Forecaster Frank NFL Picks Divisional Round: The Last Full Weekend
Saturday
- Bal -9.5 (o/u 43.5)
- Ravens 31 Texans 10
This game has blowout written all over it. The teams met in the first week of the season, with the Ravens winning 25-9. C.J. Stroud went on to have a great season, becoming the favorite to win Rookie of the Year, while Lamar Jackson is the MVP favorite for the Ravens. The Texans played a great game last week, beating the Browns to advance to the Divisional Round. However, Houston has never advanced past the Divisional Round. This trend will continue as the Ravens are too strong and will win the game easily.
- SF -9.5 (o/u 50.5)
- 49ers 38 Packers 16
Jordan Love improved throughout the season as the Packers climbed into the playoffs and upset the Cowboys in the Wild Card round. They were the only road team to win last week. The 49ers finished with the best record in the NFC and are poised for a return to the NFC Championship Game. The Niners have a strong defense and a top-notch balanced offense. Christian McCaffery is a top candidate for Offensive Player of the Year after scoring 21 touchdowns. Expect the 49ers to roll, as the Packers don't match up well on either side of the ball.
Sunday
- TB +6.5 (o/u 49.5)
- Lions 24 Buccaneers 20
The Lions won their first playoff game in 32 years last week, as they held off the Rams to advance to the Divisional Round. The Lions will be getting another home game, as they benefited from the Cowboys' collapse. The Buccaneers are a bigger surprise, first winning the NFC South and then rolling over the Eagles behind Baker Mayfield. This game will be close, as the Lions will have to be strong again. The Buccaneers will cover, but the Lions will win.
- Buf -3 (o/u 45.5)
- Bills 23 Chiefs 17
These teams met in December, with the Bills season on the brink. Buffalo won the game in Kansas City, benefiting from Kadarius Toney's toe being offsides. The Bills have gone on a run since and now host a game in the Divisional Round. The Chiefs have had their ups and downs, beating the Dolphins in Arctic conditions. Expect the Bills' run to continue, as Patrick Mahomes playing his first road game in the postseason.