Notes on LSU Tigers alumni ahead of Sunday 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 Sunday.

Cincinnati Bengals (13-4) vs. Buffalo Bills (14-3)

The weekend’s most intriguing matchup leads off the NFL’s Sunday playoff slate. Joe Burrow and the Bengals travel to Buffalo 20 days after their now-infamous Week 17 contest. Of course, the game was canceled after Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest on the field. Thankfully, Hamlin is in recovery and fully supporting his team. However, Sunday’s game will be played with some awkwardness.

Few will argue the Bengals did the right thing by walking off the field, with Buffalo, following Hamlin’s horrific collapse. Some reports suggested the Bengals were told the game would resume, but it wasn’t. Instead, the NFL ruled Week 17 ‘no contest’ for both teams, effectively limiting Cincinnati to the AFC’s 3rd seed. However, it is worth noting the Bengals were leading before Hamlin’s unfortunate incident.

Regardless, we like the momentum that former LSU greats, Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase are bringing to Buffalo. The Bengals aren’t affected by colder weather, and Buffalo’s defense is difficult to trust. There’s also something that doesn’t look right with Josh Allen as of late. He remains hugely talented but inconsistent, particularly in the red zone.

Prediction: Bengals 31-27

Dallas Cowboys (13-5) vs. San Francisco 49ers (14-4)

The Cowboys travel to San Francisco for a matchup that 90s kids would call ‘nostalgic.’ Regardless, LSU fans wondering where the former Tigers play must pay attention to the Dallas defense. As of late, linebacker Damone Clark has emerged for the Cowboys, starting three of Dallas’s last four games. The rookie from New Orleans has tallied 47 tackles and two forced fumbles for the season. Another former LSU linebacker to watch for is Jabril Cox.

Cox remains reserve role with Dallas, having appeared in 16 games over his pair of pro seasons. Sadly, Cox tore his ACL in his rookie season thus, hampering his pro development. The Cowboys drafting Clark and signing Anthony Barr pushed Cox further down the depth chart. However, the former LSU linebacker maintains the ability to eventually contribute beyond Dallas’s special teams. As for the LSU alumnus on the 49ers roster…nada. So, how do we think this game will go?

Prediction: 49ers 35-22

Next to the Eagles, the 49ers are arguably the most complete team in the NFC. San Francisco matches up well against most of what the Cowboys do well on defense. Such includes the Niners brute offensive line and speed and versatility at skill positions. Also, fans can always count on Dak Prescott to make a couple of costly throws. We like the Cinderella story for Brock Purdy to continue on and into Philadelphia for the NFC title game.