Pete Prisco Predicts Underdogs to Shine in NFL Divisional Round

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ICARO Media Group
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18/01/2024 20h16

In his latest picks for the divisional round matchups, NFL analyst Pete Prisco is favoring the underdogs to make their mark in the postseason.

Prisco's impressive start to the playoffs saw him go 5-1 against the spread, bringing his season record to 139-128-11. While his straight-up record stands at 171-107-0, he is confident in his predictions for this week's games.

The Houston Texans (+9) will face the Baltimore Ravens, who are fresh off a bye week. Although the rest may be beneficial for the Ravens, Prisco believes the lack of game time for their starters could pose a challenge. Texans rookie quarterback, C.J. Stroud, will be making his first road playoff appearance, adding another layer of difficulty. Prisco expects a close matchup with high-scoring performances from both quarterbacks, but ultimately sees Lamar Jackson leading the Ravens to a narrow victory of 30-29.

The Green Bay Packers (+9.5) will take on the San Francisco 49ers, who are coming off a bye week as well. Prisco acknowledges the Packers' impressive win over the Cowboys and believes their momentum will carry over. Jordan Love's strong performance against Dallas indicates he could be a key factor in this game. Prisco predicts a shootout, with both teams finding success on offense. In a stunning upset, he selects the Packers to emerge victorious with a score of 33-31.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+6.5) will face the Detroit Lions, both teams coming off convincing home victories. Prisco highlights the Lions' defensive vulnerabilities, which could play into a strong performance from Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield. Jared Goff's ability to handle Tampa Bay's blitz will be crucial for the Lions. Although the previous meeting between these teams was close, Prisco expects the Buccaneers to avenge their earlier loss and advance to the title game with a narrow 30-28 win.

In the marquee matchup of the week, the Buffalo Bills will host the Kansas City Chiefs, marking Patrick Mahomes' first road playoff game. Prisco notes the Bills' impressive run leading up to the playoffs but highlights their defensive injuries as a concern. The Chiefs' offense showcased their prowess against Miami, adding another challenge for Buffalo's defense. However, Prisco believes Josh Allen will limit his mistakes and guide the Bills to a 28-23 victory over the Chiefs, securing a spot in the AFC championship game.

Prisco's predictions highlight his confidence in the underdogs, as he expects a tightly contested divisional round with potential upsets. As the playoffs unfold, football fans eagerly await these exciting matchups to see if Prisco's predictions come to fruition.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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