The NFL, which is optimistic about its 2020 season taking place without a hitch despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, released its 2020 regular season schedule on Thursday.

The regular season, which will begin on September 10th and finish on December 27th, has a ton of big matchups in store and will provide plenty of intrigue after big moves this offseason saw some of the game’s most familiar faces moving to new teams.

Opening weekend is always a delight for football fans, and there will be plenty of juicy matchups to analyze and watch this season. Here are our top three picks for games to watch during the first round of games.

Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs

The defending Super Bowl champions will begin the defense of their title on Thursday night in the season’s opening game. Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs won’t have it easy, however, as they welcome DeShaun Watson and the Texans in a matchup of two of the league’s premier young quarterbacks.

The Texans and Chiefs faced off in the divisional round of last year’s playoffs, with the Texans stunning fans at Arrowhead Stadium after taking a 21-0 lead in the first quarter. Kansas City stormed back to win, however, in the first victory of a Super Bowl march in what was a thrilling 51-31 shootout. The season’s opening game this year promises much of the same thrilling action.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints

Tampa Bay is going to be one of the most scrutinized teams in the 2020 season after they added former Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in one of the league’s most stunning moves. Joining him will be tight end Rob Gronkowski and a host of attention that will turn them into one of the league’s biggest draws.

They won’t have an easy matchup in Week 1, as they will visit the always-hostile Superdome and the 2019 division champion New Orleans Saints. Tom Brady and Saints QB Drew Brees, despite both being over 40-years-old, are still two of the league’s top signal-callers and should provide an entertaining matchup.

Los Angeles Chargers at Cincinnati Bengals

Are you looking for a game that should provide plenty of intrigue related to the 2020 NFL Draft? This Week 1 matchup might feature two teams that registered double-digit losses last season, but it also promises to feature the debuts of two of the premier players picked in this year’s draft.

Top overall pick and potential franchise savior Joe Burrow is expected to make his debut with his team in this Week 1 matchup at home against the Chargers, who selected quarterback Justin Herbert with the sixth overall pick this year. Week 1 could provide us with a fascinating showdown between these two prime targets to become NFL stars.

The post The 2020 NFL Season’s Most Intriguing Opening Week Games appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The annual National Football League draft, which is set to take begin on Thursday, April 23rd, will have a different flavor than usual thanks to the current COVID-19 pandemic which is forcing the league to do a virtual version of the event.

However, the draft will still go on as planned, and will feature seven rounds of picks and both teams and amateur players looking to make moves that will bring them success in the future.

Let’s take a shot at predicting the top five picks of the draft, which could end up changing the fortunes of the franchises that select these players.

First Pick, Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow, QB, LSU

Burrow is a near-lock to be the first overall pick in the draft, and it’s easy to see why. The Bengals need a quarterback and a franchise player, and the talented and steady Burrow is the perfect man to fill that role. Choosing a player who grew up in Ohio could even give Cincinnati the added plus of energizing a fan base that hasn’t had much to cheer about recently.

Second Pick, Washington Redskins

Chase Young, DE, Ohio State

Chase Young might just be the best player in the draft on a pure talent level, and while Washington might be tempted to select a quarterback here, we think they will ultimately pick the game-changing Buckeye here. Young is a destructive pass-rushing force that will give an immediate boost to a team that needs talent at all positions on the field

Third Pick, Detroit Lions

Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State

Looking to shore up a leaky pass defense like the Lions have had lately? Jeff Okudah, the top secondary player in this year’s draft, is a no-brainer for the team here. Detroit allowed the most pass yards in the league last year and only intercepted 7 balls, so Okudah would be a great addition for them to take a step forward in this regard.

Fourth Pick, New York Giants

Tristan Wirfs, OL, Iowa

The Giants are a pretty big wild card in the draft, with no real read on them having a clear preference for any player in particular. With Daniel Jones looking like the team’s current preference at QB, they probably won’t take a signal caller, so we think that they will take Wirfs, the best pass-blocker in the draft, with the #4 pick.

Fifth Pick, Miami Dolphins

Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon

Much has been written and debated about who will be the second quarterback taken in this year’s draft. The discussion centers around Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa and Oregon’s Justin Herbert, which most drafts have going in the top ten. We think the Dolphins will take the big, talented right-hander from Oregon over Tagovailoa, however, due to his cleaner bill of health and his more traditional QB traits.

The post Predicting the Top Five Picks in the 2020 NFL Draft appeared first on SportzBonanza.

After a memorable weekend of Divisional Round games, the NFL playoffs have reached the Conference Championship stage, which will decide the teams that face off in Super Bowl LIV.

The Tennessee Titans, who have been the story of the playoffs after upsetting the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens in the first two rounds, will face off with the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC game. Meanwhile, the two top seeds in the NFC, the Green Bay Packers and the San Francisco 49ers, will match up in their conference’s game.

Let’s take a look at the matchups and make predictions for the winners.

AFC Championship Game: Tennessee Titans @ Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs will host the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Championship Game, pitting one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks, Patrick Mahomes, and one of its best running backs, Derrick Henry, against each other.

The Titans have put on a defensive clinic in the first two rounds of the playoffs, limiting New England to 13 points and the Ravens to only 12. Few would’ve ever predicted that they would even get this far, but will the Chiefs prove too much of a challenge for them?

Kansas City is clicking, with Patrick Mahomes and company finding their grove in recent weeks after an up-and-down regular season that started to turn around after a mid-season loss to these very Titans.

While Tennessee has had a great run, we think their magical ride will come to a close in a close loss this weekend, meaning that Andy Reid and the Chiefs will reach their first Super Bowl since 1969.

Prediction: Chiefs 24, Titans 20

NFC Championship Game: Green Bay Packers @ San Francisco 49ers

The NFC’s #1 and #2 seeds will battle for the right to play in Super Bowl LIV on Sunday. The 49ers have looked the part as the NFC’s top team throughout the entire season, and they blew out the Vikings in dominant fashion last weekend.

Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers will have something to say about this though, as one of the NFL’s best veteran quarterbacks and a team that has been here before will try to keep the NFC favorites from returning to the Super Bowl for the first time since the famous Blackout game at the Superdome.

We ultimately think that the 49ers’ suffocating pass defense will be too much for Rodgers and the Packers to figure out. We have San Francisco meeting up with the Chiefs in the big game.

Prediction: 49ers 28, Packers 13

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After a Wild Card Round that was full of upsets and surprising results, it’s time to advance to this year’s Divisional Round matchups in the NFL playoffs.

With the 49ers hosting the Vikings and the Ravens hosting the Titans on Saturday, two six seed teams that barely made the playoffs will have the opportunity to pull off a shocking upset at the homes of the NFC and AFC’s top seeds, respectively.

On Sunday, the high-flying Chiefs will host the AFC South winning Texans before the Packers take on the Seahawks in what is the weekend’s biggest toss-up matchup.

Let’s have a go at predicting the results of these games.

#1 Baltimore Ravens vs. #6 Tennessee Titans

The Ravens are the prohibitive favorites to win the AFC Championship and the hottest team in football, having won their twelve games. Lamar Jackson is the Ravens’ quarterback and the likely NFL MVP, and their defense has been much improved since acquiring Marcus Peters to shore up its secondary.

Could the Titans and leading NFL rusher Derrick Henry, who already pulled off a huge upset of the Patriots, shock the world and knock off Baltimore? Count me as skeptical. The Titans have played well lately, but the Ravens are just too good.

Pick: Ravens 30, Titans 17

#2 Kansas City Chiefs vs. #4 Houston Texans

The Kansas City Chiefs will play host to the Texans on Sunday in a matchup of two of the league’s most impressive quarterbacks. Patrick Mahomes missed two and a half games in the middle of the season, coinciding with the Chiefs’ weakest stretch of the year. However, since then, they have looked all the part of a juggernaut.

The Texans have a great quarterback of their own in DeShaun Watson, as well as a duo of impressive wide receivers in DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller. We just think their defense is too weak to stop the Chiefs’ passing attack, though.

Pick: Chiefs 38, Texans 20

#1 San Francisco 49ers vs. #6 Minnesota Vikings

You like that?! Kirk Cousins and the Vikings pulled off a big upset of the Saints in the Wild Card Round, and will now have the chance to knock off the NFC’s top seed in the Niners.

San Francisco, built around arguably the league’s most dominant defense and a balanced offensive attack with a trio of quality rushers and Jimmy Garoppolo at quarterback, won’t be tough to topple, though. The Vikings’ pedestrian offense will have a tough time moving the ball against SF, and we just think they don’t have enough to challenge them.

Pick: 49ers 24, Vikings 10

#2 Green Bay Packers vs. #5 Seattle Seahawks

The tightest matchup of the weekend is probably this battle between the Packers, who finished the year 13-3 largely on the strength of a great record in tight games, and the Seahawks, who finished 11-5 due to their great record in close games!

So, we can probably expect a close game, right? Aaron Rodgers and the Packers will have home-field advantage, but could the magic of Marshawn Lynch and Russell Wilson, who have already combined to bring a Super Bowl to Seattle, be enough to upend them? We’ve got the Seahawks winning a shootout, the only upset of the weekend.

Pick: Packers 30, Seahawks 31

The post Predicting the NFL Divisional Round Matchups appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The NFL season only has three weeks remaining until the dust is settled and the playoff teams are set in stone. Fortunately for fans of the league, there is still plenty left to decide and lots of races to follow in the final three games of the season.

Here are three NFL divisional races to keep a close eye on during the final weeks of the season.

AFC South: Houston Texans (8-5) vs. Tennessee Titans (8-5)

The Titans and Texans head into the final three games of the season with identical 8-5 records. Few could’ve ever expected this just a month ago, but the Titans have rode a hot streak led by breakout quarterback Ryan Tannehill to get themselves into the mix of the race.

Amazingly, the two teams have yet to face off so far this season, meaning that two of the final three games of the year will be between the two teams. The Texans might have a slight advantage, as they host the Week 17 matchup at home and play the Bucs in their Week 16 matchup, whereas the Titans must take on the NFC South kings, the Saints.

If Tannehill can keep his momentum up and deliver the Titans another big win this weekend, which would be their fifth victory in a row, they’d be in the driver’s seat for their first division title since 2008.

NFC East: Dallas Cowboys (6-7) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (6-7)

Mediocrity has reigned in the NFC East this season, in which no team has a winning record. The Cowboys and Eagles, two talented teams that have massively underachieved, still find themselves with their playoff dreams alive as they’re tied at the top of the division at 6-7.

A big Week 16 showdown at Lincoln Financial Field will likely decide who limps out of this weak conference. Dak Prescott leads the NFL in passing yards and has been a bright spot in the midst of a bleak season for the Cowboys, and he just might have to turn in a few big performances to put the ‘Boys back in the playoffs.

NFC West: San Francisco 49ers (11-2) vs. Seattle Seahawks (10-3)

This division race is a little different, as both of these teams are pretty much guaranteed to make the playoffs as either the NFC West winner or as a wild card team. Needless to say, however, both teams will be chomping at the bit to win their division and earn a first-round bye in the playoffs.

The 49ers lead the race by a game, and they could easily head into their Week 17 matchup with the Seahawks in Seattle with a 13-2 record after games with the Falcons and Rams. However, the Seahawks’ Week 15 and 16 games against the Panthers and Cardinals aren’t the most difficult matchups either. If they can beat the 49ers in Week 17, they could very well take home the division crown.

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The first week of the NFL season is behind us. There were some expected wins, surprising defeats, and standout performances in the opening week. It’s time to take a look at some of the biggest winners of the National Football League’s first week.

New England Patriots

The reigning Super Bowl champions spanked the Pittsburgh Steelers by a 33-3 final score in their Sunday night season opener in Foxborough. Tom Brady looked to be his normal dominant self, the Pats’ defense completely shut down the Steelers’ potent attack, and Bill Belichick’s squad looks to be a favorite to win the title again.

They also signed uber-talented Antonio Brown after his release from the Raiders. If any team can get the most out of the troubled wideout, it’s the Patriots.

Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson

The Ravens dominated the Miami Dolphins in a Week 1 blowout by a 59-10 final and they also saw that quarterback Lamar Jackson improved greatly with his throwing skills.

Jackson put on a clinic against Miami, completing 17 of 20 passes for 324 yards and five touchdowns in a flawless performance. Baltimore could easily show themselves to be AFC North favorites if the second-year signal-caller continues at this torrid pace.

Oakland Raiders

It’s hard to imagine that the Raiders would’ve appeared on this list considering all of the turmoil the team experienced last week with the Antonio Brown saga that ended with their prized off-season acquisition being released. But could it be that the Raiders are better off without him?

Oakland was impressive in a 24-16 season-opening win against the Denver Broncos. Coach Jon Gruden said that the team will be fine without Brown, and that certainly appeared to be the case. Off-season free agent signing Tyrell Williams had a huge night, hauling in 6 passes for a total of 105 yards and a touchdown.

Arizona Cardinals GM Steve Keim

After a disappointing 2018 season that saw the Cardinals finish with the NFL’s worst record, the pressure was on Keim to choose wisely with the first pick in the 2019 Draft. If Week 1 is any indication, he did well.

Arizona’s season opener finished in a 27-27 tie against the Detroit Lions, but Kyler Murray stole the show. The #1 overall pick threw for 308 yards and 2 touchdowns with an interception. He didn’t look perfect, but the Cardinals’ rookie QB is only 22 years old and appears to be full of tantalizing potential.

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The NFL season kicks off on Thursday night, kicking off a highly-anticipated campaign that will have plenty of teams vying for playoff contention.

Here’s a look at the teams that I think will be considered favorites this season in each NFL division.

AFC East: New England Patriots

The Patriots are a clear favorite to win the AFC East for the eleventh straight season. Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are back along with a strong core, and that’s about all that’s needed to win what should be a weak division with no real competition for them.

AFC North: Cleveland Browns

The Browns were one of the NFL’s breakout teams in 2018, and I expect them to keep rising and claim the AFC North title this season. Quarterback Baker Mayfield and a stout defensive line buoy Cleveland’s new swagger, and they should win enough games to hold off the Steelers for the division crown.

AFC South: Houston Texans

Had Andrew Luck not retired before the season, the Colts probably would’ve been at least stark competition to the Texans to take home the AFC South. However, with DeShaun Watson at quarterback and a strong-as-always defense, Houston should be considered the favorite.

AFC West: Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs might be the best team in the whole conference and should be strong favorites to win their division. Last year’s top seed in the AFC, Andy Reid has a good all-around team that has a top MVP candidate in quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Is this finally their year?

NFC East: Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles and Cowboys should fight it out for the NFC East crown, but I’m giving the edge to the team that won the Super Bowl just two seasons ago. Why? Quarterback Carson Wentz will have the reigns to a pass-friendly offense that should lead them to score enough points to be on top of the division.

NFC North: Green Bay Packers

This is one of the toughest divisions to predict, with the Vikings and Bears also having legitimate shots to claim the crown. However, I’ll take the old standby. The Packers should have some new ideas on offense with a healthy Aaron Rodgers and a new coach in Matt LeFleur. I’m taking them.

NFC South: New Orleans Saints

Drew Brees might be the best quarterback in the NFL, and in this offense-driven league, that could make all the difference. Matt Ryan and the Falcons will be hot on New Orleans’ heels, but dynamic running back Alvin Kamara could be the difference-maker for the team from the Big Easy.

NFC West: Los Angeles Rams

The Rams made the Super Bowl last season before falling to the Patriots, and it would be silly not to pick them as repeat NFC West Champions. Aaron Donald is the best defensive player in the league, Jared Goff is one of the league’s breakout stars, and Sean McVay is bright, innovative, and an offensive genius. They’re the team to beat in the west.

The post Looking at the Division Favorites Heading into the NFL Season appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The NFL, which is optimistic about its 2020 season taking place without a hitch despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, released its 2020 regular season schedule on Thursday.

The regular season, which will begin on September 10th and finish on December 27th, has a ton of big matchups in store and will provide plenty of intrigue after big moves this offseason saw some of the game’s most familiar faces moving to new teams.

Opening weekend is always a delight for football fans, and there will be plenty of juicy matchups to analyze and watch this season. Here are our top three picks for games to watch during the first round of games.

Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs

The defending Super Bowl champions will begin the defense of their title on Thursday night in the season’s opening game. Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs won’t have it easy, however, as they welcome DeShaun Watson and the Texans in a matchup of two of the league’s premier young quarterbacks.

The Texans and Chiefs faced off in the divisional round of last year’s playoffs, with the Texans stunning fans at Arrowhead Stadium after taking a 21-0 lead in the first quarter. Kansas City stormed back to win, however, in the first victory of a Super Bowl march in what was a thrilling 51-31 shootout. The season’s opening game this year promises much of the same thrilling action.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints

Tampa Bay is going to be one of the most scrutinized teams in the 2020 season after they added former Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in one of the league’s most stunning moves. Joining him will be tight end Rob Gronkowski and a host of attention that will turn them into one of the league’s biggest draws.

They won’t have an easy matchup in Week 1, as they will visit the always-hostile Superdome and the 2019 division champion New Orleans Saints. Tom Brady and Saints QB Drew Brees, despite both being over 40-years-old, are still two of the league’s top signal-callers and should provide an entertaining matchup.

Los Angeles Chargers at Cincinnati Bengals

Are you looking for a game that should provide plenty of intrigue related to the 2020 NFL Draft? This Week 1 matchup might feature two teams that registered double-digit losses last season, but it also promises to feature the debuts of two of the premier players picked in this year’s draft.

Top overall pick and potential franchise savior Joe Burrow is expected to make his debut with his team in this Week 1 matchup at home against the Chargers, who selected quarterback Justin Herbert with the sixth overall pick this year. Week 1 could provide us with a fascinating showdown between these two prime targets to become NFL stars.

The post The 2020 NFL Season’s Most Intriguing Opening Week Games appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The annual National Football League draft, which is set to take begin on Thursday, April 23rd, will have a different flavor than usual thanks to the current COVID-19 pandemic which is forcing the league to do a virtual version of the event.

However, the draft will still go on as planned, and will feature seven rounds of picks and both teams and amateur players looking to make moves that will bring them success in the future.

Let’s take a shot at predicting the top five picks of the draft, which could end up changing the fortunes of the franchises that select these players.

First Pick, Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow, QB, LSU

Burrow is a near-lock to be the first overall pick in the draft, and it’s easy to see why. The Bengals need a quarterback and a franchise player, and the talented and steady Burrow is the perfect man to fill that role. Choosing a player who grew up in Ohio could even give Cincinnati the added plus of energizing a fan base that hasn’t had much to cheer about recently.

Second Pick, Washington Redskins

Chase Young, DE, Ohio State

Chase Young might just be the best player in the draft on a pure talent level, and while Washington might be tempted to select a quarterback here, we think they will ultimately pick the game-changing Buckeye here. Young is a destructive pass-rushing force that will give an immediate boost to a team that needs talent at all positions on the field

Third Pick, Detroit Lions

Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State

Looking to shore up a leaky pass defense like the Lions have had lately? Jeff Okudah, the top secondary player in this year’s draft, is a no-brainer for the team here. Detroit allowed the most pass yards in the league last year and only intercepted 7 balls, so Okudah would be a great addition for them to take a step forward in this regard.

Fourth Pick, New York Giants

Tristan Wirfs, OL, Iowa

The Giants are a pretty big wild card in the draft, with no real read on them having a clear preference for any player in particular. With Daniel Jones looking like the team’s current preference at QB, they probably won’t take a signal caller, so we think that they will take Wirfs, the best pass-blocker in the draft, with the #4 pick.

Fifth Pick, Miami Dolphins

Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon

Much has been written and debated about who will be the second quarterback taken in this year’s draft. The discussion centers around Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa and Oregon’s Justin Herbert, which most drafts have going in the top ten. We think the Dolphins will take the big, talented right-hander from Oregon over Tagovailoa, however, due to his cleaner bill of health and his more traditional QB traits.

The post Predicting the Top Five Picks in the 2020 NFL Draft appeared first on SportzBonanza.

After a memorable weekend of Divisional Round games, the NFL playoffs have reached the Conference Championship stage, which will decide the teams that face off in Super Bowl LIV.

The Tennessee Titans, who have been the story of the playoffs after upsetting the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens in the first two rounds, will face off with the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC game. Meanwhile, the two top seeds in the NFC, the Green Bay Packers and the San Francisco 49ers, will match up in their conference’s game.

Let’s take a look at the matchups and make predictions for the winners.

AFC Championship Game: Tennessee Titans @ Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs will host the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Championship Game, pitting one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks, Patrick Mahomes, and one of its best running backs, Derrick Henry, against each other.

The Titans have put on a defensive clinic in the first two rounds of the playoffs, limiting New England to 13 points and the Ravens to only 12. Few would’ve ever predicted that they would even get this far, but will the Chiefs prove too much of a challenge for them?

Kansas City is clicking, with Patrick Mahomes and company finding their grove in recent weeks after an up-and-down regular season that started to turn around after a mid-season loss to these very Titans.

While Tennessee has had a great run, we think their magical ride will come to a close in a close loss this weekend, meaning that Andy Reid and the Chiefs will reach their first Super Bowl since 1969.

Prediction: Chiefs 24, Titans 20

NFC Championship Game: Green Bay Packers @ San Francisco 49ers

The NFC’s #1 and #2 seeds will battle for the right to play in Super Bowl LIV on Sunday. The 49ers have looked the part as the NFC’s top team throughout the entire season, and they blew out the Vikings in dominant fashion last weekend.

Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers will have something to say about this though, as one of the NFL’s best veteran quarterbacks and a team that has been here before will try to keep the NFC favorites from returning to the Super Bowl for the first time since the famous Blackout game at the Superdome.

We ultimately think that the 49ers’ suffocating pass defense will be too much for Rodgers and the Packers to figure out. We have San Francisco meeting up with the Chiefs in the big game.

Prediction: 49ers 28, Packers 13

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After a Wild Card Round that was full of upsets and surprising results, it’s time to advance to this year’s Divisional Round matchups in the NFL playoffs.

With the 49ers hosting the Vikings and the Ravens hosting the Titans on Saturday, two six seed teams that barely made the playoffs will have the opportunity to pull off a shocking upset at the homes of the NFC and AFC’s top seeds, respectively.

On Sunday, the high-flying Chiefs will host the AFC South winning Texans before the Packers take on the Seahawks in what is the weekend’s biggest toss-up matchup.

Let’s have a go at predicting the results of these games.

#1 Baltimore Ravens vs. #6 Tennessee Titans

The Ravens are the prohibitive favorites to win the AFC Championship and the hottest team in football, having won their twelve games. Lamar Jackson is the Ravens’ quarterback and the likely NFL MVP, and their defense has been much improved since acquiring Marcus Peters to shore up its secondary.

Could the Titans and leading NFL rusher Derrick Henry, who already pulled off a huge upset of the Patriots, shock the world and knock off Baltimore? Count me as skeptical. The Titans have played well lately, but the Ravens are just too good.

Pick: Ravens 30, Titans 17

#2 Kansas City Chiefs vs. #4 Houston Texans

The Kansas City Chiefs will play host to the Texans on Sunday in a matchup of two of the league’s most impressive quarterbacks. Patrick Mahomes missed two and a half games in the middle of the season, coinciding with the Chiefs’ weakest stretch of the year. However, since then, they have looked all the part of a juggernaut.

The Texans have a great quarterback of their own in DeShaun Watson, as well as a duo of impressive wide receivers in DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller. We just think their defense is too weak to stop the Chiefs’ passing attack, though.

Pick: Chiefs 38, Texans 20

#1 San Francisco 49ers vs. #6 Minnesota Vikings

You like that?! Kirk Cousins and the Vikings pulled off a big upset of the Saints in the Wild Card Round, and will now have the chance to knock off the NFC’s top seed in the Niners.

San Francisco, built around arguably the league’s most dominant defense and a balanced offensive attack with a trio of quality rushers and Jimmy Garoppolo at quarterback, won’t be tough to topple, though. The Vikings’ pedestrian offense will have a tough time moving the ball against SF, and we just think they don’t have enough to challenge them.

Pick: 49ers 24, Vikings 10

#2 Green Bay Packers vs. #5 Seattle Seahawks

The tightest matchup of the weekend is probably this battle between the Packers, who finished the year 13-3 largely on the strength of a great record in tight games, and the Seahawks, who finished 11-5 due to their great record in close games!

So, we can probably expect a close game, right? Aaron Rodgers and the Packers will have home-field advantage, but could the magic of Marshawn Lynch and Russell Wilson, who have already combined to bring a Super Bowl to Seattle, be enough to upend them? We’ve got the Seahawks winning a shootout, the only upset of the weekend.

Pick: Packers 30, Seahawks 31

The post Predicting the NFL Divisional Round Matchups appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The NFL season only has three weeks remaining until the dust is settled and the playoff teams are set in stone. Fortunately for fans of the league, there is still plenty left to decide and lots of races to follow in the final three games of the season.

Here are three NFL divisional races to keep a close eye on during the final weeks of the season.

AFC South: Houston Texans (8-5) vs. Tennessee Titans (8-5)

The Titans and Texans head into the final three games of the season with identical 8-5 records. Few could’ve ever expected this just a month ago, but the Titans have rode a hot streak led by breakout quarterback Ryan Tannehill to get themselves into the mix of the race.

Amazingly, the two teams have yet to face off so far this season, meaning that two of the final three games of the year will be between the two teams. The Texans might have a slight advantage, as they host the Week 17 matchup at home and play the Bucs in their Week 16 matchup, whereas the Titans must take on the NFC South kings, the Saints.

If Tannehill can keep his momentum up and deliver the Titans another big win this weekend, which would be their fifth victory in a row, they’d be in the driver’s seat for their first division title since 2008.

NFC East: Dallas Cowboys (6-7) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (6-7)

Mediocrity has reigned in the NFC East this season, in which no team has a winning record. The Cowboys and Eagles, two talented teams that have massively underachieved, still find themselves with their playoff dreams alive as they’re tied at the top of the division at 6-7.

A big Week 16 showdown at Lincoln Financial Field will likely decide who limps out of this weak conference. Dak Prescott leads the NFL in passing yards and has been a bright spot in the midst of a bleak season for the Cowboys, and he just might have to turn in a few big performances to put the ‘Boys back in the playoffs.

NFC West: San Francisco 49ers (11-2) vs. Seattle Seahawks (10-3)

This division race is a little different, as both of these teams are pretty much guaranteed to make the playoffs as either the NFC West winner or as a wild card team. Needless to say, however, both teams will be chomping at the bit to win their division and earn a first-round bye in the playoffs.

The 49ers lead the race by a game, and they could easily head into their Week 17 matchup with the Seahawks in Seattle with a 13-2 record after games with the Falcons and Rams. However, the Seahawks’ Week 15 and 16 games against the Panthers and Cardinals aren’t the most difficult matchups either. If they can beat the 49ers in Week 17, they could very well take home the division crown.

The post Three Division Races to Keep an Eye on in the Final Weeks of the NFL Season appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The first week of the NFL season is behind us. There were some expected wins, surprising defeats, and standout performances in the opening week. It’s time to take a look at some of the biggest winners of the National Football League’s first week.

New England Patriots

The reigning Super Bowl champions spanked the Pittsburgh Steelers by a 33-3 final score in their Sunday night season opener in Foxborough. Tom Brady looked to be his normal dominant self, the Pats’ defense completely shut down the Steelers’ potent attack, and Bill Belichick’s squad looks to be a favorite to win the title again.

They also signed uber-talented Antonio Brown after his release from the Raiders. If any team can get the most out of the troubled wideout, it’s the Patriots.

Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson

The Ravens dominated the Miami Dolphins in a Week 1 blowout by a 59-10 final and they also saw that quarterback Lamar Jackson improved greatly with his throwing skills.

Jackson put on a clinic against Miami, completing 17 of 20 passes for 324 yards and five touchdowns in a flawless performance. Baltimore could easily show themselves to be AFC North favorites if the second-year signal-caller continues at this torrid pace.

Oakland Raiders

It’s hard to imagine that the Raiders would’ve appeared on this list considering all of the turmoil the team experienced last week with the Antonio Brown saga that ended with their prized off-season acquisition being released. But could it be that the Raiders are better off without him?

Oakland was impressive in a 24-16 season-opening win against the Denver Broncos. Coach Jon Gruden said that the team will be fine without Brown, and that certainly appeared to be the case. Off-season free agent signing Tyrell Williams had a huge night, hauling in 6 passes for a total of 105 yards and a touchdown.

Arizona Cardinals GM Steve Keim

After a disappointing 2018 season that saw the Cardinals finish with the NFL’s worst record, the pressure was on Keim to choose wisely with the first pick in the 2019 Draft. If Week 1 is any indication, he did well.

Arizona’s season opener finished in a 27-27 tie against the Detroit Lions, but Kyler Murray stole the show. The #1 overall pick threw for 308 yards and 2 touchdowns with an interception. He didn’t look perfect, but the Cardinals’ rookie QB is only 22 years old and appears to be full of tantalizing potential.

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The NFL season kicks off on Thursday night, kicking off a highly-anticipated campaign that will have plenty of teams vying for playoff contention.

Here’s a look at the teams that I think will be considered favorites this season in each NFL division.

AFC East: New England Patriots

The Patriots are a clear favorite to win the AFC East for the eleventh straight season. Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are back along with a strong core, and that’s about all that’s needed to win what should be a weak division with no real competition for them.

AFC North: Cleveland Browns

The Browns were one of the NFL’s breakout teams in 2018, and I expect them to keep rising and claim the AFC North title this season. Quarterback Baker Mayfield and a stout defensive line buoy Cleveland’s new swagger, and they should win enough games to hold off the Steelers for the division crown.

AFC South: Houston Texans

Had Andrew Luck not retired before the season, the Colts probably would’ve been at least stark competition to the Texans to take home the AFC South. However, with DeShaun Watson at quarterback and a strong-as-always defense, Houston should be considered the favorite.

AFC West: Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs might be the best team in the whole conference and should be strong favorites to win their division. Last year’s top seed in the AFC, Andy Reid has a good all-around team that has a top MVP candidate in quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Is this finally their year?

NFC East: Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles and Cowboys should fight it out for the NFC East crown, but I’m giving the edge to the team that won the Super Bowl just two seasons ago. Why? Quarterback Carson Wentz will have the reigns to a pass-friendly offense that should lead them to score enough points to be on top of the division.

NFC North: Green Bay Packers

This is one of the toughest divisions to predict, with the Vikings and Bears also having legitimate shots to claim the crown. However, I’ll take the old standby. The Packers should have some new ideas on offense with a healthy Aaron Rodgers and a new coach in Matt LeFleur. I’m taking them.

NFC South: New Orleans Saints

Drew Brees might be the best quarterback in the NFL, and in this offense-driven league, that could make all the difference. Matt Ryan and the Falcons will be hot on New Orleans’ heels, but dynamic running back Alvin Kamara could be the difference-maker for the team from the Big Easy.

NFC West: Los Angeles Rams

The Rams made the Super Bowl last season before falling to the Patriots, and it would be silly not to pick them as repeat NFC West Champions. Aaron Donald is the best defensive player in the league, Jared Goff is one of the league’s breakout stars, and Sean McVay is bright, innovative, and an offensive genius. They’re the team to beat in the west.

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