Allen versus Broncos in Mile-High showdown, Bears’ defense must step up against Rams

A win in this week’s Divisonal round puts you on the doorstep of Super Bowl 60. The eight teams remaining have their strengths, but must also compensate for their weaknesses with unique game plans – this is win or go home football.

DAZN News’ Gavin Babbitt breaks down offensive and defensive matchups to watch this week. 

Watch every NFL playoff game on DAZN for only £14.99

DAZN's latest Game Pass sale just dropped, giving you every NFL playoff game, from the Divisional Round right through to the Super Bowl, for only £14.99.

The deal arrives just in time for what promises to be a sensational slate of games, with the Buffalo Bills taking on the Denver Broncos, the San Francisco 49ers at the Seattle Seahawks, and more.

In addition to every game, live or on demand, Game Pass also provides access to RedZone, NFL Network, and DAZN’s weekly original shows, including Downs 2 Business, Kittle Things, and X's & O's coaching breakdown.

Click here for more information and to sign up.

Buffalo needs the run in Denver 

The Bills and Broncos meet in the Divisional round, pitting Josh Allen – perhaps the league's best offensive player – against a Denver defense loaded with talent. 

Both the Buffalo offense and Denver defense take pride in the running game. The Bills lead the league in rushing yards per game (159.6) and the Broncos dominate the line of scrimmage against the run.  

James Cook and Josh Allen have more than 1,400 rushing yards after contact this season. They must be physical against the Denver front. Cook is used heavily running to the inside. Broncos defensive tackle Zach Allen and linebacker Justin Strnad make the fewest stops on ball carriers. They are the ideal targets for the Buffalo back. 

With the quality of the Denver pass rush, Allen will be forced to scramble this week. He must succeed against Jonathon Cooper on the right edge. Regardless, linebacker Alex Singleton and safety Talanoa Hufanga are exceptional against the run at the second and third levels. If Allen wins against these two in the open field, Buffalo will extend drives that Denver normally shuts down. A third of the Bills’ rushing first downs this year came from their quarterback. 

Allen faces the league’s best pass rush this week – the Bills’ offensive line must be ready to go. Nik Bonitto, Cooper and Zach Allen bring pressure from all angles; Bonitto is one of the league’s quickest players to the quarterback. Behind them, the Denver secondary is excellent at limiting yards after the catch – a category the Bills rely on. 

Denver likes to blitz alongside its pass rush. Screen plays to Cook will be in the Buffalo game plan. Cook has an advantage against Singleton in zone coverage, and this play call counters the heavy pressure from the Broncos. 

Khalil Shakir is capable of chunk gains. Shakir leads all slot receivers in yards after the catch (320). Denver nickel corner Ja’Quan McMillan is prone to allowing that type of production. Shakir and tight end Dalton Kincaid have the most upside in this matchup. Kincaid plays from the slot and will create quick throws for Allen against the Broncos’ rookie Jahdae Barron.

Keon Coleman and Brandin Cooks have their hands full on the outside. Patrick Surtain is a generational cornerback, and plays both sides of the field. Denver can use him to squeeze Buffalo underneath and take away big plays. Neither Surtain nor safeties Talanoa Hufanga and Brandon Jones allow reception rates higher than 60% over the top. 

The Bills need a fearless performance from Allen this week. Buffalo was excellent in the red zone and on third down this year – there is no margin for error in those spots. The Broncos’ defense has more advatanges. With sound defensive execution and a complementary offense, Denver will advance. 

Now or never for Bears vs. Stafford 

The Rams are road favorites against the Bears in the Divisional round. Chicago’s defense struggled this season and needs its absolute best to slow down Sean McVay’s scheme. 

Matthew Stafford is challenging to defend, and his 5,000 passing yards prove it. He, Puka Nacua and Davante Adams will see mostly zone coverage from the Bears on Sunday.  

Nacua is the Rams’ favorite instrument for converting first downs. The Bears’ defense must disrupt him in the middle of the field to keep their offense in this game. Nacua has 72 receptions for more than 1,000 yards between the numbers this year.

Quality communication from Bears cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Nahshon Wright with linebacker Tremaine Edmunds is huge in this game. By playing deeper, the group can force Nacua under 10 yards and reduce his chances to run after the catch. Three of Stafford’s nine picks have come on short routes over the middle. Edmunds is 6-foot-5 and second in the NFL at linebacker in interceptions (4) this season. 

Stafford targets Adams on intermediate routes to the left and over the middle. Tracking Adams off the line of scrimmage is the priority for the Chicago secondary. The veteran is a major threat getting open, but not as much after the catch. 

Nahshon Wright as well as safeties Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker will cover Adams. When Adams runs out routes on the left, he will isolate Wright and stay underneath Byard and Brisker.  More than half of Adams’ receptions have come in these zones, and Wright has allowed 13 yards per catch and eight touchdowns this year. 

Kyren Williams is top-10 running back in yards after contact. He has an edge against Bears defensive lineman Gervon Dexter, Austin Booker and Grady Jarrett running to the right. Chicago is a friendly matchup for Williams to set up play action, move the sticks in short yardage and make plays in the red zone. Inside the 10-yard line, Williams led the NFL in rushing yards and scored 10 touchdowns this season. 

The Bears’ defense needs superb play from its linebackers and secondary on Sunday. The Rams can set the tone on the ground, and then use play action. Chicago must pick up these calls quickly, or stops will be hard to find. Stafford has nearly 1,900 passing yards and 22 touchdowns off the play fake this season.