NFL Divisional Round Predictions: Expert Picks for Bills, 49ers, Texans, and Rams

Close to a month ago, we hit a point where every week of the NFL season was going to increase intensity and anxiety, up to and including the postseason. That comes with increased stakes and a higher level of play, often bringing out the best football.

That was the case last week, as the first four games of the season all finished within a four-point difference before the final two games were a little more one-sided, though the winning team didn't pull away until the fourth quarter in both games.

Without a true favorite standing out in either conference, we could see enthralling games all through the Super Bowl. Any of the eight remaining teams can win it all; there are no more easy outs.

With so much intrigue, the experts at FantasySP wanted to share their thoughts. Morgan Rode and Daniel Hepner answered five questions about the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs as we head into the weekend.

Use FantasySP's fantasy assistant to link your teams and get advice on roster moves, lineup decisions, and more!

Can Denver's defense hold down Josh Allen and the Bills' offense?

Morgan: I think Denver can slow Allen and the Buffalo offense, but I'll still take the Bills to win. Buffalo could return the favor defensively and win a low-scoring game on the road because they have the better quarterback.

Daniel: It will all come down to Allen and how much he can do for a team lacking impact skill players. Denver is one of the few defenses who have a real chance against the Buffalo QB, and they could definitely keep the Bills from racking up points. Like Morgan, I am picking the Bills to win, maybe with a moderate score, like 21-17.

Will San Francisco's injury issues finally catch up to them in a third matchup with the Seahawks?

Morgan: This is the biggest toss up of the weekend in my eyes. Even down George Kittle, I still think San Fran could beat Seattle. It should be a great game, but I'll give the edge to the Seahawks because they are playing at home.

Daniel: How much is enough? If it were a boxing match, the 49ers would be counted out, but they keep plugging holes and finding success. This game has the widest variance of the weekend, but I see a rested Seattle team clamping down on the banged up Niners and sending them into the offseason after a valiant effort.

Will the Patriots falter now that they are finally meeting a high-level team in the Texans?

Morgan: This might be New England's biggest test of the season, but I still think they get the job done. I expect another low-scoring game, and I'm again giving the edge to the team with the better quarterback, and that's New England's Drake Maye.

Daniel: Houston's defense is good enough to win the Super Bowl. Throw in an efficient performance from C.J. Stroud, and it's going to be tough for any team to beat the Texans. I do think New England is good enough to win this game; they're not simply a product of a bad schedule, though that certainly helps. I'm going opposite of Morgan finally and saying that Houston will do enough to flummox Maye and the uprising Patriots.

Can Chicago keep up with the Rams and/or put up enough of a defensive fight to stay in this game?

Morgan: I don't think the Bears can slow the Rams, and I don't think LA will fold like Green Bay did last week. I think the game could still be close and entertaining, but I have the Rams ending the Bears' fairytale season.

Daniel: This one could turn into a shootout. It seems like a guarantee that the Rams will excel on offense, and it will be a matter of whether the Bears can match their firepower. It's going to take a few turnovers from Chicago's defense, something they have done all season, and the game might come down to whether they can get a stop in the biggest spot. Los Angeles probably has a little too much and will win this one.

Which player is the biggest X-factor who could decide whether his team wins or loses in the Divisional Round?

Morgan: I think I'd take Brock Purdy. Down Kittle and needing to support Christian McCaffrey, Purdy needs to deliver big for the Niners to pull another upset. The quarterback's play should determine if the Niners advance or not.

Daniel: After wanting to pick every quarterback, I decided I needed to look elsewhere to find my true X-factor. Let's go with New England cornerback Christian Gonzalez. He is in concussion protocol but progressing through and on track to play, though that's not a certainty. If on the field, the CB1 will be tasked with stopping the top player in a young Texans pass-catching group. Nico Collins is dealing with a concussion of his own and not as far along as Gonzalez, so if the cornerback plays while the receiver is out, that could be enough to stifle Houston's offense.