NFL Divisional Predictions Part 2
Cincinnati Bengals (12-4) at Buffalo Bills (13-3)
While our thoughts are still with Damar Hamlin, his incredible recovery and ability to be around the Bills facility this week allow the teams and fans to focus on the matchup. And what a matchup it is.
Two of the hottest teams meet this Sunday, with the Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals entering on eight and nine game win streaks, respectively. Cincinnati’s offense has been on fire all year with quarterback Joe Burrow leading the way. They have a talented running back room led by Joe Mixon to lean on when needed, but the aerial attack is where they shine.
Ja’Marr Chase has made it clear he is one of the top wide receivers in the league while Tee Higgins could be one of the best number two options out there. The Bengals are entering this game with a banged up offensive line after last week’s victory over the Baltimore Ravens, and will be without left tackle Jonah Williams and left guard Alex Cappa.
That shouldn’t matter as Burrow is as experienced as they come in dealing with an inadequate line after last season, and the Bills pass rush has been below average at getting to the quarterback ever since they lost Von Miller to a season ending injury.
On the other side of the ball, Josh Allen is no slouch himself. His ability to stretch plays with his strength and athleticism is something to behold. However his recklessness has almost cost them lately, throwing five interceptions across his last three games.
While the Bills were able to hold off the Miami Dolphins with their third string quarterback, the Bengals turned two Raven turnovers into thirteen points last week. Allen will have to take care while flinging deep shots to Stefon Diggs and the rest of the wide receivers.
I think this game will be an absolute shootout, and very likely will come down to who has the football last. With Allen not at his best lately, I have to give the edge to Burrow and the Bengals. I can’t wait for this one.
Cincinnati Bengals – 42
Buffalo Bill – 35
Dallas Cowboys (12-5) at San Francisco 49ers (13-4)
The Dallas Cowboys probably spent more time talking about their kicker this week than they have all season, and it wasn’t positive chatter. While Brett Maher’s four missed extra points last week didn’t cost the Cowboys, this weekend’s matchup with the San Francisco 49ers looks to be a much tougher task.
Dak Prescott played well against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but he’s had as many impressive performances as disappointing ones during an injury plagued season. Ceedee Lamb is proving to be able to carry the offensive load, while in the backfield Tony Pollard looks ready to explode as an elite RB1, despite the Cowboys coaches still clinging to the Ezekiel Elliot of old. Dalton Schultz hasn’t quite taken that next step into top tight end status, but with performances like last week’s, he has proven he can be a difference maker when needed.
The Dallas defense is led by superstar Micah Parsons, and he will have his work cut out for him against the 49ers offense. Despite starting their third string quarterback, the 49ers have only looked scarier as the playoffs approached.
Brock Purdy has stepped in almost seamlessly, allowing Kyle Shanahan to continue to befuddle teams with his creative offensive system. Christian McCaffrey has made his name as one of the best all around running backs in the league when healthy over the past few seasons and having him as a weapon in this offense is almost unfair. Add in do-it-all wide receiver Deebo Samuel, the versatile Brandon Aiyuk and an elite offensive line and this team is tough to keep off the scoreboard.
Oh, and their defense is probably the best in the NFL as well. Nick Bosa leads from the front attacking the quarterback, while Tashaun Gipson Sr. and Talanoa Hufanga form one of the best safety duos in the league.
That’s not even mentioning linebacker stalwart Fred Warner quarterbacking the defense and the incredibly underrated Dre Greenlaw sniffing out any Pollard screens. This Niners roster is fast, strong and skilled and will be a tough, tough out for any team. I think they take care of the Cowboys, and missed extra points won’t make a difference again this week.
Dallas Cowboys – 18
San Francisco 49ers – 31
-Devon Gallant
Twitter: @DevGallant
Photo: All-Pro Reels. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.