2022 NFL Playoffs: Making case for Divisional favorites
The 2022 NFL playoffs are now down to eight teams, and here’s a case for each favorite to cover spreads this weekend.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Kansas City Chiefs (-8.5)
The Chiefs are coming off their bye week to take on the miraculous Jaguars, who came back from the 27-0 deficit against the Los Angeles Chargers to win 31-30 at the gun. Kansas City and Jacksonville met at Arrowhead Stadium in Week 11, and despite the visitors being +3 in the turnover ratio, recovering a game-opening onside kick and scoring a garbage-time touchdown, the Chiefs still won 27-17.
Frankly, Kansas City has an overwhelming roster in this matchup. Patrick Mahomes is about to win his second MVP, the defense is led by a top-five defender in tackle Chris Jones, the corners are playing well and all told, the Chiefs have six Pro Bowlers to Jacksonville’s zero. If Kansas City doesn’t make huge mistakes, it wins by a few scores.
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New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles (-7.5)
This is a nice spot for the Eagles, who come in getting some rest as the NFC’s top seed. They also should be healthier with right tackle Lane Johnson and quarterback Jalen Hurts getting much-needed time to recover from their respective injuries.
While the Giants are good, they’ll have a tough time throwing against Philadelphia’s terrific secondary. This means stacking the box and forcing Daniel Jones to win under pressure. It’s not an ideal scenario, and could force a few turnovers.
Cincinnati Bengals at Buffalo Bills (-5)
Best game of the weekend? Perhaps. The Bills and Bengals both had scares from undermanned division rivals on Wild Card Weekend, but advanced nonetheless. Now, Josh Allen and Joe Burrow square off for the first time in their illustrious careers.
For Buffalo to cover, it needs to win up front against a beat-up Cincinnati offensive line. The Bills are without edge rusher Von Miller, and so Greg Rousseau, A.J. Epenesa and Ed Oliver must step up and control the line of scrimmage. If that happens, the Bills have a terrific chance to win and cover at home.
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Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers (-4.5)
This should be a fantastic game. The Cowboys baptized Tom Brady and the Buccaneers, and now go west to face Brock Purdy and Co.
However, the 49ers are ready and waiting after hanging 41 points on the outmatched Seattle Seahawks. Their defense is the best in football and will put Dak Prescott under constant duress. If Purdy can manage the game, San Francisco walks away a winner, and maybe by a few scores.
