NFL Saturday Divisional Round Predictions
Saturday’s divisional slate of playoff games feature the top two seeds in the AFC and the NFC facing off against the sixth seed in their respective conferences. The Tennessee Titans and Minnesota Vikings are coming off upsetting two NFL juggernauts, but can they follow up those wins with upset victories over the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers?
#1 San Francisco 49ers vs #6 Minnesota Vikings
Last week Kirk Cousins won his first career playoff game for the Vikings after a conservative effort, this week Jimmy Garopplo suits up for his first career playoff start for the 49ers. This game is expected to be a defensive showdown after the Vikings held the powerhouse New Orleans Saints to 17 points. The 49ers get back LB Kwon Alexander who will aim to shore up that entire defense that has been amongst the worst in since their week 14 matchup against the Saints. If either team wants to win it’ll come down to quarterback play and Jimmy G seemingly has the better weapons with Vikings WR Adam Thielen hurt once again.
Prediction: 49ers 27- Vikings 21
Player of the game: 49ers TE George Kittle
#1 Baltimore Ravens vs #6 Tennessee Titans
This is a matchup of run vs run. The Ravens, who broke the single season rushing record, are led in rushing by presumed NFL MVP QB Lamar Jackson. Jackson was joined by RB Mark Ingram as 1,000+ yard rushers on the year. The Titans are led by the 2020 NFL rushing leader Derrick Henry, who is fresh off a 200+ scrimmage yard game against the New England Patriots. Both teams will fight to run the ball, but this game will come to which quarterback makes the plays through the air. Action Jackson has been lights out all season and it’s big truss in Baltimore with the Ravens taking care of business at the Bank.
Prediction: Ravens 34- Titans 20
Player of the game: Ravens S Earl Thomas
