Three NFL experts from the Prime Time Sports Talk staff came together to share their picks for the opening round of the playoffs.
These three writers will continue to make their picks for the entire season, earning two points for any correct win-loss outcome and an additional three points for correctly predicting the exact score. (Failure to accurately predict a tie will be treated as a loss.) A cumulative points total and record will be listed at the bottom of every article. An archive of all 17 regular-season and four playoff editions can be found here.
Mike Fanelli, Joe Heller, and Andersen Pickard contributed to this article.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Green Bay Packers
Mike Fanelli: Packers 34, Buccaneers 31
Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady were arguably the two best quarterbacks in the NFC this season. They finished first and second in the league in passing touchdowns. When these two teams played in Week 6, the Buccaneers secured the 38-10 victory. However, since then, the Packers went 9-2 to close out the regular season, winning by an average of 14 points per game. This game could go either way as both quarterbacks are first-ballot Hall of Famers, but playing at home will give the Packers the slight edge they need to get the victory.
Joe Heller: Packers 31, Buccaneers 30
This game will come down to whichever quarterback has the ball in his hands last. Aaron Rodgers and the Packers will win late as the Buccaneers come up one game short of playing a Super Bowl in their own stadium.
Andersen Pickard: Buccaneers 34, Packers 31
We’re in for a treat when Rodgers and Brady go head-to-head on Sunday. While both teams are similarly matched, Tampa Bay has the slight edge. Plus, playoff Tom Brady is the most dangerous sight in sports. It could come down to mere points, but Tampa Bay should win on the road.
Buffalo Bills vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Mike: Chiefs 27, Bills 26
While the NFC matchup is a battle of future Hall of Famers, the AFC matchup pits the two best young quarterbacks in the NFL. These two teams met in Week 6, with the Chiefs getting a 26-17 victory. This game should be close and competitive. However, the Chiefs pull out the win and head to the Super Bowl for the second year in a row.
Joe: Bills 27, Chiefs 24
Josh Allen and the Bills will punch their ticket to the Super Bowl with a win against the defending champions. Buffalo’s defense will make a game-saving play late in this one.
Andersen: Bills 31, Chiefs 27
After a thrilling afternoon game, the AFC gets a turn on Sunday night. Both teams will excel, but the Bills will outduel the Chiefs when all is said and done. Their offense is one of the best in the NFL while their defense has quietly turned heads, too. Look for this one to come down to the wire with Buffalo finishing on top.
Point Totals
Mike: 358
Joe: 325
Andersen: 336
Records
Mike: 179-84
Joe: 161-102
Andersen: 165-98
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