The 2023-2024 NFL regular season is over. 14 teams in two conferences (seven in each) have a chance at winning the Vince Lombardi championship trophy. For those unfamiliar with the updated playoff format, an extra team was added. That means there’s one bye week for the top seeded team in each conference and a Monday night playoff game. Everyone wants to know which three teams in the AFC advance to the divisional round, so here are the best picks come Saturday.
#5 Cleveland Browns v. #4 Houston Texans
This regular season matchup was a one sided game where Houston didn’t have rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud IV. The Browns did any and everything they wanted to, embarrassing the Texans until the game was out of reach. Trust Houston’s rookie duo of Stroud and head coach DeMeco Ryans to perform a lot better after re-watching the film and making adjustments.
Unfortunately for the Texans, it won’t matter. Cleveland has the better defense, offensive line and postseason quarterback in Joe Flacco, who’s never lost a wildcard game and ended his last postseason run with a championship.
Prediction: Browns win 27-20
#6 Miami Dolphins v. #3 Kansas City Chiefs
Miami lost crucial games that could have locked up the east and a first round bye. The Dolphins didn’t win their division, so they’re awarded a first round trip to Kansas City in freezing temperatures against a well-rested Chiefs team.
While Miami is reeling from injuries, Kansas City finished top ten in passing yards and has one of the best defenses in the league. It’ll be hard for the undermanned Dolphins to play four focused quarters in one of the league’s loudest stadiums.
Prediction: Chiefs win 24-13
#7 Pittsburgh Steelers v. #2 Buffalo Bills
Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin kept his streak of not having a losing season alive thanks to starting third string quarterback Mason Rudolph the last three games of the regular season. The Steelers are rewarded by playing the second hottest team in the conference. Tomlin’s defense will be without star linebacker T.J. Watt, but free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick will return.
Buffalo’s Josh Allen has been one of the NFL’s best players since Thanksgiving, guiding the Bills from three games out of first place to decisively winning the AFC East last Sunday. Receivers Stefon Diggs, Dalton Kinkaid and Dawson Knox will face little resistance against a banged up secondary.
Prediction: Bills win 37-20
2023 regular season playoff picks record: 3-3
JD's Sportscorner 