Let’s just keep it simple this week, shall we?  There’s a “winter storm” landing in the Charlotte area right now.  I place that in quotes, because it’s not really a winter storm.  It’s cute when eighteen snowflakes fall and everyone panics.  The ground looks like I accidentally dumped a bag of sugar outside.  I’m sipping on an aged bourbon barrel stout from one of my favorite breweries.  I left aside the movie references, the funny quotes, and the clever quips.  This is just football picking at its finest (maybe not finest).  This is me checking the lines for the NFL Playoffs and making my best possible 2022 NFL Divisional Round Picks against the spread.

If anything, this slate should be more exciting than last week’s games.

To be honest, that won’t take much.

Oh, and if you have been following along during the regular season, you’ll already know that the SportsChump and I have had a contest making picks against the spread (ATS).  The contest covered both College Football and the NFL, and allowed for you to make five selections (ranked in order by confidence).

We decided to continue the fun into the playoffs.  Only, no confidence points.  You can join our contest for FREE and the SportsChump is giving away PRIZES to the person that gets the most games correct.

It’s that simple.

Here are our 2022 NFL Divisional Round Picks ATS, with odds taken via DraftKings Sportsbook:

The Wife Hates Sports: 2022 NFL Divisional Round Picks ATS

Cincinnati Bengals (+3.5) at Tennessee Titans

Some brutal officiating and a fizzled late drive kept the Raiders from forcing OT in Cincinnati last week.  Now, a talented Cincinnati offense faces a rested Titans team that is preparing for the return of King Henry.  With Derrick Henry officially activated off the IR, the question will be how healthy he is and what kind of volume he’ll get.  Assume it’s significant.  Let’s check the season stats, specifically related to the Bengals run defense, Titans pass defense, and sacks for both teams.  The teams were a sack apart (43 vs. 42).  As for sacks allowed, the Bengals allowed 55, while the Titans allowed 47 (bottom 7 for each).  Turnover margin is also close (0 vs. -3).  As for pass defense, the Titans ranked 25th in the league.  The Bengals, meanwhile, were 5th in run defense.  I understand this is Derrick Henry, but there’s something about Joe Burrow and this Bengals team.  In a close game, give me Cincy and the points.

San Francisco 49ers (+5.5) at Green Bay Packers

It’s important to start with a few key injury notes.  Za’Darius Smith is slated to return for the Packers and Jimmy Garoppolo has been removed from the injury report and will start for the Niners.  Fred Warner and Nick Bosa are likely available, too.  Next, it’s Green Bay, so what’s the weather report?  Partly cloudy, single digits, and 10mph winds.  Cold, but not intrusive.  As for the game, this Packers team has been knocking on the door for the last few seasons.  I have felt all year that Aaron Rodgers has been destined to reach another Super Bowl.  The Packers have the talent.  The Niners have creativity and unique playmaking ability.  If Green Bay shuts down Deebo Samuel, it’s an easy win.  I just don’t think they will.  Although, both teams ranked in the top ten in pass defense during the regular season.  While I think the Packers win, it should be a dog fight (and an ugly one at times).  Give me the Niners and the points.

Los Angeles Rams at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-2.5)

Here’s the mental battle with this game.  Sean McVay has proven that his team can make it to the next level.  The Rams have a ridiculous amount of talent on both sides of the ball.  On the flip side, you have the defending champs and, well… the greatest QB of all time.  I just threw up in my mouth a little.  Still, Brady is the ageless wonder, but does he have the surrounding talent to fend off a Rams team that played lights out last week?  Or was it just that the Cardinals were that bad?  Cam Akers has made a miraculous recovery and looked unstoppable.  Quite honestly, I could analyze stats on this game until I’m blue in the face.  I’m just going to stop there and not pick against Tom Brady.  The Rams can easily win this game.  They can… but Tom Brady is Tom Brady.  That and “Playoff Lenny” is set to return in the backfield.  That combination has proven to be lethal.  Bucs cover at home.

Buffalo Bills (+2) at Kansas City Chiefs

If you’re like me, this is a “kid in a candy store” game.  It’s the rematch of last year’s AFC Championship.  Josh Allen vs Patrick Mahomes – and it doesn’t stop there.  This is talent versus talent, so who wins?  I mean, flip a coin, I suppose.  I’ll say this… the Bills were absolutely lights out and borderline unstoppable last week against the Pats.  That game was over before it started.  Mahomes and the Chiefs provide a different challenge in Kansas City.  Still, for me, this feels like Buffalo’s year to return to the big dance.  Statistically, the numbers don’t lie.  During the regular season, the Bills ranked first in total defense (272.8 ypg allowed) and first against the pass.  The Bills were fifth in the league in total offense.  Yes, the Chiefs ranked third, but didn’t have the consistency on both sides of the ball.  If Josh Allen limits his mistakes, this is Buffalo’s time to advance.  Bills find a way – and advance.

 

SportsChump’s Picks

Instead of pasting the Chump’s picks here, I’m adding a few links for you to refer to.  Here are the SportsChump’s Divisional Round Picks ATS and here is a link to his free contest.

 

Add your 2022 NFL Divisional Round picks ATS in the comments section below. As always, thank you for visiting and supporting The Wife Hates Sports!


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