#5 Cleveland Browns (11-6) AT #4 Houston Texans (10-7)

The Cleveland Browns (11-6) head to Houston while taking on the Texans (10-7). The Browns started off the year really well, going 7-3 in their first 10 games. They went on to lose their next 2 games. Deshaun Watson, the Browns’ starting quarterback, suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. PJ Walker and Dorian Thompson-Robinson each started a few games before former NFL quarterback Joe Flacco signed with the team. Flacco, who had not been on a team in almost a year, came in and led the Browns to a 4-1 record in the games he started.

At 16th, the Browns were in the middle of the pack in offensive yards per game (335.9). Their defense, on the other hand, was ranked first in opposing yards per game (270.2). The Texans, however, come in led by quarterback C.J. Stroud, a rookie, out of Ohio State. The Texans took Stroud with the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft; they traded up with the Arizona Cardinals for the third over pick and selected Will Anderson Jr. who is an edge rusher from Alabama. The Texans were expected to be a bottom 5 team, and even the worst team in the league this season. C.J. Stroud had one of the best rookie seasons ever, which is the main reason they are in the playoffs. Although the Texans have surprised everyone, the Browns’ defense is just way too good. Along with the defense, Flacco has plenty of playoff experience as he won the 2012 Super Bowl. With a 10-5 playoff record, Flacco should lead the Browns past the very inexperienced Stroud-led Texans.

#6 Miami Dolphins (11-6) AT #3 Kansas City Cheifs (11-6)

Saturday night the Miami Dolphins (11-6) will travel to Kansas City to take on the Chiefs (11-6) in the frigid weather at 7 PM CT. The temperature at kick-off is supposed to be -1 degrees, with 13 MPH winds, bringing the windchill to -19 degrees. The Dolphins lost their previous 13 games in temps of 30 degrees or less. Along with that, the Dolphins have been struggling recently losing 3 of their last 5 games, whereas the Chiefs have won 3 of their last 5.

The Dolphins have not had many big wins this year, other than beating the Cowboys. They also lost a few key defensive players in their week 18 game against the Bills. Xavien Howard, the Dolphins’ Pro Bowl cornerback is also ruled out with a foot injury. The Chiefs also have not necessarily beaten any good teams either: their only good win was to the struggling Eagles. This game will most likely be low-scoring due to the cold weather, and the Chiefs should take this one as the Dolphins will struggle in the freezing cold temperatures.

#7 Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7) AT #2 Buffalo Bills (11-6)

To kick off the Sunday slate, the Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7) will head to Buffalo and face the Bills (11-6) at 12 PM CT. Buffalo is also expected to have bad weather, just not as cold. There are supposed to be snow storms all day along with 25+ MPH winds. These extremes call for a lot of running by both teams. This is an advantage for the Steelers since they are a run-first team. They have an excellent backfield duo with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. The Steelers finished with the 13th-ranked rushing offense in yards per game(118.2).

Throughout Mike Tomlin’s time in Pittsburgh, running has been the Steelers’ strength along with defense. Their rushing defense ranked 19th this season. On the other hand, the Bills have the 7th rushing offense averaging 130.1 yards per game, and their rushing defense is ranked 15th allowing just 5 fewer rushing yards per game than the Steelers. The two teams have similar offensive and defensive rushing yards per game. The snow should have a real effect on this game and cause it to be really low-scoring, but the Bills should pull away and win this one.

For a look at the NFC matchups, view Carlos’ Allen article, here.