That gives the SN staff an opportunity to make good on our misses — or get even more things wrong. CBS Sports - Fantasy football players who are setting 2021 NFL Playoff Challenge lineups for Championship Weekend have an embarrassment of riches to choose from. Brady vs. Mahomes again is what we’ve got, which should surprise no one. It’s always Mahomes vs. the field in these types of awards going forward. 1 receiver and Donald to mess everything up for an offense is a good start, and an unheralded linebacking corps played well in 2020. He averaged 300.3 yards with 10 TDs and two interceptions in last year's playoff, and the Chiefs and averaged 39 points per game. Bill Bender: Chiefs. One of McClure’s top NFL Playoff Challenge picks for the 2021 Wild Card Round: Saints running back Alvin Kamara. They decided to be an object at rest vs. the motivated Browns last week and now need to play the same team with a lot more in the line. Brady never got to directly hand over the multiple-ring torch and potential GOATness to Mahomes in last year’s playoffs with the Patriots. Vinnie Iyer: Chiefs over Buccaneers. NFL Playoff Picks 2021: Divisional Round The Divisional Round is here and the Saints are ready to face Tampa! The health of RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire will definitely matter, but he has a decent chance of returning for the Divisional Round. 2021 NFL Playoff Challenge Fantasy football rankings, picks: Start Alvin Kamara in Wild Card Round. Mahomes missed the Chiefs-Packers matchup on "Sunday Night Football." However, we didn't fare as well in the NFC, where we thought the historically bad NFC East would produce two playoff teams (ouch) and our prediction of the top-seeded Packers' demise was painfully premature. Kansas City, however, has all the tools to win it again. Both covered in the 2014, 2015, 2017, and 2020 playoffs, but both were also unable to in 2019. But these playoffs have plenty of those, including Russell Wilson, Drew Brees and Ben Roethlisberger. As dominant as the Bills, Packers, and Buccaneers have been, the Chiefs have the best QB, the most speed, and arguably the best play-caller(s). Bill Bender: Steelers. The 2021 NFL Playoffs are upon us, and with them come yet another round of NFL picks and score predictions. We’re now into 2021, and with the arrival of the new year comes the 2021 NFL Playoffs. For Championship Weekend in the 2021 NFL playoffs, we can tell you McClure is building his Playoff Challenge lineups around Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, who has fives games in a row with at least seven receptions and a touchdown.. McClure is also targeting a player who could go off for big numbers during Championship Weekend because of a dream matchup! January 22, 2021 10:43 am We’re still in the NFL playoffs, with the championship round weekend kicking off on Sunday. Thankfully, 2020 is over. Some of the Ravens' defensive numbers are misleading thanks to mid-season COVID-19 absences, but that side of the ball is strong for Baltimore, too. They have the experience, talent, and home-field advantage. Likewise, Sporting News' predictions from the preseason were a mixed bag. The Browns have a two-headed running game in Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, and Baker Mayfield has emerged as a more-efficient quarterback with first-year coach Kevin Stefanski. Los Angeles allowed the fewest yards per pass attempt in the NFL this season while allowing the third-fewest yards per carry. The guys welcome on daily fantasy football expert Jon Jackson (@JonBoyBeats) to go over their FFPC Playoff Challenge picks talking lineup construction and strategy.Plus the debut of a new segment “Real Men Of Degens.” (Getty Images) Rodgers-Mahomes would produce ridiculous ratings, and the high-scoring appeal of that Super Bowl would be fantastic. It's probably the Rams and their duo of superstars, Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey. Play the #1 Playoff Fantasy Game! Let’s take a look at this weekend’s Divisional playoff games! Who else are we supposed to pick? Granted that was against weaker competition, but for a team that was impacted by COVID-19 this season, they are clicking at the right time. The Rams and Steelers are both dominant on every level, but Pittsburgh is a little worse at covering wide receivers. The Chiefs and Packers will get all the praise for earning the first-round byes, but the Bills are as hot as any team in football and it's all because of Allen. We’re now into 2021, and with the arrival of the new year comes the 2021 NFL Playoffs. Jason's 2021 fantasy football strategy for full-length NFL playoff formats. The Packers, Saints, Seahawks, Chiefs and Bills all have saved their best for last in the season. One of the top Wild Card Round NFL picks the model recommends: The Steelers (-6) cover against the Browns. Most important: He does full dance routines before every game. Coach Andy Reid and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy and it will be even better if Clyde Edwards-Helaire (ankle, hip) is able to return after a four-week rest. Vinnie Iyer: The Buccaneers (11-5) need to be the choice here with the GOAT QB flipping from the Patriots to the NFC. 1 seed Packers in the regular season and nearly came back to knock off the AFC No. Billy Heyen: Bills. There are up-and-coming young challengers in the AFC, including Buffalo's Josh Allen, Baltimore's Lamar Jackson and Cleveland's Baker Mayfield – but Mahomes remains the quarterback to beat. (Getty Images) But he's proven to be the lead back ahead of Leonard Fournette. The NFC is pretty wide open, but Green Bay’s offense, combined with having home-field advantage, puts it over the top. That’s the kind of extra panache a player needs to truly become a star. The Buccaneers dominated against Aaron Rodgers in a 38-10 win, and they limited Kansas City to less than 30 points in a three-point game. Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, and Josh Allen, among others, aren’t exactly slouches, but after watching Mahomes in the postseason last year, we have no reason to doubt him heading into another playoff run. It's time for the 2021 NFL Playoffs. Just keep in mind that I assume no responsibility if you choose to place wagers based on my picks — that’s your decision, not mine. It's hard to imagine anyone even slowing them down, let alone stopping them. Tampa Bay also is an acceptable answer, but if the Ravens can just get through Tennessee in the first round, then Lamar Jackson could make it interesting against the rest of the AFC. Green Bay might have found that player again in Savage, a second-year safety who has 31 tackles and two interceptions in the Packers' last five games. Bill Bender: Packers. The latter might not matter quite as much this year, but it’s not completely insignificant. MORE NFL PLAYOFFS:AFC & NFC bracket | TV schedule | Wild-card game predictions, (SN illustration) They are an excellent combination in pass coverage and they can contain some of the big playmakers in the NFC field. There is speed, creativity and despite a few more turnovers late in the season, Mahomes should have everything clicking for the playoffs. Play the #1 Playoff Fantasy Game! For Super Bowl LV between the Chiefs and Buccaneers, we can tell you McClure is building his Playoff Challenge lineups around Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, who has six games … Billy Heyen: Packers over Bills. Vinnie Iyer: There are lot of good choices but the Packers’ secondary duo of Jaire Alexander and Adrian Amos are two fun players to watch. Considering Allen was my playoff MVP pick, have to double down here and say the Bills will make it out of the AFC. As much as Green Bay and home field make going chalk tempting, the field might make it tough. The injury to Clyde Edwards-Helaire gives me slight pause there, while Green Bay recently uncovered AJ Dillon to add to an already strong rushing attack. https://images.daznservices.com/di/library/sporting_news/34/ee/rodgers-lafleur-091320-getty-ftrjpg_5gqzl94kt55q1cso2vmqxq2e5.jpg?t=-1974937164&w=500&quality=80. … 2021 NFL Playoff Challenge Fantasy football rankings, picks: Start Davante Adams on Championship Weekend - … The Ravens also finished the season with the biggest positive point differential (165) -- 39 more points than any team in the AFC. If Tampa Bay goes on a playoff run, Jones will surely be a part of it with his strong running between the tackles and finishing ability down near the goal line. Below are Sporting News' predictions for the 2021 NFL playoffs, complete with fresh Super Bowl picks, as NFL writers Vinnie Iyer, Bill Bender, Matt Lutovsky and Billy Heyen weigh in on the bracket, taking into account what we learned about all 14 playoff teams over the course of the season. Now he's turned his attention to the 2021 NFL Playoff Challenge. https://images.daznservices.com/di/library/sporting_news/ab/6b/ben-roethlisberger-122120-getty-ftr_1nrdkyq64wluv120cnazpu0tr7.jpg?t=-1998165362&w=500&quality=80. Thankfully, 2020 is over. What under-the-radar player will become a star in the playoffs? Alex Smith says return from injury threw 'wrench' into Washington Football Team's plans: 'They didn't want me', NFL free agency: 8 best candidates for the franchise tag in 2021, JJ Watt's 'mitochondria' tweet sends Bills, Browns fans into free-agency theory frenzy, Shailene Woodley confirms engagement to Packers' Aaron Rodgers, accurately describes his ball-throwing skills, When is Aaron Rodgers hosting 'Jeopardy!'? Here’s going with the Bucs, as Brady will be motivated to show he can still stand out from Rodgers, Brees and Wilson and get another shot at Mahomes. https://images.daznservices.com/di/library/sporting_news/6b/33/jaire-alexander-090220-getty-ftr_1pzxvvv6kebvp1p4lj514iki20.jpg?t=1350573620&w=500&quality=80. He might not win the award, but he didn’t win it last year either — and we all know how that turned out. So without further ado, here are my NFL picks and score predictions for the six games set to take place during the Wild Card Round of the 2021 NFL Playoffs. Getting Tom Brady and/or Drew Brees outdoors at Lambeau, even with limited fans, is a big advantage for a team that’s used to playing in the elements. Here’s re-electing Mahomes as Super Bowl champion, making him the first QB to repeat since Brady. Vinnie Iyer: The Rams have to be the choice here with Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey. One of McClure's top NFL Playoff Challenge picks for the 2021 Divisional Round: Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. Who says my fantasy season has to be over? That means it’s time once … And the NFC has to go through Lambeau Field, where Green Bay is very tough to beat. There are fewer ways to shut down Green Bay than any other team in the tournament. Having Ramsey to shut down a No. Bill Bender: Chiefs over Packers. Patrick Mahomes favored over Aaron Rodgers to be 2021 NFL MVP ... PFT’s 2020 NFL wild card playoff picks. The matchups for the Steelers (vs. Browns), Saints (vs. Bears), and Seahawks (vs. Rams)  all figure to be more favorable, though the Rams defense will make things interesting in Seattle. For two decades, Tom Brady was a force in the postseason, leading the New England Patriots to nine Super Bowls and six titles. Cleveland edged the Steelers in Week 17 to get into the playoffs, and Pittsburgh lost four of its last five games. The offensive line looked good enough without David Bakthiari, and that running game will be huge. https://images.daznservices.com/di/library/sporting_news/e6/94/mahomes-reid-120220-getty-ftr_gnwl4m0jgr2d1ph06vkwxmcax.jpg?t=610077446&w=500&quality=80. Billy Heyen: Steelers. 1 seed Chiefs, too. SportsLine’s Mike McClure has revealed his lineups for the NFL Playoff Challenge Source. Vinnie Iyer: Packers. That Aaron Rodgers to Davante Adams connection is just so, so dangerous. The final four teams in the 2020 NFL season are set, with the Packers, Buccaneers, Bills and Chiefs forming the final group nobody a year ago would have … The Packers could also contend with the Chiefs, Steelers or whoever makes it out of the AFC, because everything Green Bay does well will be stuff for any of those contenders to stop. Reid gets a shot at a second Super Bowl. MORE: Ranking every NFL team's real chances to win Super Bowl 55. He missed Week 17 due to COVID-19, but he had a historic performance in Week 16, piling up a whopping six touchdowns on the ground against the Vikings. https://images.daznservices.com/di/library/sporting_news/9a/16/patrick-mahomes-111920-getty-ftr_19kmi25f88si01w130fzc7kcpj.jpg?t=-497941939&w=500&quality=80. It's always tough to repeat. Indianapolis and Buffalo open the action at 1:05 p.m. The six-time Pro Bowler registered his … 2021 NFL Playoffs Free Picks, Predictions, Odds and Tips with Tony George / Indian Cowboy (Arun Shiva) of Docs Sports FREE $60 New Member Account at … Bill Bender: Buccaneers. Matt Lutovsky: Jamaal Williams. This will be not be an easy wild-card game in prime time for Pittsburgh. The Steelers are better at covering tight ends and force more overall incompletions, but when you’re facing elite receiver groups in the postseason, the ability to cover pass-catchers on the outside will be even more important. Picks, picks against the spread and over/unders. You can only see them here . Play the #1 Playoff Fantasy Game! That’s their only ticket to winning multiple games in the playoffs with one of the worst offenses (stunning for a Sean McVay team) in the tournament. Bill Bender: Patrick Mahomes. Rodgers to Adams is too good. The Wild Card round is this weekend, and we've got a new set of NFL picks and score predictions to help you out. Read about winning strategies and his picks for playoff leagues with 16-man rosters. Bill Bender: Chiefs. Billy Heyen: Ronald Jones. NFL Playoff Picks 2021: Conference Championships. The 2021 NFL playoff bracket is bigger (though, arguably, not better) than ever before, with the AFC and NFC each gaining an extra entry. The expanded 2021 NFL playoffs have reached the point we’re all … Be careful what you wish for. Vinnie Iyer: Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady are tempting as veteran Super Bowl-winning future Hall of Famers. Matt Lutovsky: Chiefs. That transition of power happens peacefully here, in a high-scoring affair where there will be no recount needed. Patrick Mahomes joined the club in impressive fashion in last year’s playoffs. Thankfully, 2020 is over. Billy Heyen: Does anyone play defense anymore? Billy Heyen: Packers. Matt Lutovsky: Chiefs over Packers. (SN/Getty) In fact, there’s a very good chance at least a few of my picks will be way off the mark. I will, however, make my selections based on research, experience and careful consideration. Sporting News' NFL experts make their predictions for the 2021 playoff bracket, including AFC and NFC champions and their picks for Super Bowl 55. If you parlay his picks, you could be looking at a 6-1 payout. CBS Sports - Many Fantasy football players have turned their attention to the 2021 NFL Playoff Challenge, and the action really heats up during the Divisional … 2021 NFL Playoff Challenge Fantasy football rankings, picks: Start Patrick Mahomes in Divisional Round - Flipboard Buffalo and Baltimore are interesting threats, but Kansas City beat both of those teams on the road this season. https://images.daznservices.com/di/library/sporting_news/cd/69/nfl-playoff-bracket-2021-wild-card-ftr_6or0408cudsx1d4ax16sz078s.jpg?t=-670917658&w=500&quality=80. Vinnie Iyer: This one is more complicated. Which wild-card team (5-7 seeds) is the biggest threat to win it all? If Buffalo shocks the rest of the football world and wins the Super Bowl, which is a legitimate possibility, Allen will be the reason. heads! While the NFL did manage to complete a full schedule of 256 games amid the COVID-19 pandemic, plenty went awry along the way. J.K. Dobbins is an emerging force in the running game, and the defense allowed just 10 points per game the last three weeks. 2021 NFL Playoff Picks featuring P7ot Twi5t https://youtu.be/w3R9Y-PsuNg #NFL #nflfootball #NFLPlayoffs #OpinionatedMedia The offense has come around with the emergence of midseason signing Antonio Brown. It’s a four-team race between the Packers, Saints, Seahawks and Buccaneers. Indianapolis boasts a top-flight defense, dominant running game, and veteran QB — usually a recipe for winning in January. Vinnie Iyer: The Steelers (12-4) haven’t played all that well down the stretch, save for the massive comeback against the Colts. Posted by Mike Florio on ... and I don’t think he’s going to be up to the challenge. Matt Lutovsky: Chiefs. The Steelers are clearly weaker overall than those five teams. That said, the Chiefs have a strong resume beating several of the teams this season and match up well with the ones they have yet to play, such as the Colts, Browns and Steelers. Posted by: Stonecom Interactive Monday, January 4, 2021. Rodgers and Adams will prove even too strong for White and company to handle on the defensive side, and if Buffalo's had a defensive weakness this year, it's been occasionally on the ground, where Green Bay's depth should thrive. The 2021 NFL Playoffs are upon us, and with them come yet another round of NFL picks and score predictions. He’s a backup running back, but Williams gets plenty of touches and has the ability to break big plays as both a runner and a receiver in Green Bay’s high-powered offense. (Getty Images) Aaron Jones, AJ Dillon and Jamaal Williams are the best three-headed rushing attack in the NFC bracket, at least. FFPC Playoff Challenge Picks. (Getty Images) Who says my fantasy season has to be over? NFL playoff picks: Expert predictions for 2021 Divisional Round. CBS Sports. The 2021 NFL playoffs features six wild-card matchups over a two-day stretch that should produce an overload of excitement for NFL fans. CBS Sports - Finalizing your NFL Playoff Challenge lineups means choosing between stars like Derrick Henry who will play on Wild Card Weekend, and stars who … 2021 NFL Playoff Challenge Fantasy football rankings, best picks: Start Alvin Kamara in Wild Card Round - Flipboard Honestly, I was a tad disappointed with the outcome of my NFL picks and score predictions during the 2020 campaign. There’s no real obstacle to think Mahomes will fall short, especially with NFC wins over the Saints and Buccaneers, too.