Wildcard weekend wasn’t competitive in the AFC. Kansas City, Houston and Buffalo controlled their games and won with few scares. The remaining four (the Baltimore Ravens had a week off) teams have a great shot at getting to both the conference championship and the Super Bowl. Even with an inexperienced Texans team remaining, no team is an easy out. It’s time to analyze which two teams have the best chance of making the next round.
#4 Houston Texans v. #1 Baltimore Ravens
A lot has changed since Baltimore’s dominant week one win in Houston. Second overall pick C.J. Stroud IV is the NFL’s rookie of the year, and could get some league MVP votes due to how he’s propelled the Texans this far into the postseason.
Both teams mirror each other well. They have layered, dynamic offenses and stout defenses. Where they differ is depth at runningback and receiver. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson finally has the help he wanted for years with Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman and Odell Beckham Jr. at receiver and Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar at tight-end. Jackson’s favorite option Mark Andrews will also return. Houston can only do so much with so little.
Prediction: Ravens win 34-21
#3 Kansas City Chiefs v. #2 Buffalo Bills
This matchup will have every casual and serious football fan’s attention. This time in part three of Patrick Mahomes II v. Josh Allen, Kansas City plays their first road playoff game since 2015 (sans Super Bowl appearances). The Bills are at home and just as last weekend, there will be multiple winter weather advantages in western New York.
The big difference outside receiving depth will be Kansas City’s adjustment on the road in a hostile, winter environment. Mahomes has yet to play winter football in another venue especially with high winds. While both offenses will have to match and read different coverages, Buffalo’s tight end duo of Dawson Knox and Dalton Kinkaid might deal more damage toward the Chiefs linebackers, giving receivers like Stefon Diggs and Khalil Shakir more one-on-one opportunities. This is when Kansas City would benefit with a few more receiving options.
Prediction: Bills win 41-38
AFC wildcard weekend picks record: 2-1
JD's Sportscorner 