Wild Card Weekend
Cleveland Browns vs Houston Texans
These two teams matched up a few weeks ago and the Browns had their best offensive performance with Old Man Joe under center. Amari Cooper had a career game and the Browns won easily. CJ Stroud did not play in this game however. He has been a phenomenal rookie and has led this team to heights they couldn’t imagine in his first year. This game will be closer than the first matchup but the Browns defense and Joe’s experience will be the difference.
Miami Dolphins vs Kansas City Chiefs
The game we wanted that got moved to Europe is happening stateside finally. The game in Germany was a defensive slug feast for the two high powered offenses that ended 21-14. Saturdays game will probably be a low scoring affair as well as offense doesn’t translate well in sub zero temperatures. Kansas City has the healthier team and the one more suited for the cold. I’ll take the Chiefs at home.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Buffalo Bills
Another game with weather elements that don’t bode well for offense is going to be played in Buffalo. The biggest mismatch according to Vegas might not be too lopsided. Pittsburgh’s offense has been gaining momentum for a game just like this. Running the ball effectively and passing in situations that call for it periodically hit a big play. Defensively TJ Watt will be out but safeties Damontae Kazee and Minkah Fitzpatrick could be back in the fold. Josh Allen is a special talent but has a tendency to over look ball hawkers and throw dumb picks. Wind will add to his throwing woes but I don’t see the Steelers defense being able to combat the running threat he presents and the horse that James Cool has become. The Bills win at home ( it hurts me to say) but it’ll be closer than you think.
Green Bay Packers vs Dallas Cowboys
The last two times the Cowboys played the Packers in the playoffs Mike McCarthy won. He was on the opposite side line however. He lead the Cowboys to 12 wins for the third straight year. The Packers on the other hand have a first year starter under center and he managed to do something his two hall of fame predecessors did not, get the team to the playoffs. Jordan Love has been up and down all year but seems to have peaked at the right time, winning three straight to make the playoffs. The offense will be in a dog fight with a top notch defense. Their defense on the other hand isn’t good and will be obliterated. Cowboys win at home.
Los Angeles Rams vs Detroit Lions
Dan Campbell is a no nonsense coach that doesn’t pull punches. Last week with no real upside he played his entire team for the small chance that Dallas and Philly lost. It didn’t pay off and it may cost them rookie sensation Sam LaPorta although reports are trending upwards. Matthew Stafford returns to Detroit for the first time since winning a Super Bowl. This also marks the return of playoff football to Detroit since Barry Sanders was in the backfield. I think the playoff savvy Rams win on the road as Detroit builds some character.
Philadelphia Eagles vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
A winner of five of six versus loser of five of their last six games. Tampa Bay rolled into the playoffs after a horrible start. Philadelphia limped into the playoffs after a hot start. Jalen Hurts is hurt. AJ Brown is hurt. The Super Bowl luster has lost its shine. Baker and Mike Evans have a big night and lead the Bucs to the next round.
Divisional Round
Cleveland Browns vs Baltimore Ravens
Joe Flacco storms back to Baltimore after being driven out of town due to an injury. Lamar Jackson finally has weapons and it shows. He’s having another MVP season. The defense is as good as it’s been in some time. This will obviously be the most complete team Flacco has faced since his return. They remind him why they traded him. Ravens advance.
Kansas City Chiefs vs Buffalo Bills
We’ve seen this song and dance a few times in the past year. Each team has gotten their signature win the problem for Buffalo is there’s have come in the regular season. This is the most beatable Chiefs team in years and I think the Bills get over them this year.
Los Angeles Rams vs San Francisco 49ers
Both matchups this season were close even though both backup QBs had a go in week 18. The 49ers seem to be the best team in the NFC. I think the McVay magic ran out in Detroit. 9ers to the Championship game.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Dallas Cowboys
Dallas has the offense to make a big run. Their defense is formidable. Tampa beat a fledging Eagles team in the Wild Card round. I don’t see them putting up much of a fight in Dallas.
Conference Championship
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens
Two athletic quarterbacks match up. Both have immense talent but haven’t been able to get over the hump. The Bills just seem like a team of destiny to me as they’ve gone from out of the playoffs to the two-seed. As long as Josh Allen plays an error-free game I can see him dismantling this defense.
Dallas Cowboys vs San Francisco 49ers
A blowout last time I see much of the same this time. Both teams are better. Dallas hasn’t improved enough to overtake the 49ers, especially at Levi. A healthy 49ers team marches to Las Vegas.
Super Bowl
Buffalo Bills vs San Francisco 49ers
Athletic quarterbacks that make good decisions have given the 9ers trouble. A flawless game by Allen could make this match up close. The Niners were embarrassed by a flawless healthy Ravens team that got all the right breaks. I don’t see everything going Buffalo’s way and the Niners tie the Steelers and Patriots with six franchise Super Bowl victories.
James Ennis