The Jaguars and Chiefs will kick off the divisional round of the NFL Playoffs.
While most people understandably are taking the Kansas City Chiefs over the Jacksonville Jaguars in the opening game of the divisional weekend, it’s not quite unanimous. That’s fair, considering in the NFL Playoffs, just about anything can happen.
Here’s a roundup of what the experts around the country are thinking as far as how the game will play out and who half of the AFC Championship matchup will be.
ESPN’s expert picks for Jaguars vs Chiefs
Here’s how the ESPN experts picks fell:
- Stephania Bell: Chiefs
- Mike Clay: Chiefs
- Dan Graziano: Chiefs
- Jason Reid: Chiefs
- Seth Wickersham: Chiefs
Crystal clear here!
CBS’s expert picks for Jaguars vs Chiefs
The CBS crew had a mix of Jaguars and Chiefs picks. By far, this slate was the most mixed compared to other national outlets with an even split of four picks for each team.
- Pete Prisco: Jaguars
- Jason La Canfora: Chiefs
- Will Brinson: Chiefs
- Jared Dubin: Chiefs
- Ryan Wilson: Chiefs
- John Breech: Jaguars
- Dave Richard: Jaguars
- Jamey Eisenberg: Jaguars
NFL.com’s expert picks for Jaguars vs Chiefs
Gregg Rosenthal is taking the Chiefs, 30-23.
“If all things are similar outside of the quarterback, Mahomes is better at creating angles and firing on-target throws that defy expected completion percentage. It should be a fun one — eight points feels like too big a point spread — but the Jags’ run ends here because this Jags defense hasn’t improved that much.”
Pro Football Talk’s expert picks for Jaguars vs Chiefs
Here’s how PFT sees the game going:
- Michael David Smith: Chiefs by 10
- Mike Florio: Chiefs by 3
“The Chiefs are on upset alert. It will not surprise me at all if the Jaguars win the game. They’re loose. They have nothing to lose. The Chiefs may be peeking past the Jaguars, with a much-hyped Bills rematch looming. But, ultimately, I’ve got faith that Patrick Mahomes will find a way to advance. Even if it isn’t nearly as easy as people think it will be.” — Mike Florio
The Athletic’s expert picks for Jaguars vs Chiefs
There is one lone holdout from the jury over at The Athletic (subscription required). Jay Morrison believes in the Jags.
- Zach Berman: Chiefs
- Michael-Shawn Dugar: Chiefs
- Larry Holder: Chiefs
- Mark Kaboly: Chiefs
- Josh Kendall: Chiefs
- Nick Kosmider: Chiefs
- Austin Mock: Chiefs
- Jay Morrison: Jaguars
- Tashan Reed: Chiefs
- Ben Standig: Chiefs
Sports Illustrated’s expert picks for Jaguars vs Chiefs
Sports Illustrated is rocking with the Chiefs today top-to-bottom.
- Albert Breer: Chiefs
- Mitch Goldich: Chiefs
- Gary Gramling: Chiefs
- Conor Orr: Chiefs
- John Pluym: Chiefs
Sunday Night Football crew’s picks for the game
Just before the game, here’s who the Sunday Night Football crew picked to win the game on NBC’s broadcast:
- Mike Florio: Chiefs
- Matthew Berry: Chiefs
- Jac Collinsworth: Chiefs
- Rodney Harrison: Chiefs
- Chris Simms: Chiefs
- Maria Taylor: Chiefs
- Tony Dungy: Chiefs
- Jason Garrett: Chiefs