NFL Divisional Round Picks: Can the Giants Keep Rolling?

Our outlook dives into this weekend's contests. This round breaks down as follows. 

• Saturday - 2
• Sunday - 2

So, our setup for the weekend remains simple. This is the first of two columns for the games that help us go from eight to four teams left in the NFL Playoffs.

Let’s get cracking! By the end of the weekend, we will know the AFC and NFC Championship combatants. Saturday features the top seeds in each conference in their playoff debuts. 

Jacksonville Jaguars at Kansas City Chiefs (-8.5)

Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET, NBC

Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City

The Kansas City Chiefs open their second season as they entertain the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday. What can the Jacksonville Jaguars do for an encore? They fell behind 27-0 before rallying to defeat the Los Angeles Chargers 31-30. Trevor Lawrence tossed four first-half interceptions but threw four second-half touchdowns.

Jacksonville won a game where their turnover differential was -5. The Jaguars probably do not want to try that again. Kansas City will not go as conservative as the Chargers, either. Patrick Mahomes does not go the safe route. 

The two teams faced off against each other in Week 10. Kansas City won 27-17 at home. Lawrence tossed two touchdowns, but Mahomes outdueled the young Jaguars’ signal-caller. The Chiefs’ quarterback threw for 331 yards and four touchdowns. Kansas City racked up almost 500 yards in total offense. 

Jacksonville did not turn the ball over once. The Chiefs turned the ball over three times. Mahomes scrambled for 39 yards on seven carries. Expect Kansas City to run more than the Chargers. 

See where the number roams on the Over. It is 53 but has the potential to move around. The hope is that offense will be more prevalent. Take the Over here, as Kansas City should be able to hold off Jacksonville. It is possible the Chiefs could win by around 10 again. 

Our Pick is to take the Kansas Chiefs laying 8.5. 

New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles (-7.5)

Saturday, 8:15 p.m. ET, FOX

Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia

Again, the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants know each other quite well. The Giants absorbed that 48-22 pounding later in the season. This angered the Giants, their fans, and especially Daniel Jones. Jones, Saquon Barkley, and the Giants get the chance to exact a little revenge. 

While the Eagles are home on Saturday night, there is debate about how this game may go. Philadelphia’s rushing attack is predicated somewhat on the scrambling ability of Jalen Hurts. How is that shoulder? It might prove to be the biggest question that gets answered quickly. The Eagles likely will not run for 253 yards again. 

Throw out the final weekend matchup of the season to a point. New York played better while Philadelphia was tuning up for the playoffs. The crazier thing about the two meetings was the low amount of turnovers. Both featured just one miscue in each matchup. With the intensity cranked up, expect a little more unexpected. 

New York can win this game if Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley keep Philadelphia off the field. A five-minute differential in time of possession means a ton. If the Giants' defense is on the field too long, Philadelphia’s balance and receiving duo of A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith will find spaces down the field. After that, Miles Sanders has enough speed to keep the Giants off balance. 

Bluntly, New York cannot settle for field goals. It also needs to make a few key stops. Expect the Giants to keep this closer, like the second game, but it will not be enough. If the spread goes up to more than eight, side with the Over (48) instead. Otherwise, Philadelphia will find a way to cover on Saturday night and advance to the NFC Championship. 

Our Pick is to take the risk with Philadelphia laying 7.5 points.

All of our numbers are from DraftKings and BetMGM. Good luck this weekend!