Our NFL Divisional Round predictions 2022 are finally here. The eight best teams in the league have made it this far and they all have a strong case to take the Vince Lombardi trophy home.
NFL Divisional Round predictions 2022
As most of you may know by now, anything can happen at this point. It’s win-or-go-home time and the slightest mistake can put an end to your season. That’s why oddsmakers don’t offer huge point spreads as we usually expect tight games at this stage.
So, now that the field is set and the stars are getting ready for the biggest game of the season, let’s take a look at our Divisional Round preview and our picks for these exciting games.
Joe Burrow and the Bengals upset the Titans
The Cincinnati Bengals lived another day despite not putting their feet on the Las Vegas Raiders’ throat. But, in reality, the final score was misleading. Even without the controversial whistle call, the Bengals were always in control of that game.
The Tennessee Titans are likely to have most of their offensive weapons back so most Divisional Round previews have them ending up on top. Then again, Derrick Henry will have to shake off some rust and the Titans are off a Bye week, while the Bengals are fresh off a momentum-building win.
Joe Burrow‘s connection with Ja’Marr Chase promises to be historically good for years to come. The Bengals have been solid against the run all season long, so if they find the way to give Burrow a couple of seconds to operate, they could shock the world and get the win.
Aaron Rodgers makes a statement against the 49ers
Not so long ago, the San Francisco 49ers were something like Aaron Rodgers‘ nemesis. That hasn’t been the case as of late, as the Green Bay Packers beat them in back-to-back games. Now, the Packers will host them at Lambeau Field with the chance to make a statement.
People doubted, questioned, and criticized Rodgers all season long. He responded with another MVP-caliber year and played perhaps the best football of his career. The Packers got David Bakhtiari back and Jaire Alexander could also play in this game.
The 49ers are peaking at the right time but they still have a huge liability in Jimmy Garoppolo. Jimmy G almost cost them the upset against the Dallas Cowboys, even despite Deebo Samuel‘s incredible performance. This will be close, but Rodgers will throw four touchdowns.
Shootout at Arrowhead sends Bills to the AFC Championship Game
Most of the NFL Divisional Round predictions 2022 have the Kansas City Chiefs getting back at the Buffalo Bills again. And, in reality, it’s hard to blame them, as they’re fresh off a huge win over the Pittsburgh Steelers and look like a clear-cut Super Bowl candidate again.
Nonetheless, let’s not ignore the fact that the Bills have matched up perfectly with the Chiefs as of late. They have the best defense in the league and know how to put a lot of pressure on Patrick Mahomes, forcing him to turn the ball over and banging him up more often than not.
The Bills have a history of underperforming when it matters most and Josh Allen rarely strings huge performances together. Then again, we’re talking about a team that just demolished a top-3 defense and had the first perfect offensive game in NFL history. Ride with them.
Rams overcome Tom Brady
If you ask people for their NFL predictions this weekend, 8 out of 10 will side with Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. We wouldn’t be so sure about that, as they’re severely undermanned and could have serious issues on the defensive side of the gridiron.
Matthew Stafford was efficient and in control against the Cardinals but people still expect him to fail in a big game. Even so, the Rams’ tough defensive unit has gotten the best out of Brady in back-to-back games. Sean McVay’s team has beaten the Bucs four out of the last five times also.
The Divisional Round preview has the Bucs as 3-point home favorites ahead of this game. Brady is having one of the best seasons of his career but he no longer has Chris Godwin or Antonio Brown at his disposal. We like the Rams to win a very, very close game.