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For the first time since 1998, the NFL playoffs will not feature any of Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, or Patrick Mahomes. It is safe to say that the NFL landscape is quite different this year compared to normal, and that will be on display during a postseason that is more wide open for any playoff team to win it all than in any other year in recent memory. The regular season ended with a bang, as Tyler Loop’s missed field goal cost the Baltimore Ravens a playoff spot. The hectic regular season finale ended with the Pittsburgh Steelers becoming victorious and earning their way into the postseason, and now fans are expecting just as much excitement from the playoffs.
Denver Broncos: First-round bye
New England Patriots vs. Los Angeles Chargers: Sunday, Jan. 11 @ 8 p.m. ET
The New England Patriots burst onto the scene this year after a successful couple of offseasons building their roster. Last year, the team drafted Drake Maye, and the sophomore quarterback is now the frontrunner to win the MVP award in just his second season. The Patriots followed that up by being the biggest free agent spenders this past offseason.
The team has reaped the rewards, as they are 14-3 and the two-seed in the AFC. Unfortunately, things have started to fall off the rails in recent weeks. Stefon Diggs and Christian Barmore have both been hit with assault allegations. It is unclear if two of the best players on New England’s roster will be suspended, but there is certainly a cloud over the Patriots’ upcoming playoff run right now.
Luckily, they are taking on a Los Angeles Chargers team that has been battling the injury bug all season long. The team has managed to continue winning games, but Joe Alt and Rayshawn Slater’s injuries have led to Justin Herbert scrambling like a madman all season long. The team will hope that a week of resting the starters will help, but New England will still come out on top.
Prediction: Patriots win 34-24
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Buffalo Bills: Sunday, Jan. 11 @ 1 p.m. ET
Like the Denver Broncos and the Patriots, the Jacksonville Jaguars haven’t necessarily been perennial playoff contenders in recent years, but they have been one of the best teams this season. Trevor Lawrence has been on fire as of recent, and the team’s momentum can carry them in the playoffs. Jacksonville will be taking on the Buffalo Bills.
The Bills have been Super Bowl contenders for quite some time now, and Patrick Mahomes has been the biggest obstacle preventing them from becoming champions. With the[ Kansas City...
