The NFL Roundup 2020: Divisional Round – Day One

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

It’s always a wonderful thing for football fans when Wild Card Weekend turns out to be epic in nature. Because that means every single team that won that weekend, is hungry to take this ride as far as it can go, and they’re riding the high of a big win in the NFL postseason, something that they will definitely carry over to the next round and really, that’s precisely why I’m excited for this weekend’s slate of games. For every last one of them features teams that deserve to be here and every single squad that takes the field is ready to give it their all in order to get one step closer to the big game, and with that in mind, let’s take a moment and examine what to expect from Saturday’s games as the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs get underway.

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NFC Divisional Matchup
Minnesota Vikings at San Francisco 49ers
Levi’s Stadium – Santa Clara, California
4:35 p.m. EST – NBC 

HOW THESE TEAMS REACHED THE DIVISIONAL ROUND
It’s been an interesting journey for both of these teams, simply because for a brief moment there, it seemed as though neither of them would get what they want this season. For the Vikings are a team that saw some up and down moments, the kind that made everyone wonder if they were playoff worthy. And that concern extended to last week’s game when they took on the talented Saints. But they proved in thrilling fashion they deserve to be here. As for the Niners, well, their early season push to dominate the NFL was a successful one since they won nine straight to start the year. But a few losses down the line and some tough play from of some of their competitors, left one to wonder where this team was going to end up seeding wise in the playoffs. But a thrilling finale against the Seahawks, the very franchise that handed them their first loss of the season, helped them to lock up what they clearly wanted all along, home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
 
KEYS TO THE GAME
Well I think we can all agree upon the fact that this is San Francisco’s game to lose. For they have an outstanding quarterback under center in Jimmy Garoppolo who can light up the scoreboard at will with the incredible weapons at his disposal. And the bend but don’t break style of defense that they employ has served them well all season long. But it is possible for Minnesota to beat this team, provided a few key things come into play. First and foremost, the Vikings defense has to figure out how to slow down or neutralize that powerhouse offense. Which means they have to blanket TE George Kittle and slow down WR Emmanuel Sanders and force this team to run which really isn’t their style in the slightest. As for the offense, well Kirk Cousins needs to have another outstanding game and take advantage of every opportunity the Niners defense provides him with, just like he did last week. But while there is a shot for Minnesota to advance to the Championship round, I’ll be shocked if they do. Because San Francisco’s offense is almost impossible to stop, and the defense can indeed make big stops when they have to and I really am expecting the home team to wrap up the win today. 

AFC Divisional Matchup
Tennessee Titans at Baltimore Ravens
M&T Bank Stadium – Baltimore, Maryland
6:15 p.m. EST – CBS 

​HOW THESE TEAMS REACHED THE DIVISIONAL ROUND
This is a matchup that features quite the contrast, when it comes to how these teams arrived at the Divisional Round. After all, the Tennessee Titans were in essence a forgotten team until they switched quarterbacks and willed their way into the playoffs, and even then, there were no guarantees they would make it this far. But a stunning win over the New England Patriots has brought them to Baltimore’s doorstep. Speaking of the Ravens, they were simply dominant all year long, and despite losing a few games here and there, they consistently gave their opponents fits with the RPO style of offense the employ, which was complimented by some incredible defensive play. And for their efforts, they toppled opponent after opponent on their way to the number one overall seed and for the moment, the road to the Super Bowl goes through Baltimore.
 
KEYS TO THE GAME
Oddly enough, this is another game whose outcome is in the hands of the home team. Because the Ravens really are a dynamic team. For their quarterback or their tailback can run the ball at will and they handle that trade off in such seamless fashion that it confuses opposing defenses and to make matters worse for their opponents, they can throw the ball as well. Because Lamar Jackson has a magnificent arm and wonderful accuracy and makes teams pay when they commit to the run and hey, that defense is no slouch either since they dominate consistently. But it is possible for Tennessee to pull out a win, and the biggest way to make that happen, is to keep Jackson off the field. Which means the Titans D has to generate some three and outs and the offense, well they need some long and sustained drives, the kind that helped them to beat New England. But more importantly, those drives have to end with points. But in the end, I really do expect the Ravens to walk away the winner in this one, because they’re the best team in the AFC for certain.