Notes on LSU Tigers alumni ahead of Saturday NFL playoff games

Another weekend of NFL playoff football, and there’s no shortage of LSU alumni taking the field. We’re talking storylines and predictions related to the LSU Tigers this Saturday.

Jacksonville Jaguars (10-8) vs. Kansas City Chiefs (14-3)

The Jaguars enter Arrowhead after a historic comeback victory over the Chargers in the Wildcard round. One can assume the Jaguars feel very good about themselves, if not limitless. However, the Chiefs remain the team to beat in the AFC and won’t make Chargers-like mistakes. If Patrick Mahomes jumps to a 27-point lead, he’s not giving it back.

On the LSU alumni front, Clyde Edwards-Helaire recently returned from the injured reserve after recovering from a high-ankle sprain. The third-year running back returned to practice for the first time since Week 11. However, Edwards-Helaire is unlikely to be active on Saturday. As for Jacksonville, former Tigers Arden Key and K’Lavon Chaisson will be in uniform. Key has posted 15 tackles and a sack in 2022, while Chaisson claims 8 tackles and a sack.

Prediction: Chiefs 38-16

The Jaguars are a fun story and hard to root against. And believe it or not, Trevor Lawrence has never lost a Saturday football game. Still, it’s tough to bet against Mahomes, who might be playing his best ball. Kansas City also has a massive advantage at home. Look for Mahomes to build on his most valuable player campaign.

New York Giants (10-7-1) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (14-3)

It’s an NFC East playoff nightcap that sees round three of Giants vs. Eagles. Jalen Hurts remains the player to watch in this game. The Eagles have hardly missed a beat with their mobile quarterback on the field this season. LSU fans are familiar with Hurts’ ability to dominate a drive with his legs. It wasn’t until Hurts transferred to Oklahoma that the Tigers finally managed to top him in head-to-head action. Of course, we’re talking about the 2019 Peach Bowl, where LSU dominated 63-28. Speaking of LSU football past, where are the alums at in this matchup?

The Eagles roster is completely void of former LSU Tigers. Such is not the case on the other sideline, where the Cor’Dale Flott is roaming the Big Blue secondary. New York drafted Flott in the 3rd round of the 2022 NFL Draft. The LSU alum has posted 15 solo tackles in 11 games, including six starts for the season. Does Flott’s team have enough mojo to upset the NFC’s top seed in Philadelphia? We think so!

Prediction: Giants 27-23

The Giants went toe-to-toe with the Eagles in Week 18 despite the game having no implications on New York’s playoff seeding. Granted, it was Hurts’ first game following injury, but the Giants primarily fielded backup players. Nevertheless, the G-men have a ton of momentum, including Daniel Jones playing his best football. The Giants quarterback is flashing some old Eli Manning playoff vibes. Defensively, New York is getting to quarterbacks, with Dexter Lawrence dominating the line of scrimmage. The Eagles will look to run a tempo-style of offense, but we think Wink Martindale has a scheme ready to contain Hurts an company.