NFL insider playoff predictions: Coaches, execs pick divisional round winners
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- The NFL wild-card round featured intense, close games and surprises, yet a panel of NFL coaches and executives accurately predicted all six outcomes, highlighting their expertise.
- In the divisional round, experts favor the Denver Broncos over the Buffalo Bills, citing Denver’s strong defense and home-field advantage, while expressing concern over Bills quarterback Josh Allen’s injuries and the team’s depleted depth.
- The Seattle Seahawks are favored to defeat the injury-plagued San Francisco 49ers at home, with experts emphasizing Seattle’s dominant defense and the importance of quarterback Sam Darnold’s performance.
- The New England Patriots are predicted to overcome the Houston Texans, relying on quarterback Drake Maye’s improved play and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels’ strategy against Houston’s
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