Forecaster Frank's Picks: 2021 Divisional Playoffs
Super Wild Card Weekend saw me go 4-2 as I again took my season record over .500 at 139-138-1 .502.
Saturday
Ten - 3.5 (o/u 47)
Titans 24 Bengals 20
Expect the sparks to fly as Joe Burrow tries to get the Bengals into the AFC Championship Game for the first time since 1988. Burrow played well last week as Cincinnati won their first postseason game in 31 years. The Titans won home field in the AFC despite a rash of injuries, one of those critical players was Derrick Henry, who is expected to play. The Bengals will keep this game close, but the Titans will get the win.
GB -5.5 (o/u 47)
Packers 37 49ers 13
The 49ers were fortunate in their game against the Cowboys, as they nearly blew a 16-point lead in the fourth quarter. During the game, the Niners had several players hurt that could affect their chances in Green Bay, as Nick Bosa suffered a concussion, while Jimmy Garapollo sustained a thumb injury. The Packers were the best team in the NFL in 2021, earning the right to a bye week and home field. Aaron Rodgers had an MVP season and will look to have a big game, erasing the bad feelings from the 2020 NFC Championship.
Sunday
LAR +3 (o/u 48.5)
Rams 23 Buccaneers 20
One of the reasons there has not been a repeat champion in the NFL since 2004 is the difficulty of staying healthy with the league's grueling schedule. Injuries and other factors walloped the Buccaneers receiving core in December; now their offensive line is banged up as tackle Tristan Wirfs hurt his ankle last week. Without a health Wirfs on the line, who will stop Aaron Donald from getting to Tom Brady? The Rams beat up Brady and the Buccaneers early in the season; now they end their season and look to become the second straight team to host the Super Bowl.
Buf +2 (o/u 54)
Bills 34 Chiefs 30
Last season the Bills' Super Bowl dreams ended with a loss at Arrowhead Stadium, now they return hoping to get back to the AFC Championship Game. The Bills won in Kansas City in the regular season; they are coming off a perfect game against the Patriots, in which they scored a touchdown in every possession except when they took a knee at the end of the game. The Chiefs easily beat the Steelers, but had moments where the game could have gone the other way, had Ben Roethlisberger not looked washed up. The Bills hit the throttle last week and continue to ride this week as they stun the two-time defending AFC Champions.