2020 NFL Divisional Playoff Weekend Preview, Insights And Analysis

One of the biggest questions in the National Football League is why in the world is the second round of the playoffs called divisional playoff when no two teams from the same division play against each other? You would think the people in charge of one of the most powerful leagues in professional sports today could come up with a better title. Before I regress further, here is a look at the four NFL playoff games this weekend.

Minnesota Vikings @ San Francisco 49ers

Even though the Vikings (10-6) limped into the playoffs with regular-season losses to the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears, they upset the New Orleans Saints 26-20 last week. San Francisco finished first in the NFC in the regular season at 13-3.

Why the Vikings win:

Quite simply their defense. Last week Minnesota contained Drew Brees to only one touchdown pass. Harrison Smith led Minnesota with eight tackles and as a defensive unit the Vikings recorded three sacks.

Why the 49ers win:

The accuracy of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Nine times this season the 49ers quarterback completed at least 70% of his passes. In the final week of the regular season, he tied a season-high by completing 81.82% of his passes. Garoppolo completed 18 of 22 passes for 285 yards in a 26-21 San Francisco win over Seattle.

My take:

The defenses for the 49ers and Vikings are very similar. However, San Francisco is more rested and scored 72 more points this season than Minnesota. Take the 49ers.

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Tennessee Titans @ Baltimore Ravens

In the second 1 vs. 6 seed matchup on Saturday, the Titans enter the game with a win over the defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots. Last week Tennessee beat New England 20-13 despite only 76 passing yards.

Why the Titans win:

The Titans (9-7) have a chance because of the recent play of running back Derrick Henry. The guy has quite simply been a beast. To end the regular season, Henry had 32 carries for 211 yards and three touchdowns in a 35-14 win over the Houston Texans and then in the AFC Wildcard had 182 yards rushing against New England.

Why the Ravens win:

Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson is the answer. It might have taken the Ravens fans time to warm up to Jackson as many showed loyalty to Joe Flacco who won Baltimore a Super Bowl, but Ravens head coach John Harbaugh needs to be given credit for designing a prolific offense around Jackson’s skill set.

My take:

At 14-2 the Ravens were the best team in the regular season. Nothing has shown me that Tennessee will be even remotely competitive in this contest. Baltimore will win huge.

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Houston Texans @ Kansas City Chiefs

In a battle of two AFC Division winners, the 10-6 Texans play the 12-4 Chiefs. In one of the most exciting regular-season games in 2019, the Texans beat the Chiefs 31-24 on October 13 from Arrowhead.

Why the Texans win:

Houston is on an emotional high. The return of J.J. Watt gave them an added boost last week in their 22-19 come from behind win over the Buffalo Bills. The Texans are also getting outstanding quarterbacking from Deshaun Watson.

Why the Chiefs win:

Kansas City is one of the hottest teams in football. Winners of six straight, they closed out the regular season with wins over the Los Angeles Chargers (twice in fact), Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots, Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears.

My take:

We know Kansas City has a great offense, but their defense has come on strong over the last month. During the streak, the Chiefs have given up single digits in points thrice and should give Watson a difficult challenge Sunday. Take Kansas City.

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Seattle Seahawks @ Green Bay Packers

Seattle (11-5) travels to the frozen tundra of Green Bay Sunday in what appears to be an appealing matchup. The Packers (13-3) was tied with New Orleans and San Francisco for the best record in the NFC in the regular season.

Why the Seahawks win:

Seattle needs to have the 2014 version of running back Marshawn Lynch. It appears Pete Carroll will be playing Lynch a lot, and in order for Seattle to compete against Green Bay, Lynch will have to be close to 100 rushing yards in the contest.

Why the Packers win:

The Packers enter the playoffs with the longest winning streak in the NFC at five games. They are healthier than Seattle and have only lost once at Lambeau all year. That was back in September when they lost 34-27 to Philadelphia. The Packers should have won the game, but their offense went out of sync after losing wide receiver Davante Adams to a turf toe injury.

My take:

Everyone talks about the Packers’ great offense, but in 2019, their defense was much improved. Green Bay gave up 87 fewer points than last year. The Packers should contain the Seahawks offense in difficult playing conditions and come up with the W.

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