AFC Divisional Round Ruthless Matchups

And…Here we are ladies and gentlemen, round two of your 2023 NFL Playoffs! What an exciting and upsetting start to the AFC bracket in all honesty. If your team is still in play, congrats as you’ve made it past “Super Wild Card Weekend.” If your team didn’t finish the job, better luck next year. Divisional round is set for some great football and I’m here previewing both matchups. 

(1) Baltimore Ravens vs (4) Houston Texans

The Ravens secured their playoff spot and had home field advantage without leaving the nest. MVP candidate Lamar Jackson looks to keep his strong play into January and get Baltimore into the AFC title game since 2012. If the script couldn’t be written any better, this is the time to prove he’s the man with the plan. With a very strong and physical defense, look for Baltimore to impose their will early and often. This game alone will determine whether two weeks off benefited the Flock or will rust work against them. Seeding doesn’t matter; but having momentum has everything to do with how you start.

Houston, we have a bright future don’t we? Leading Offensive Rookie of The Year candidate CJ Stroud was sensational in his first playoff game. Poised, pocket awareness, no fear or hesitation with throwing the football. Houston won their first playoff game since 2019 under former franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson. Great as Cleveland’s defense was, they had no answer for CJ or firepower to respond as the Texans defense had two pick sixes on Joe Flacco. In the grand scheme, Houston owns Cleveland’s first round pick from trading Watson. Oh, the irony of everyone doubting Houston’s “rebuild” and making a playoff run. They’ll have to play clean and flawless to upset Baltimore. 

(2) Buffalo Bills vs (3) Kansas City Chiefs

You wanted a divisional round rematch? Well, the stars have aligned as Buffalo advanced and will host their second playoff game of 2023. After a winter storm forced their matchup with Pittsburgh to Monday afternoon, the Bills still steam rolled behind a strong run game and defense who halted the Steelers ground game itself. QB Josh Allen will keep the Bills in striking distance, or he can throw it away in one play. They’ll have the weather elements in favor; but a two day rest disadvantage will arrive on schedule. This matchup with Kansas City could be what the doctor ordered to get another chance to redeem the 2021 Divisional round game in which it was decided by one play. If the Bills have ANY CHANCE OF WINNING, JOSH ALLEN MUST PLAY HIS BEST GAME. No questions asked, he knows the assignment ahead. Do what makes you successful by running the football. 

Kansas City managed to survive Mother Nature and beat the Miami Dolphins last Saturday evening. Not a pretty game, but good enough to get a win. QB Patrick Mahomes was solid; but this run offense has found footing as we speak. Outside of tight end Travis Kelce, who’s the wide receiver who’s going to be reliable? Not to mention, this will be the first road playoff game for Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes. They’ll likely be playing in similar elements as in Chiefs Kingdom; it will be a tough challenge for all parties. If the Chiefs can keep it close, look for another classic down to the wire finish between Buffalo and Kansas City. 

Stai tuned…