Saturday Games:
Buffalo Bills (12-5, 1-0 playoffs) at Denver Broncos (13-4, 0-0 in playoffs)
So the Bills played very well last weekend, surviving the tough Jacksonville Jaguars.
Now, all they have to do is take on the AFC's number one seed Denver Broncos in the thin air at Mile High.
Granted, the Bills are a bi depleted. Yet, I suspect that the defense should be able to force the Broncos to struggle on offense. Remember, Denver had some real difficulties and issues through the season with an offense that can at times appear lethargic. I expect that Buffalo should be able to force the Broncos to struggle with their offense in this game, as well.
As for the offense, Bills quarterback Josh Allen, last year's NFL MVP, adds some dynamic elements to Buffalo's own offense. However, Denver was particularly tough on defense this season. They were behind only Houston for average yards allowed, and trailed only the Seahawks and Texans for average amount of points allowed per game.
In short, the Bills offense will have their work cut out for them today.
Still, I expect that Josh Allen and the Bills will continue to do what they seem to be doing as of late: coming up with the goods when they absolutely had to. They themselves looked lethargic for much of the game last weekend. Yet, they scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter when they absolutely had to, with the game on the line.
A high-scoring game seems unlikely. Expect both teams to show why they made it this far, and I think the defenses in particular will shine. That said, I like the Bills right now, and feel that they have a bit of momentum. That should be enough for them to pull off the upset at Mile High.
My pick: Buffalo
San Francisco (12-5, 1-0 in playoffs) at Seattle Seahawks (14-3, 0-0 in playoffs)
One of the major questions surrounding this game in recent days is regarding Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold. Evidently, he sustained an injury during practice and was listed as questionable. However, Darnold himself reaffirmed that he is ready to play on Saturday, that he is not missing it. Yet even then, some question how he will handle a big game like this. Given how he struggled last year while with Minnesota, who also were among the possible top seeds, those concerns are legitimate. Yet, he handled himself wonderfully late this season, especially in two key divisional games against the Rams and these 49ers.
Conventional logic dictates that the 49ers defense will need to force Darnold to make mistakes. However, that possibly can be limited if the Seahawks successfully establish their running game.
As for the Seahawks defense, it one of the true elite units in the league. They contained the 49ers to just three points in the last meeting. Can they do it again?
While I am not sure if they can limit San Francisco to just a field goal, expect the points by both teams to be limited, and thus crucial. If the Seahawks avoid mistakes, particularly turnovers, they should be able to come away victorious in this one.
My pick: Seattle
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