers come into the game with a litany of injuries including right tackle Tristan Wirfs and center Ryan Jensen. If those two are either limited athletically or unable to play, Tampa Bay has a major problem against the Rams. Los Angeles is loaded up front with Aaron Donald on the inside. Meanwhile, Von Miller and Leonard Floyd patrol the edges.

For Tom Brady, that means his receivers and tight ends winning quickly. Considering Rams corner Jalen Ramsey will be on Bucs receiver Mike Evans, that means a ton of Scotty Miller, Cameron Brate and Rob Gronkowski.

Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs (-2)

The game of the week. For the Bills to win, they’ll need to let quarterback Josh Allen move the chains with his feet. When the two teams played in Week 5 at Arrowhead Stadium, Allen ran for 59 yards and a touchdown, and Buffalo won 38-20.

For Kansas City, Allen can best be limited in the passing game with blitzing and man coverage. Although that potentially opens up big runs. Look for the Chiefs to aim for aggressiveness while staying in rush lanes. If they can do it, they have a great shot to reach their fourth straight AFC Championship Game.