Baltimore Beatdown Playoff Picks: Divisional Round

While the Ravens offseason has officially started, eight teams are still chasing the Lombardi Trophy. With intriguing storylines painting each matchup, the Baltimore Beatdown staff attempts to predict the result of each Divisional Round game. Readers can also vote for each winner in the polls in this article.

Playoff standings:

1. Dustin (3-1)
2. Jake, Kyle B., Logan, Vasilis and Zach (2-2)
3. Frank and readers (1-3)
4. Kyle A. and Sage (0-4)

Divisional games

Colts at Chiefs (KC -5.0)

Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images

At the start of training camp, few could have foreseen the path both of these organizations would take in 2018. Patrick Mahomes is the front runner for league MVP, and Andrew Luck has shattered all expectations for his return. Can Mahomes help Kansas City finally escape their dismal postseason track record or will Luck play spoiler like he did in the 2013 playoffs?

The verdict: 78% percent of the staff thinks Patrick Mahomes wins his first career playoff start.

Cowboys at Rams (LAR -7.0)

Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Will some may argue the Seahawks offensive game plan is what cost them a victory over Dallas, the Cowboys continue to over achieve. In his first playoff win, Dak Prescott completed 66.7 percent of his passes, throwing one touchdown pass and rushing for another score. Sean McVay and the Rams will look to live up to their billing and avoid an early exit like last season when they put up just 13 points in a loss to the Falcons.

The verdict: 67% of Beatdown writers expect the Rams to advance.

Chargers at Patriots (NE -4.0)

Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

The Chargers let Baltimore creep back into their Wild Card game, which will not get the job done against Tom Brady on Sunday. The Patriots look more vulnerable for a playoff upset than usual, but Philip Rivers is 0-7 against New England. Still, the Chargers defense was stellar last week, and Derwin James and Melvin Ingram will look to make a statement against an AFC powerhouse.

The verdict: 56% of the staff believes the Chargers will upset New England.

Eagles at Saints (NO -8.0)

Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

It took a late second kicking mishap for the Eagles to advance, and Drew Brees has never lost a home postseason game with the Saints. Does Nick Foles have any magic left to continue Philadelphia’s underdog success? Or will the Saints make their first conference title appearance since their 2009 Super Bowl run?

The verdict: 100% of Beatdown writers pick the Saints to eliminate the reigning champs.

All writers’ picks can be found in the table below.