As we dive into the heart of the NFL playoffs, the excitement is palpable. Also, it’s D-Day in Dallas, as McCarthy is out in Dallas, and the search for a new sheriff in begins. Who does Kelcey think it will be? The wild card round is behind us, and now it’s time for the big dogs to come out and play. In this week’s episode of the High Low Sports Podcast, DJ and Kelcey break down the upcoming divisional round matchups, offer our insights, predictions, and a few surprises that might just shake up your betting strategy.
D-Day in Dallas
Let’s start with D-Day in Dallas: Mike McCarthy is out. As a long-suffering Cowboys fan, Kelcey has been calling for this move for what feels like an eternity. But here’s the kicker – they didn’t just fire him; they let his contract expire and blocked him from interviewing elsewhere. Talk about a cold exit.
But here’s where it gets interesting:
- The timing of this move means Dallas missed out on interviewing hot candidates like Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn.
- There’s buzz about Deion Sanders potentially heading to Dallas as head coach.
The Search for a New Sheriff begins with Deion?
Now, we know what you’re thinking: “Deion? Really?” But Kelcey argued Prime Time has been crushing it in the college ranks, turning around programs faster than you can say “touchdown.” His pro-level attitude and ability to develop talent could be exactly what the Cowboys need.
However, there’s a catch:
“If Deion comes in, he’s going to bring a mentality that has not been in Dallas since the last time Deion was in Dallas. But, it’s been long enough that you’re starting to question whether Jerry Jones has the understanding that whoever he brings in, he’s probably going to have to go hands off.”
The question remains: Is Jerry ready to let go of the reins?
Divisional Round Breakdown: Expect the Unexpected
Now, let’s get to the meat of the matter – the divisional round matchups. We’ve got some doozies on our hands, folks.
Texans vs. Chiefs: Don’t Sleep on the Underdogs
The Chiefs are favored by 8.5 points, but don’t count out the Texans just yet. Here’s why:
- The Texans have shown explosive potential throughout the season.
- Patrick Mahomes has never lost in the divisional round, but there’s always a first time.
Our prediction? Chiefs to win, but it’ll be closer than that spread suggests. DJ’s hot tip: Keep an eye on Travis Kelce for an anytime touchdown. He’s chasing Jerry Rice’s playoff touchdown record, and you can bet the Chiefs will be hunting for that.
Lions vs. Commanders: Motor City Magic
The Lions are riding high, and we’re not betting against them. Here’s the breakdown:
- Lions are favored by 9.5 points.
- Dan Campbell’s aggressive play-calling could be the X-factor.
Our take? Lions to cover and then some. This offense is firing on all cylinders, and the Commanders’ defense might just be overwhelmed.
Eagles vs. Rams: A Closer Contest Than You Think
Here’s where things get spicy. The Eagles are favored by 6, but we’re not seeing eye-to-eye:
- The Rams’ defense has been lights out in recent weeks.
- Matthew Stafford and Sean McVay have a stellar playoff record together.
Our prediction? Kelcey and DJ both have the Eagles winning, but DJ has the Rams to cover. Don’t be surprised if this one comes down to the wire.
The Main Event: Ravens vs. Bills
This is the heavyweight bout of the weekend, folks. It’s so close that even Vegas is scratching its head:
- Ravens are slight favorites at -1.5.
- Both teams have been on fire since their Week 4 matchup.
Here’s where we differ:
DJ: “I’m gonna lean towards the Bills because it’s gonna be cold. There’s a good chance of snow. It’s gonna feel like three degrees I think is what they said. With wind, that’s the Bills are a lot more used to that.”
Kelcey: “It’s going to be a great game, but 2 MVP candidates are greater than 1 MVP candidate, so the Ravens should be able to figure it out, even if it’s only by 1 point.”
What We Learned About NFL Playoffs
As we wrap up our divisional round preview, here are the key takeaways:
- Don’t always trust the spread – sometimes the underdogs have more bite than bark.
- Weather can be a game-changer, especially in cold-weather cities.
- Past performance in the playoffs matters – look at coaches’ and quarterbacks’ track records.
- Keep an eye on individual player motivations, like Kelce chasing records.
Remember, in the playoffs, anything can happen. That’s why we love this game.
Ready to dive deeper into these matchups? Tune in to our full episode for more insights, betting tips, and a few laughs along the way. And don’t forget to check out our upcoming College Football Playoff super show – it’s going to be a banger!
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