Nine Former Buffs Set For Divisional Round of NFL Playoffs
BOULDER- The Buffs presence in the NFL will continue in this weekend's divisional round of the playoffs as three of the four matchups will have a former Buff involved whether on the field as a starter, on the sideline as a coach or as a member of the team's practice squad. A total of nine former Buffs will partake in the divisional round.
For the second week in a row the Cincinnati Bengals will open up the playoff action as they travel to Nashville, Tenn. to take on the top-seeded Tennessee Titans. The Bengals will again look to former Colorado cornerback Chidobe Awuzie to try and help slow down the Titans offense. Defensive tackle Josh Tupou who missed last week with a knee injury might also be ready to return. If he returns the team will count on him to stop the high-powered Titans run game. On the Titans side, offensive lineman Daniel Munyer is currently with the team's practice squad but was signed to the active roster a couple of times this season.
Following this matchup, the top-seeded Green Bay Packers who feature four former Buffs will host the San Francisco 49ers. Offensive lineman David Bakhtiari played for the first time this season in week 18 coming off an injury from last season and will likely see action. He will look to protect star quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The Packers will highly depend on veteran place kicker Mason Crosby to both get them points and pin the 49ers back in unfavorable field position. Wide receiver Juwann Winfree who had three catches in week 18 will likely see some action. Kabion Ento is still on the team's practice squad. Former CU player, assistant coach and head coach Jon Embree will be on the 49ers sideline as the assistant head coach and tight ends coach.
The divisional round will wrap up on Sunday as the Kansas City Chiefs host the Buffalo Bills. Former Buffs All-American running back, assistant coach and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy will look for quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs to put up another big offensive performance.