"AFC Divisional Round Preview: Uncharted Territories"

The AFC wild card games brought plenty of excitement and bloodied
lips! New energy filled stadiums; while other teams faced the reality of
not being good enough to advance. This round will see some heavy
defenses battling it out; as top seeded Denver Broncos will showcase
their built to win it all.

1. Denver Broncos (14-3) vs 6. Buffalo Bills (12-5)
A tough gauntlet of AFC competition and securing the top seed, Denver
is looking for their first playoff win since 2015. The Broncos appear to be
lurking for something far more greater than home field advantage. For
what it's worth, this is more about head coach Sean Payton's second
career in building a winning culture. Led by second year quarterback Bo
Nix, this offense had its moments. Very unraveling at times due to
stifling defenses, Nix can play very reckless. A middle of the road
offense with lack of outside playmakers, Denver will rely heavily on
defense.

Speaking of the defense, one of the best units led by Vance Joesph. A
man who understands exotic coverages and schemes to get his guys
juiced up. Reigning defensive player of the year Patrick Surtain II leads
this unit with a lot of bodies flying. Can they put hats on hats with Bills
quarterback Josh Allen? A linebacking core who can bring the house, it's
Denver's calling card. Keeping Buffalo out of the end zone comes with a
great deal of pressure. Even with Allen's legs, Denver must be on their
best tackling. Avoiding extended drives and forcing Buffalo to kick field
goals should give them great advantage.

Clark Kent/Superman Josh Allen is coming to a booth in Denver; as the
Bills escaped Jacksonville last weekend in a road upset. Even with a

makeshift offensive line, Allen can put the cape on and become
Superman in a blink of an eye. This will be a difficult challenge; as
Buffalo's offense is built off Allen's ability to make something out of
nothing. Running back James Cook will have to run like he's never had
in order to aid Allen's play. With wide receiver Gabe Davis out with a
torn ACL, look for a heavy dose of tights ends Dawson Knox and Dalton
Kincaid. Veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks will give Allen a couple
plays. Can Keon Coleman be the x-factor and impact the Bills passing
attack?

Buffalo's defense is little to be desired as it's a hot mess up front. Up,
down and always out of sight. This game is the perfect opportunity for
this unit to shine and put Bo Nix in his place. Even with a below average
front, they can get home to Nix and give this secondary a chance in
forcing interceptions. Veteran Tre'Davious White still impacts the game
in coverage and will draw attention. It'll be up to the others in breaking
down Denver's offense.

In the end, this game will come down to Josh Allen leading a game
winning drive against a vaunted Broncos defense. Will he have the
opportunity in advancing Buffalo or will Denver trample the Bills' Super
Bowl hopes in Mile High?

2. New England Patriots (14-3) vs Houston Texans (12-5)
Winning playoff football is back in Foxboro, as New England sent the LA
Chargers home Sunday night. Their first home playoff win since 2018,
the Patriots felt like nothing could stop them. MVP candidate Drake
Maye made his playoff debut, just a little uncomfortable at first and tried
to get too cute early on. Even with the weather and home crowd, fans
still showed up and enjoyed a playoff win. To win this game versus
Houston, who have the number one scoring defense; New England
needs to run the ball early and often. Offensive coordinator Josh

McDaniels must have a game plan to slow down Will Anderson Jr's
presence. Keeping the turnovers at a bare minimum is crucial for New
England's offense.

You want a team to take on the identity of their coach, look no further
than the Patriots defense. Head coach Mike Vrabel will have this unit
ready to roll; even with a bloodied lip while celebrating a game sealing
sack Sunday night. This defense was out to hurt the Chargers and
violent is an understatement. It's the kind of old school football fans like
myself embrace and enjoy in part of the physicality. A defense who can
keep it within reach and create havoc up front. The back seven will be
just as violent and impose their will on Houston's offensive game plan.
Don't be shocked if the Patriots defense has plenty of bang-bang plays.

Houston launched into the postseason on a nine game winning streak;
while sending future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers home
Monday night in Pittsburgh. The Texans have been a team NOBODY
wants to play. For context purposes, quarterback CJ Stroud missed a
few games with concussion protocol. Enter Davis Mills and the rest is
history. An offense which will score enough but will be limited by the
absence of wide receiver Nico Collins; who suffered a concussion
Monday night. A heavy dose of running backs Woody Marks and Nick
Chubb will be needed in what'll be snowy conditions at Foxboro.
Stroud's pocket awareness has to be very high against this Patriots
defense.

The number one scoring defense in Houston has been talks among
national sports shows and podcasts. A very violent defense as well and
aren't afraid to get down and dirty. Led by linebacker Will Anderson Jr,
this Texans unit must stop the Patriots running attack. It's the main
objective with marginal room for error. Applying pressure on Maye,
forcing him to throw it very early can open the door for scoring

opportunities. If Houston can play it tight until the final whistle, an upset
is a strong possibility.

In the end, this game is likely coming down to one big play from either
team. Patriots home run touchdown or a game sealing interception by
Houston. Don't expect a lot of scoring from either side and both
defenses forcing a lot of three and outs.