2023 NFL Playoffs Divisional Round: Sunday
Cincinnati Begnals at Buffalo Bills
Sunday, January 22
CBS, 3:00 ET
Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, NY
First Thought Instant Analysis: I thought both teams would come roaring into this. Instead, we were wayyyyyyyyy too close to getting Dolphins vs Ravens.
It’s too easy to assume both teams had their heads on the next step and the matchup everyone was waiting for over the last few weeks … so let’s assume that.
Here’s the key thing that’s missing from the narrative, though – Buffalo has been sort of just okay.
I know, I know, I know, it won a ton of games in a row, and of course everything changed with the Damar Hamlin nightmare, but it seems like everyone forgot just how nasty last year’s team was going into that game against Kansas City in the Divisional Round.
The offense was amazing in 2022, but it was the defense that really kicked it in when needed.
Seriously? Skylar Thompson?
Here’s the other key thing that’s missing from the narration – Cincinnati has been sort of just okay.
I know, I know, I know it won a ton of games in a row, and of course everything changed with the Damar Hamlin nightmare, but it seems like everyone forgot just how nasty last year’s team was going into that game against Los Angeles in the Super Bowl.
Seriously? Tyler Huntley?
Again, I’ll dive deep in the game previews, but where’s the great offense Cincinnati got by this year? Kansas City – of course. That’s about it – and don’t say Tampa Bay – since losing to Dallas early in the season.
This won’t be the insane firefight the ill-fated Monday Night game seemed destined to become, but it’ll be close.
Knee-Jerk No Research Prediction: Cincinnati 30, Buffalo 27
Early Line No-Look Guess: Buffalo -6
Actual Line: Buffalo -5, o/u: 50
NFL Playoff Divisional Round First Thought Predictions
– Jacksonville at Kansas City
– New York at Philadelphia
– Dallas at San Francisco
– 2023 First Mock Draft: Post Wild Card