As the NFL playoffs heat up, Cody Benjamin takes over the Pick Six newsletter with insights on coaching changes and playoff predictions. Speculations are rife over Jason Witten potentially succeeding Mike McCarthy as the Cowboys’ head coach, while Mike Tomlin firmly denies any trade rumors, reinforcing his commitment to the Steelers.

The eight playoff teams have been ranked, with the Baltimore Ravens taking the top spot. Their balanced offense and strong defense make them dangerous contenders. Meanwhile, Pete Prisco has made bold predictions for the divisional round, favoring the Bills over the Ravens in what promises to be a thrilling matchup.

Buffalo's weather is set to challenge both teams with frigid temperatures and possible snow, adding another layer to this critical playoff clash. Additionally, teams that fell in the wild-card round, such as the Chargers and Packers, face pressing questions as they start plotting their futures.

Looking ahead, the Indianapolis Colts will host the NFL's first regular-season game in Berlin in 2025, marking a significant expansion for the league into international markets.

The Baltimore Ravens showcased their dominance in a crucial AFC Wild Card Game, defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers 28-14 and securing a place in the AFC Divisional Round.

With this victory, the Ravens will face either the Buffalo Bills or the Denver Broncos, depending on the outcome of their upcoming match. Baltimore has been on a remarkable run, winning five straight games and outscoring opponents 163-57 during this stretch.

Lamar Jackson delivered with 175 passing yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 82 yards. Derrick Henry made a significant impact in his playoff debut, running for 182 yards and two touchdowns. Despite the absence of Zay Flowers, the Ravens’ offense remained potent, with contributions from tight ends Isaiah Likely and Mark Andrews.

The Baltimore Ravens have clinched the AFC North title for the second consecutive year after a decisive 35-10 victory over the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium. This win secures the Ravens the No. 3 seed in the playoffs, where they will face either the Los Angeles Chargers or the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round. Baltimore has been on a four-game winning streak, outscoring opponents 135-43 during this stretch.

Lamar Jackson had a solid performance, completing 16 of 32 passes for 217 yards and 2 touchdowns, alongside 63 rushing yards. Rashod Bateman and Mark Andrews contributed significantly as well, each scoring a touchdown. However, the game took a concerning turn when Pro Bowl receiver Zay Flowers suffered a knee injury in the second quarter.

Defensively, the Ravens shined, with cornerback Nate Wiggins scoring on his first career interception, setting the tone early in the game. The defense recorded 3 quarterback hits, 2 sacks, and held the Browns to just 231 total yards. Outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy achieved a career-high 12.5 sacks this season, while Odafe Oweh added to the pressure with another sack.

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has downplayed concerns about injuries following a challenging performance against the Baltimore Ravens. After hinting at being banged up during a Christmas Day statement, Stroud emphasized that many players are dealing with pain as the season winds down. He acknowledged his recent struggles, labeling his last game as potentially his worst, while also admitting that injuries might have impacted his play.

Coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed the reality of Stroud's condition but indicated that all players are feeling some level of discomfort at this point in the season. As the Texans prepare for their upcoming game against the Tennessee Titans, Ryans has indicated that starters, including Stroud, will play to build momentum for the playoffs, despite the risk of further injury.

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Odafe Oweh is enjoying a breakout season, accumulating nine sacks over 16 games, surpassing his previous career-high of five sacks. This impressive performance places him among the elite edge rushers, including Nick Bosa of the San Francisco 49ers, a former Defensive Player of the Year. Oweh is on the verge of achieving a personal milestone, needing just one more sack in the upcoming game against the Cleveland Browns to reach double digits for the first time in his career.

Oweh expressed the significance of this potential achievement, reflecting on his journey from high school to the NFL. He has emerged as a key player for the Ravens, showcasing his ability to pressure the quarterback and defend against the run. His development has been a major goal for the Ravens since they drafted him in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Alongside Oweh, veteran linebacker Kyle Van Noy is also having a standout season, with a career-high of 11.5 sacks at the age of 33. Oweh admires Van Noy's continued improvement and longevity in the league, emphasizing the importance of growth each year. The Ravens have made strategic investments in both players, with Oweh's fifth-year option picked up and Van Noy signed to a two-year extension, yielding positive results as they both excel on the field.