The numerous Brady-Manning duels have delighted football fans for years. Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes have made it their mission to take up the torch of this undying rivalry and create a new one, already in its seventh chapter and with every chance of producing just as many great moments.
• Also read: Who will be the unexpected hero? 10 stories to watch in the second round of the playoffs
• Also read: Who deserves it most in the NFL?
I might as well clarify something before some sly fox sends me a torrent of nonsense.
Yes, I realize that Mahomes and Allen are never on the field at the same time. This will lead some people to say that we technically can't talk about a rivalry if one quarterback faces the opposing defense and not the other quarterback.
- Listen to the podcast The payment zone below:
Yes, I also know that football is a team sport and a matchup between Bills and Chiefs is not just about Allen and Mahomes.
Now that the clarification is made, we will continue to talk about the Allen-Mahomes rivalry as the two quarterbacks are the faces of their team and better yet, the NFL.
This week, Mahomes was the first to speak out about the rivalry between Brady and Manning, saying it inspired him as a child and that he hoped his rivalry with Allen would in turn leave lasting memories for the younger players of the coming generation.
It's more promotional and realistic about the level of confrontation than saying he won't confront Allen!
Well done!
Getty Images via AFP
The least we can say is that Allen and Mahomes are well on their way to etching their epic duels into history too.
Brady and Manning faced each other 17 times between 2001 and 2015. Allen and Mahomes are already in their seventh duel and are only 27 and 28 years old, respectively. There is still a lot to write.
Additionally, on Sunday they will become the first quarterbacks to face each other in the playoffs for the third time before turning 29.
What fascinates the fans in their case is that there have been three wins in each of the six duels so far. As great as the rivalry between Brady and Manning was, it was also one-sided in the first few years.
What stands out most between Allen and Mahomes is the demonic production of both players and it is very evenly matched.
As of 2020, Mahomes leads the league with 50 wins. Allen is close behind in second place with 48.
Including passing and running, Allen scored 174 touchdowns in that span, earning him the award. Mahomes is in second place with 151.
In terms of total yards (passing and running), Mahomes reigns supreme with a total of 20,454 yards. Again, Allen has 20,002 yards on his back.
If their careers ended today, Mahomes would be first in NFL history with an average of 2.4 touchdowns per game, while Allen would be close behind at 2.3. All of these completely crazy comparisons show the extent of her talent and dominance. The disheveled style of the two opponents also adds to the appeal.
Intense games
Getty Images via AFP
The other element that makes this rivalry so great is the intensity of the games. The last three matches ended with deficits of 6, 4 and 3 points.
The memorable playoff duel took place in January 2022, in which the two combined for eight touchdowns and 707 yards through the air and were also the leaders of their team on the ground.
The Chiefs' 42:36 overtime win was notable when an avalanche of 25 points unfolded in the final two minutes of regulation time.
Then the next two duels were decided in favor of the Bills in the final moments. The first ended with an interception by Patrick Mahomes. The other caused a stir when a spectacular play by the Chiefs, involving a cross pass from Travis Kelce, was canceled due to a penalty for Kadarius Toney.
There will undoubtedly continue to be excitement, big plays and a few miracles from Allen and Mahomes. Hold on!
SERIES 2e ROUND
SATURDAY
HOUR TEAMS MY DECISIONS
- 4:30 p.m. Houston to Baltimore TEXAN
- 8:15 p.m. Green Bay to San Francisco 49ERS
SUNDAY
HOUR TEAMS MY DECISIONS
- 3 p.m. Tampa Bay at Detroit LIONS
- 6:30 p.m. Kansas City at Buffalo BILLS
RESULTS
LAST WEEK'S PREDICTIONS 3 out of 6 (50%)
OVERALL THIS SEASON: 177 out of 278 (63.7%)
SELECTION OF NEWSPAPER
Houston Texans (10-7) vs. Baltimore Ravens (13-4)
THE CINDERELLA TEAM
The Texans and CJ Stroud will look to avenge their defeat against the Ravens in September. Getty Images via AFP
The Ravens are considered heavy favorites to win, but the Texans are undoubtedly the Cinderella team this year. Enough to topple the team that conceded the fewest points and is fourth in points scored? This is a huge order…
The Ravens have everything. Quarterback Lamar Jackson has been outstanding this season, especially against top teams (6-2 against teams in this series).
However, until proven otherwise, Jackson will have to prove himself in the playoffs as he has only won one of his four games so far. Four games in which the Pivot was limited to three touchdown passes, with seven turnovers at his expense.
The Ravens defense has 60 sacks, the highest in the league, but Laremy Tunsil and the Houston offensive line looked very good against the Browns' strong front.
The Texans continue to surprise every week. The Texans are 7-3 against winning clubs and CJ Stroud shines every time. We don't talk enough about their defense. Quarterback chaser Will Anderson Jr. and cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. are beasts!
The risk is enormous, even insane, but we accept it. In 2019, the 14-2 dominant Ravens were surprised by the Titans, who were ranked sixth in the conference. Twice is unlikely, but taking risks requires a lot in life. I sacrifice myself…
Players to Watch:
John Metchie III (Receiver, Texans): The second-year Canadian receiver overcame leukemia and returned to the game this year. He was discreet this season, catching three passes in the first round against the Browns. He will have to support Nico Collins well.
Justin Madubuike (tackle, Ravens): No player playing the tackle position has had more sacks this season than Justin Madubuike (13). Pressure that comes from within has a big impact on quarterbacks.
- My prediction: Texans 24 Ravens 21
Green Bay Packers (9-8) vs. San Francisco 49ers (12-5)
THE END OF A BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY
George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey are two of the 49ers' many weapons. Getty Images via AFP
Jordan Love and the Packers put in quite a performance against the Cowboys in the first round and it's far from impossible for them to do it again, but not so much that they're looking for another upset win. The 49ers are too efficient at every level to come away like the Cowboys.
The Niners rank fourth in aerial offense. They are third in ground wins. They rely on an impressive receiver duo in Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. They have one of the best tight ends in the league in George Kittle. Running back Christian McCaffrey is second to none and quarterback Brock Purdy is the leader of this multifunctional orchestra.
Another small detail: Kyle Shanahan is not Mike McCarthy. His team won't be surprised by the Packers' quality of play.
However, the Packers are more than just Jordan Love. Since the end of the season, running back Aaron Jones has been the leader in rushing yards at his position. However, the 49ers were third against the run this season. Eleven opponents were held to less than 100 yards against them.
The Packers' defense looked good against the Cowboys, who were still more one-dimensional than the 49ers. McCaffrey can have a feast against a defense that has posted the fifth-most rushing yards this year.
Players to Watch:
Jayden Reed (Receiver, Packers): The 49ers shouldn't sleep on Reed, even if the Packers' rookie receiver was invisible in the first round. Reed can be a sort of Deebo Samuel for the Packers, who also use him to carry the ball.
Deommodore Lenoir (Cornerback, 49ers): If there's a weak link in the Niners' fearsome defense, it's cornerback Deommodore Lenoir. He has given up 804 yards this season, the fifth-highest total in the league.
- My prediction: Packers 17 49ers 31
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-8) vs. Detroit Lions (12-5)
ANOTHER PARTY IN DETROIT
Aidan Hutchinson is the Lions' defensive star and is originally from the Detroit area. Getty Images via AFP
Last week was Detroit's first playoff game in 30 years. This week the atmosphere promises to be even crazier. For the first time ever in the team's history, they will receive a second playoff game in the same season!
The Buccaneers are the visitors and while they are very effective against the ground game, things are a whole different story when it comes to containing the aerial game. Only five teams do worse than them in this regard…including the Lions, who rank 30th in passing percentage.
To put it bluntly, this is the kind of match that will explode everywhere! Two dynamic air attacks against two permeable pass defenses are practically a guarantee for a good performance.
Additionally, the two defenses share family similarities as they are also both dominant against the run. The Lions are second and the Bucs are fourth. It could be that running backs become an afterthought, but Jared Goff can always use Jahmyr Gibbs as an additional weapon out of the backfield.
One of the most exciting matchups to watch will be between Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson and the Bucs against Tristan Wirfs. It's brewing!
For the Lions, the biggest danger is a false sense of accomplishment after the thrill of their first playoff win in 32 years last Sunday.
Players to Watch:
Calijah Kancey (tackle, Buccaneers): The rookie tackle completes a solid duo with the gigantic Vita Vea. Against the Eagles, he recorded his first sack of the playoffs and a tackle for loss. He often found himself in the backfield.
Jameson Williams (Receiver, Lions): In two seasons shortened by injuries and a suspension, Jameson Williams has been quiet. Still, his speed is exceptional and if the Lions need a big play, don't lose sight of him.
- My prediction: Buccaneers 26 Lions 33
Kansas City Chiefs (11-6) vs. Buffalo Bills (11-6)
Another classic in view
Running back James Cook could play a big role for the Bills. Getty Images via AFP
We never get tired of the battles between the Bills and the Chiefs. Every time these confrontations between the two powers of the American Conference are spectacular games and the tension is cut with a knife. After six straight meetings in Kansas City, it's Buffalo's turn to try another classic.
The Bills and Chiefs have been through ups and downs, but again they are very close to the Final Four. In recent years, the two rivals have met again and again. The Bills won the final three games of the season, but the Chiefs had the upper hand in the two playoffs.
Josh Allen is playing very inspired, and with the Chiefs ranked 16th against the run, every indication is that Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady won't hesitate to use his quarterback on designed runs. Porter James Cook will also be at the center of the action.
The Bills are dealing with several injuries on defense, but the likely return of cornerback Rasul Douglas would be significant. Considering there is no real aerial threat for the Chiefs this year other than Rashee Rice and Travis Kelce, the Bills can limit the damage.
The Chiefs' defense has not given up more than 20 points in its last six games and Kansas City is seeking its sixth straight appearance in the Conference Finals.
Players to Watch:
L'Jarius Sneed (Cornerback, Chiefs): Sneed doesn't get enough attention for the quality of his play. He is a very physical cornerback and the duo he forms with Trent McDuffie is one of the best on the circuit.
Dalton Kincaid (tight end, Bills): Don't get confused with the term “tight end” at his position. Kincaid has clearly become Josh Allen's No. 2, especially on long plays. A rookie who plays like a veteran.
- My prediction: Chiefs 24 Bills 27