Author: Mike Volpe
Volpe’s 2/12/23 Super Bowl 57 Showdown
I have a few questions that will help forecast how the Super Bowl will play out. Can the Chiefs stop the Eagles’ running game? If they can, is Jalen Hurts’ shoulder healthy enough to throw past the Chiefs? Is Patrick Mahomes going to create his usual magic considering his ankle injury? How will the Chiefs’ wide receivers match up against Pro Bowl corner Darius Slay and James Bradberry?
Volpe’s 1/29/23 AFC Championship Showdown
The Bengals are the only team that have figured out the Chiefs’ code and have beaten the Chiefs in three consecutive games. Joe Burrow is locked in, even though his OL is working through key injuries. Last week the OL was not an issue for Burrow, but that was against a Bills defense that struggles to get pressure. The Chiefs rank 2nd in the NFL in pressuring the QB and will create more difficulty for Burrow.
Volpe’s 1/22/23 Divisional Showdown Breakdowns
The Bengals are going to have some serious offensive line troubles. However, Joe Burrow grades the best in the NFL in quick passes which will be the game plan today. For the Bills, I really like Allen/Diggs and the Bills passing game. Both of the Bengals outside corners are poorly ranked and allow 14.5 yards per reception. The Bengals play a lot of single high safety, so Gabe Davis is also in play.
Volpe’s 1/21/23 Divisional Showdown Breakdowns
The Jaguars were one of the worst teams at defending the tight end position to end the regular season, which is why Gerald Everett was one of my favorite showdown plays last week and he had six for 109 and a TD. They now have to figure out how to stop Travis Kelce. I’m sure they have tried to clean it up a little bit, but Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes are must plays for me. I do like the Jaguars’ ability to pass on the Chiefs, so if the weather isn’t terrible, we could have a shootout.
Volpe’s Cowboys at Buccaneers MNF Breakdown
I know Brady hasn’t had much success throwing the ball down the field or with Julio, but I think he risks a little bit more than he would during the regular season. As for Dallas, the key to their success will be running the football. Can they be successful against this Tampa D?
Volpe’s Ravens at Bengals SNF Breakdown
The Ravens struggled on offense and will again be without Lamar Jackson. In a matchup against the high-powered Bengals, the game script calls for Mark Andrews to step up regardless of who is at QB. He had his most targets and receptions since week 6. I expect Joe Burrow to be playoff ready and stud receiver Chase went eight for 86 and a touchdown in this matchup last week. Corner Brandon Stephens is out, so Tee Higgins will get a matchup against his replacement.
Volpe’s 1/14/23 Wildcard Showdown Breakdowns
The 49ers dominated both of their games against the Seahawks in the regular season. NFL history has shown it is difficult to beat a divisional rival three times in a season. However, in this situation, it is simply a bad matchup for Seattle.
Volpe’s Lions at Packers SNF Breakdown
The Packers had a 2% chance at making the playoffs before rattling off four straight wins. Now they have a win-and-in scenario at home. The Lions have won seven of their last nine games, including a week 9 win over the Packers at home and can make the playoffs with a win and Seattle loss.