NFL Divisional Playoffs 
Frank Coyle/ NFL Scout
Saturday, January 21st
Jaguars (9-8) @ Chiefs (14-3)
4:30 PM est – NBC
Giants (10-7-1) @ Eagles (14-3)
8:15 PM est – FOX
Sunday, January 22nd
Bengals (13-4) @ Bills (14-3)
3:00 PM est – CBS
Cowboys (13-5) @ 49ers (13-4)
6:30 PM est – FOX
The best weekend in sports is the final eight teams in the NFL divisional playoffs. This year we get great matchups again including teams, the Giants and Jaguars who are back in the postseason for the first time in years. Both play on Saturday on the road facing tough assignments with the Giants traveling to Philadelphia and the Jaguars in Kansas City to face the mighty Chiefs. Sunday features two classic matchups with the Cowboys playing at San Francisco in another in a long history between the two NFC rivals. The Bengals face the Bills in Buffalo with two of the best young passers in the game, Joe Burrow and Josh Allen in an expected shootout.
The winners will advance to the Conference Championship games on Jan. 29th with the winners meeting in Super Bowl LVII on Feb. 12th in Glendale, Arizona.
NFL Divisional Playoff Matchups – 1/21 and 1/22
Giants (10-7-1) @ Eagles (14-3)
Giants are peaking at the right time. They have had huge problems with Eagles in recent years and must continue their recent strong play behind a hot Danny Jones and tough Saquon Barkley. Their aggressive defense has been very opportunistic and will need to be at the top of their game vs the potent Eagles attack directed by QB Jalen Hurts. Eagle receivers Smith and Brown are a dangerous tandem that will test the GMens’ secondary which is finally healthy. Gmen continue to surprise as road warriors and find a way to beat their divisional rival.
Giants 27 – Eagles 24
Jaguars (9-8) @ Chiefs (14-3)
The student meets the master in the Trevor Lawrence vs Patrick Mahomes confrontation. The Chiefs hold the #1 seat and well rested to take on the upstart Jaguars. Mahomes is magical and is dangerous in any situation. He will test the young Jax defense which must be composed early to create a game. Lawrence is a rare talent in his own right despite only completing his 2nd season. He will need a healthy guard Brandon Scherff to help neutralize sack artist DT Chris Jones.
Chiefs 38 – Jaguars 21
Sunday, January 22nd
Bengals (13-4) @ Bills (14-3)
Great matchup with elite young passers Joe Burrow and Josh Allen and between divisional winners. Burrow looks to return to the SB, though will be under heavy pressure from an aggressive Bills defense. Buffalo HC Sean McDermott will pressure the weak injured Bengals line and harass Burrow coming out of the locker room. The Bills’ Allen has responded with huge postseason performances and looks to get their offense back on track after several unnerving weeks due to the serious Damar Hamlin injury.
Bill 31 – Bengals 24
Cowboys (13-5) @ 49ers (13-4)
Long history of playoff games between these two NFC clubs, including the 49ers’ 23-17 postseason victory last January. 49ers’ offense has new leaders in rookie QB Brock Purdy and Pro Bowl runner Christian McCaffrey joining TE George Kittle and WR Deebo Samuel. Purdy is the Cinderella story of the year as ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ directing this potent attack like a seasoned veteran. 49ers defense ranks with any unit in the league and will pressure Boys’ QB Dak Prescott who is coming off his best performance of the year. That matchup may hold the key to the outcome here. Boys defense must step up and harass the rookie Purdy with defenders, Parson and Lawrence being key performers for any positive Dallas outcome.
49ers 27- Cowboys 17
