Today marks the first day of the NFL playoffs in 2022. The first 2 games on deck are the Bengals hosting the Raiders and the Bills hosting the Patriots. We will outline the our predictions below.
Bengals Vs. Raiders
The Bengals open as 6 point favorites in this game. The Raiders made it into the playoffs on a last second field goal in their overtime thriller against the Chargers a week ago, while the Bengals won their division. In this game, I’m going with Joe Burrow and the Bengals. In his second year as their quarterback, he is showing more upside than Derek Carr. Burrow also has more weapons around him with the likes of Joe Mixon, Tee Higgins, and Ja’Marr Chase.
As for the Raiders, the fact that they made it here after multiple players got arrested, after Jon Gruden was fired, and after multiple injuries is amazing. Unfortunately, I think this is where their luck run out. I have the Bengals winning by 10.
Bills Vs. Patriots
This game to me can go either way. The Bills open as 4.5 point favorites. These 2 teams have split the wins when they met the first 2 times this season. If I had to pick, I’m going with the Patriots for the upset. I believe the Bills have the better talent on thier team, but the Patriots have the advantage when it comes to coaching. I can see Belichick coming up with the right game plan to give Mac Jones and his team the advantage at the end. The best way to limit Josh Allen and his offense is to keep them off the field. Be prepared for the Patriots to run the ball a lot and win this game by 3.
Halftime Fan Banter 