Within the divisional spherical, the Texans purpose to upset the Ravens. The Payments, in the meantime, hope to avenge earlier playoff disappointments towards the Chiefs. Listed below are predictions for the AFC divisional spherical:
Houston Texans (11-7) at Baltimore Ravens (13-4) | Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN/ESPN+
In Week 1 in Baltimore, the Ravens crushed the Texans 25-9, sacking rookie QB C.J. Stroud 5 occasions. On Tuesday, Baltimore LB Odafe Oweh indicated the rematch will not be one-sided, calling Stroud “a complete totally different QB.”
Stroud wowed in a 45-14 wild-card spherical victory towards the Cleveland Browns, finishing 16-of-21 passes for 274 yards and three TD passes. Per Josh Dubow of the Related Press, he grew to become the eighth rookie QB to win a playoff begin within the Tremendous Bowl period.
Whereas Stroud’s progress is outstanding, Baltimore remains to be the higher group and will win. Within the common season, the Ravens completed first within the league in factors allowed (16.5) and fourth in factors scored (28.4). As of Wednesday, FanDuel lists them as a 9.5-point favourite.
PREDICTION: Ravens 27-20
Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (12-6) at Buffalo Payments (12-6) | Sunday, 6:30 p.m. ET, CBS
Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes will play in a highway playoff sport for the primary time in his profession. He is getting into a hostile surroundings the place Buffalo’s passionate “Payments Mafia” fan base may very well be a game-changer.
“The vibe, the power, the juice that we will use from that,” Payments QB Josh Allen stated of the group’s followers Tuesday, by way of the Related Press. “You simply cannot chalk it as much as something apart from momentum, one thing you’ll be able to’t see however one thing you’ll be able to positively really feel. And so they give that to us.”
The Payments have misplaced their previous two postseason matchups towards the Chiefs, together with a heartbreaking 42-36 additional time defeat within the 2021 divisional spherical. Count on them to get some revenge. As of Wednesday, FanDuel lists Buffalo as a 2.5-point favourite.
PREDICTION: Payments 28-27
