SATURDAY GAMES JANUARY 12,2018

LAST WEEK WILD CARD ROUND (2-2)

FIFTH GAME

AFC

AT

 

MATCH UP

COLTS (11-6) AT CHIEFS (12-4)

This is one of the hardest match ups to figure out a winner in the divisional round. The Colts have been on fire for awhile now. The Chiefs have been on fire most of the year. The last part of the season the Chiefs had fight and scratched their way just to win the division. It did not look pretty. Colts playoff games had to come early as they had to win a few games to just get the number six seed. Then they won last week in the first official playoff game they played.

You could say by history the Colts are like the Harlem Globetrotters and the Chiefs are like the Washington Generals when it comes to these teams meeting in the playoffs. Colts are 4-0 versus the Chiefs . In 2013, Andrew Luck had that epic comeback versus Andy Reid and the Chiefs. Down 38-10 in the second. Andrew Luck led them back in the game in which the Colts prevailed 45-44. Then you have the Chiefs in general over the years self destructing in the playoffs like last year versus the Titans. Another big lead blown and another loss in the playoffs for the Chiefs.

This year the Chiefs have the high powered offense with many weapons of mass destruction. They have a new quarterback leading this team. This is not your typical Alex Smith team. The Colts have a great offense. Andrew Luck has emerged as one of the best quarterbacks in the league. They have a great running game as well. I think the Colts have the better defense in this one. They have a top ten unit that can do some good things especially putting the brakes on a well oiled machine. The Chiefs defense are always hoping they can make the one key stop, the one key turn over to hope that Mahomes can out-duel the other team.

Arrowhead is a tough place to play in as a visitor. However the home field advantage is thrown out the window with the Chiefs history in playoffs. I think this game will be a shoot out. Everything points to the Colts winning this game. I have two X factors why the Chiefs can win this game and change their playoff history at least temporarily. Andy Reid’s coaching record coming off bye weeks during the regular season and playoffs is off the charts. The second X factor is Patrick Mahomes. He is not Alex Smith. Everyone keeps thinking this kid is going to have that bad game. Not happening. This guy comes out loose and nothing gets him frazzled as he goes out and plays football every week.  He will show you with a great game plan installed by Andy Reid that the regular season was no fluke. I like that Sammy Watkins will play in this one, giving the Chiefs yet another weapon. The Colts handled the Texans with ease last week. I think they match up against the Texans very well is why they handled them. I think the Colts do not  match up well with this Chiefs team.

OUR PICK: CHIEFS

SIXTH GAME

NFC

AT

MATCH UP

COWBOYS (11-6) AT RAMS (13-3)

Cowboys have not won a playoff game on the road since 1993. The Rams have not won a playoff game in 14 years as they were not even in LA when they last won. Rams finally broke a playoff drought last year when Sean McVay took over. Rams had a home playoff game but they suffered a loss to the Falcons. This year they did even better as they got the first round bye and now get another home playoff game this time against the visiting Cowboys. Cowboys who have been up and down all season finally took control of one of the worst divisions in football. They had a home game last week where they took down the Seahawks to advance to this round as they head to LA.

Both teams have great defenses. LA Rams have bigger names for veterans. They also have Aaron Donald who is one of the best defensive guys in the league. Both teams have great running backs. Rams are happy to get their star running back, Todd Gurley, back as the bye week helped him get back in the line up. The receivers edge has to go to the Rams. At this point they are healthier. Both quarterbacks are pretty even. I might give Goff the slight edge.

I like the Rams getting their feet wet last year as a group making it to the playoffs. With the loss will only help this team strive for that first win as  a group. I think home cooking will help them achieve this even though Cowboy fans travel very well. I like the fact that Wade Phillips has extra motivation, especially being  fired by the Cowboys. Wade Phillips’ defenses in the playoffs are always a problem for opponents. I think that he knows what buttons to push to stop the Cowboys running game which will be the biggest x factor in this match up. I think the walking wounded receivers Dallas has and relying on Dak’s arm will be in the Rams favor. Cowboys played good last week. But Seahawks played without a kicker most of that game. Then a few phantom penalties that went in the cowboys’ favor changed that game. I don’t think the Cowboys can stop Jared Goff and that Rams offense that is one of the best in the league. I think the Cowboys are overrated and the Rams will put them out of their misery early on.

OUR PICK: RAMS