The NFL playoffs are upon us, and Pete Prisco enters the postseason on a hot streak, posting back-to-back weeks with a winning record in picks against the spread. Now he’s rolled up his sleeves to predict not just wild card weekend but the entire playoff slate, all the way to Super Bowl LIX.
Here’s a round-by-round rundown of all of his picks, which he first revealed on CBS Sports HQ:
wild card round
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AFC Projections
- Chargers over Texans: “I think the Los Angeles D-line will give CJ Stroud a lot of problems.”
- Ravens over Steelers: Prisco likes Baltimore as one of the best teams in the NFL, but believes the score will be close because of the challenge of playing the same opponent three times in the same season.
- Bills on Broncos: “I think the defensive matchup is good for Denver, but a rookie quarterback on the road” ultimately spells trouble for the Broncos.
NFC Projections
- Rams on Vikings: Prisco believes Minnesota will have a tough time recovering from an “emotional loss” in Week 18, projecting a strong running game led by Kyren Williams in Los Angeles.
- Buccaneers over commanders: Look for Baker Mayfield to continue his strong season, Prisco says, with a high-scoring run at home.
- Packers on Eagles: Prisco says he would feel better in Green Bay if Christian Watson and Jaire Alexander were healthy, but he still likes Matt LaFleur as the top coach in this matchup, and also points to Jalen Hurts’ return from a concussion as a concern for Philadelphia.
Divisional round
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AFC Projections
- Bosses on chargers: The extra rest should give Kansas City a clear advantage in this one, Prisco says, as well as the Chiefs’ familiarity with the rival Chargers.
- Bills about crows: “I wouldn’t be surprised if Baltimore wins, but I think this is the time for Josh Allen to take over… Where is the pressure on the Ravens’ quarterbacks?”
NFC Projections
- Packers over Lions: Although Detroit is a powerhouse, Prisco believes the Packers will “play loose and free” if they get another chance against their division rivals, especially if Josh Jacobs helps set the tone on the field, giving them more offensive balance than the Vikings had. in week 18.
- Buccaneers over Rams: Los Angeles has been there, done that, but Prisco likes Tampa Bay’s mix of youth and experience, and he picked Baker Mayfield to advance to the NFC title game.
Conference championship round
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AFC projection
- Bills on chiefs: “I hate playing Jordan in the playoffs,” Prisco says, referring to the reigning Super Bowl champions, “but someone has to beat them.”
NFC projection
- Packers over Buccaneers: Prisco believes that these clubs have offensive power to put on a real show: “The first one to reach 38 victories. I would love to, and that’s how I love to see good football.”
Super Bowl LIX
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- Bills about Packers: “Before the season, I picked Green Bay to win it. I’m freaking out. I think the MVP is going to ride that wave all the way to win it all, and the Buffalo Bills are going to win the Super Bowl.”
