The Shenoa Report
January 22, 2022
Divisional Round
Guys, for the first time ever, I went 6-0 on my picks in the wild card weekend! Even better, the Bills are still in the playoffs while the Eagles, Cowboys, and Steelers are not! It was a really good week for football. Now we are heading into the divisional round. There will be two games on Saturday and two games on Sunday. But before I get to this week let’s recap the wild card games.
Raiders @ Bengals 19-26
The Bengals were 4 for 4 on scoring drives in the first half, building up an impressive lead against the Raiders. One of the touchdowns that put them up 20-6 was a little controversial though. One of the officials “accidently” blew their whistle before the play was over. According to the rule book the play should not have counted, nor the touchdown. The refs got together, along with New York, and decided that the play and touchdown would count. The Bengals won by a touchdown. Do you see what I’m getting at? Raiders fans are not happy. This is the first time in over 30 years that the Bengals won a postseason game. They were due. Cinnicnati will now travel to Tennessee to face the Titans in the divisional round.
Patriots @ Bills 17-47
The Bills crushed the Pats. Buffalo did not punt, have (or need) a field goal attempt, or turn the ball over in their win over the Patriots. This hasn’t been done in a game since at least 1950. Josh Allen had zero interceptions and 5 touchdown passes. In other news, this was Bill Belichick’s largest playoff loss as a head coach. The Bills beat the Pats in 2 of their 3 matchups this season, this one, obviously being their biggest win. I am so excited that I can still root for the Bills for at least another week in the postseason. The Bills will travel to Arrowhead Stadium to face the Chiefs in the divisional round next.
Eagles @ Buccaneers 15-31
To say that the Eagles lost is an understatement, but it makes me so happy to say it anyway. The Bucs made an example of Philly, stomping them at every turn. The Bucs defense picked off Jalen Hurts twice and just made the Eagles plain miserable. Tom Brady doesn’t really like playing the Eagles as they cost him a Super Bowl ring, so this win was a little more sweet for him. The Bucs will host the Rams in the divisional round.
49ers @ Cowboys 23-17
This was the best upset. The Cowboys did NOT look like a team that just weeks before won their division title. Actually, they looked pathetic. It was great. On the Cowboys last drive they did have a chance to tie the game to send it to overtime, but with poor clock management and stupid mistakes the clock expired before they got a chance. Well done 49ers, and thanks for beating the Cowboys. Next up the 49ers will head to Green Bay to face the Packers in the divisional round. So, 9ers fans, enjoy this win right now…
Steelers @ Chiefs 21-42
The Chiefs threw Big Ben the nicest retirement party and dominated the Steelers all at the same time. Actually the game started off pretty slow, with no scores in the first quarter. After an ugly turnover that put the Steelers in the lead 7-0 early in the second quarter, it was like a switch was flipped and the Chiefs were off to the races. That was the first and last time the Steelers would have the lead. Patrick Mahomes had 5 touchdown passes in this win over the Steelers. The Chiefs will go on to host the Bills in the divisional round.
Cardinals @ Rams 11-34
I’m pretty sure the Cards forgot they had a playoff game. They played horribly. I wanted the score to be closer, but I am happy that the Rams got the win. Matthew Stafford has been in the league for 13 years and this is his first playoff win. That’s tenacity. OBJ had the same kind of feels as this was also his first playoff win in the NFL.
I, of course, was just excited that there was a Manningcast. The guests for the season finale of the Peyton and Eli show were Larry Fitzgerld, Dwayne (The Rock) Johnson, and Russel Wilson. It was a solid performance. Eli sported his Death Row Records chain from Snoop Dogg while Peyton threw shots at Eli by bringing up Joe Judge’s play calling for the Giants abysmal season. We also learned that the Rock has a skeleton of a T-rex head named Stan. I can’t wait for next season on Monday nights with the Mannings.
As I said before, the Rams will travel to Tampa Bay to face the Bucs in the divisional round.
DIVISIONAL ROUND
Saturday, January 22th
Bengals (10-7) @ Titans (12-5) (4:30pm CBS)
The Bengals suffered some pretty serious injuries in their win last week. DT Larry Ogunjobi will not play due to a season ending ankle injury. DE Trey Hendrickson suffered a concussion last week but has cleared protocols and will play for Cincinnati. The Titans had a first round bye and are coming into this game as healthy as they have been all season, and they are getting Derrick Henry back! I think it’ll be a close game but ultimately I think the Titans will win this game. I’m picking the Titans for the win.
49ers (10-7) @ Packers (13-4) (8:15pm FOX)
The 49ers are also coming into this game pretty beat up. DE Nick Bosa suffered a concussion last week but has cleared protocols and will play, while CB Ambry Thomas and DE Jordan Willis are questionable. QB Jimmy Garopollo is also playing with a sore thumb and shoulder. The Packers on the other hand had a first round bye and are coming into this game pretty healthy. I am going to be rooting for the 49ers but I expect the Packers to win this game. It’s going to be cold and Aaron Rodgers doesn’t lose at home, at least he hasn’t yet this season. In fact, the Packers are 8-1 all time at home in the divisional round, their only loss coming from the NY Giants in the 2011 season. I’m picking the Packers for the win, and hoping I’m wrong.
Sunday, January 23rd
Note the weird times these games are starting
Rams (12-5) @ Buccaneers (13-4) (3pm NBC)
Matthew Stafford and OBJ just got their first win in the playoffs while Tom Brady has 35. Again, I’ll be rooting for the Rams but I think the Bucs will win this game. I just hope it’s a good one. I’m picking the Bucs for the win and hoping I’m wrong, though with Leonard Forenette back in the lineup it’ll be harder to root against Tampa. Somehow, I’m sure I’ll manage. Fun fact: Tom Brady is older than every opposing NFC head coach still in the playoffs. Let that sink in.
Bills (11-6) @ Chiefs (12-5) (6:30pm CBS)
I really think that the Bills can win this game. They played lights out last week and the Chiefs continue to make mistakes. They are not the same two teams that met around this time last year. The Bills are way better and the Chiefs just aren’t as good. The Chiefs are getting Clyde Edwards Helaire back but I hope that isn’t the difference maker. I’m all in on the Bills. I “Billieve”. I’m picking the Bills for the win. GO BILLS!
Thanks for the edit Eric!
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