The Baltimore Ravens looked unstoppable. The team went 14-2 during regular season and had the best record in the entire league. They won 12 straight. They clinched homefield advantage with a first round bye. Some say it was Baltimore’s best team ever. Lamar Jackson took the league by storm. He was like John Rambo, a one man army just putting up video game numbers and destroying the competition. Destined to be this year’s MVP, Lamar Jackson wanted to go further and bring his team to the Superbowl and win it all. On Saturday the league caught up to Lamar Jackson. The Tennessee Titans exposed a few weaknesses in Jackson’s game. These are some big reasons why the Running Man quarterback self destructed.

The first thing I noticed on Saturday about Lamar Jackson is the man’s psyche. The first interception he threw out of the gates he got so pissed off and tried to rip the Titans defender’s head off on the tackle. It did not look like a bad pass as it went through the receiver’s fingers and then fell into the defenders  arms. Perhaps last year’s playoff game memory has entered the young quarterback’s head right then and there. The Chargers ousted the Ravens last season in round one with ease. Then to show your frustration on the tackle and get flagged for it that early in the game with no score. Obviously it’s a 15 yard penalty but your teammates have to scratch their heads and think is this our leader. Quarterback in football is the most important position on the field for your team. They handled the ball on every play. Most times the team will go as far as the quarterback can bring them. You need skills to play quarterback. The biggest thing is if you make the other ten guys believe you in the huddle, they will run through walls for you.

Running quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson that rely mostly on their legs instead of their arms do not last that long in the league. Mostly because they can hit a lot more than the quarterbacks that stay in the pocket. Especially guys that have the good pocket awareness or a quick release. Lamar Jackson likes to take off. He is a young guy. He has plays designed for him to take off. Lamar Jackson made defenders look foolish all year with his highlight reel weaving through defenses for big runs. Many touchdowns. The Titans defense filled the gaps on Lamar Jackson on Saturday. They had a spy as well. Most of the game Jackson was running lateral instead of North and South. The Titans contained him most of the game. The Titans did give up some big chunks of yards to Jackson as he ran for 143 yards. Many of those yards were too late and the damage was already done.

The Ravens won most of their games this season when they had a lead and kept building on it. That way the defense could mostly attack the passing game of the opponent trying to get back into the game. Saturday the Titans built a lead on the Ravens. Lamar Jackson had to use his arm to get back in the game. Titans turned the tables on the Ravens. Ravens looked like a complete different team trailing. Lamar Jackson threw the ball 59 times. He then had  Phillip Rivers numbers 365 yards two interceptions and fumbled one time. That is good for a 63.2 quarterback rating if you’re keeping track at home.

Some will say the Ravens do not have good receivers. Did not hear that when the Ravens won twelve in a row. In 2018 the Ravens Receiving group was different than in the 2019 regular season. Wide Receivers left Baltimore because the Ravens were going to be the majority of time a running team. Plus Lamar Jackson lacks arm strength. The Titans exposed this on Saturday as Lamar Jackson could not put the ball outside the numbers. Sideline passes had no zip on them. Plus Jackson’s inaccuracy on simple short hitch routes. His comfort zone is the middle of the field which the Titans took that away from him.

The league always catches up with the running first quarterbacks. Mike Vick, RGIII, and some say the great Colin Kaepernick with their blinders on were such talented quarterbacks. At one point these guys were all electric. The league caught up to all of them.  All of them took too much punishment by running. All of them lacked the arm strength to make all the throws on a football field. Defenses knew that and keyed on that and challenged them to beat them with their arm. Lamar Jackson can improve his arm strength. Can he improve his accuracy? He is one hit away that could derail his football career. All quarterbacks are one hit away from derailment.  The Ravens will not lead in every game to make his job easier. He will have to learn how to throw the ball in the pocket. He will have to make all the throws to keep defenses on their toes. Plus he will have to put things behind him. Forget about the last throw. If not he will be another running quarterback that will live through a small window of a myth on how they were the best by some. Look at the Colin Kaepernick believers. By most though he will be just another guy that did not have all the tools to be the man behind center.

LAST WEEK’S RECORD IN WILD CARD WEEKEND IN STRAIGHT PLAYOFF PIC-EM (2-2)

YESTERDAY RECORD (1-1)

OVERALL PLAYOFF RECORD (3-3)

MORE ROUND TWO DIVISIONAL GAMES

HAPPY SUNDAY FUNDAY!!!!

WE MAY NEED ANOTHER ONE WHEN WE FINISH THAT ONE, HOLY COW!!!

SUNDAY JANUARY 12, 2020

AFC GAME

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

Andy Reid will be coaching in his 27th post season game. Only three coaches have coached in more. They are Tom Landry, Don Shula, and the devil himself, Bill Belichick. The Chiefs were on a first round bye which will rest up their players. Last time the Chiefs played the Texans, Kansas City had many injuries. Meanwhile the Texans came from behind in the wild card weekend down 16 at one point to the Buffalo Bills and came away with an over time victory. Texans welcomed back JJ Watt back in that contest who was out several weeks of regular season & made his presence known last week with a few plays. Overall the Bills shot themselves in the foot in my opinion, rather than the Texans outright winning that contest.

HISTORY

ALL-TIME RECORD BETWEEN THESE TWO TEAMS

CHIEFS LEAD THE SERIES 6-5

PLAYOFFS THESE TEAMS MET ONCE: CHIEFS PREVAILED.

Deshaun Watson versus Patrick Mahomes, I know are two great quarterbacks the Chicago Bears passed up on. These two quarterbacks drafted in the same year could be the new Brady versus Manning rival in the AFC for years to come. Texans and Chiefs met during regular season and the Texans prevailed on the road in Arrowhead. Lots has changed since. Chiefs are back to full strength. They had 5 players out in that first meeting. Patrick Mahomes played on a gimpy leg. The Chiefs defense has stepped up their game and is playing solid. The Texans welcomed back JJ Watt.  Deshaun Watson has a playoff victory under his belt. Will the Texans’ playoff woes come back to haunt them? Will the Chiefs get to their second consecutive AFC championship?

The Texans need a fast start. Last week they were down 16-0 at halftime which should have been more. Bills settled for field goals instead of putting the ball in the end zone. The Texans playoff history even when they advance to the next round they are always starting off slow. The Texans will welcome back one of their deep threats in Will Fuller. The Chiefs defense will have to contain Deshaun Watson. Watson escaped last week being hit and not put to the ground by the Bills. His escapes create big plays for the Texans. The Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu is a guy that can create some big plays in the secondary. He could force a turnover or help keep the Texans receiver DeAndre Hopkins in check. The X-factor for the Chiefs is Terrell Suggs, former Raven. Can he show up like he does when it comes to playoff football? I can see him making an impact. Especially because the Texans have a shaky offensive line. Texans will need to do a better job of pass protection as well.

The Texans defense is better with JJ Watt’s presence on the field. He showed some play making abilities coming off his injury last weekend. Patrick Mahomes can not turn over the ball like he did versus this Texans defense earlier in the season. Chiefs need to establish some kind of running game with Shady McCoy and Damien Williams to keep giving the Chiefs a balanced attack. It will be harder to cover Travis Kelce, Sammy Watkins and Tyreek Hill if the Chiefs are able to run the ball on the Texans defense.  Texans defense will have to stop Patrick Mahomes from extending plays and coming up with a big play with his feet as well.

I think the Chiefs will get off to a very fast start versus a slow starting Texans team. The Chiefs being healthy, the Texans will be unable to take advantage of the Chiefs weaknesses like they did in that first game earlier in the season. Texans will make a comeback in the second half to get this game closer than it looks. The Texans offensive line will eventually cave in at the critical junction of the game and the Texans playoff woes will resurface. I like how Andy Reid prepares his team on bye weeks. He is right up there with Bill Belichick when it comes to taking advantage of free time and building up the ultimate game plan.

OUR PICK:

OUR PREDICTION:CHIEFS 37-28 TEXANS

NFC GAME

SEAHAWKS(12-5) AT PACKERS(13-3)

Seahawks could have had a first round bye but lost the very last game of the season to San Francisco which sent the birds to Wild card weekend. Matt LaFleur took over the Packers as head coach and the team responded with a complete turn around. The Packers won the NFC Central. They got a first round bye going 13-3 in their head coach’s rookie year. Seahawks last Sunday and ended any Eagle magic they like to pull out of their hats with a victory on the road.

HISTORY

ALL-TIME RECORD WHEN THESE TWO TEAMS MEET

PACKERS LEAD THE SERIES 13-9

PLAYOFFS PACKERS ALSO LEAD THAT SERIES 2-1

Packers are at home and have the weather. Seattle once upon a time ago could not win on the road. Seattle now has become Road Warriors as they don’t flinch at all when they come to your stadium. We know Green Bay as the great Aaron Rodgers. It’s been the other Aaron who has made more noise then the State Farm pitchman. Aaron Jones and the running game have been the biggest reason why the Packers are 13-3 this season. Seattle on defense have moved on from their days with the Legion of Boom. The Seahawks defense can get after the quarterback. Jadeveon Clowney and company beat up on the Eagles quarterbacks last weekend knocking one out of the game. The other had to play with a torn hamstring. Seattle will have to stop the run. By putting constant pressure on Rodgers he will have a hard time delivering the ball to his favorite target, Davante Adams. If Adams has a big game the Seahawks will be in trouble. If Aaron Rodgers gets hit multiple times you will be able to force turnovers on him and stop his magic moments like at the end of halves.

Green Bay defense has improved over this season compared to 2018 when they were horrible. I think the Packers defense is a tad overrated though. A pretty good unit but not a top five unit. It is a unit that can give up the big play. Russell Wilson and the Seahawk offense can deliver. Big play guys like Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf suddenly appear and deliver with a crazy catch or broken down coverage they are wide open and Wilson finds them. Russell Wilson can play a few different ways. He can escape the pocket throw on the run or just take off. He can settle down in the pocket all day if he can and pick your defense clean. Packers’ Kevin King, a corner back, needs to deliver what he is capable of. He could shut down one of Seattle’s targets to limit the field for Russell Wilson.

This is a game that should go all the way down to the final whistle. It could be won in overtime as well. Green Bay you think Aaron Rodgers in snow at home is invincible and no team can waltz in there and win. Seahawks are 8-1 on the road this year which includes last week versus the Eagles in a very tough environment in Philadelphia. This is a great match up between two elite quarterbacks, Rodgers versus Wilson. Both can pull out a lucky horseshoe and win. I hate head coach Pete Carol but he’s been here before. He knows what the NFL playoffs are all about. He’s a guy that can out coach the best in the league. The one edge I think Seattle has is the coaching. Matt LaFleur has done a great job. I can see Pete Carol making the one call that will benefit his team. My X-factor is Marshawn Lynch. He’s back and he was bulldozing through the Eagles last week.

OUR PICK:

OUR PREDICTION:SEAHAWKS 24-21 PACKERS

 

 

 

NFL PLAYOFFS DOWN TO 8 TEAMS

BILLS, PATRIOTS, SAINTS, & EAGLES

DIVISIONAL ROUND PLAYOFF POWER RANKINGS

#1.BALTIMORE RAVENS (14-2) SAME  By far the Ravens were the best team in the league all season. Now they finally have their first opponent versus the Titans. Lamar Jackson is by far the MVP of the league this season. He found some experience in last year’s playoff berth versus the Chargers. This time Ravens have home field advantage. One thing that is not being talked about a lot is the coaching of John Harbaugh.

Not his first rodeo in the playoffs.

Head Coach John Harbaugh has won a Superbowl with Joe Flacco as quarterback. He always finds a way to get his team in the playoffs almost every year. Could this possibly be the best team he has ever had?

#2.KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (12-4)  SAME  The Chiefs defense did better last season in the playoffs than regular season. That defense this season got better in the middle of the season and since then have been one of the best units in the league. Now they play the Texans in a rematch of a regular season game when these two met. Houston won that one as Patrick Mahomes had a sore ankle but still chucked three TD passes. What would part two of Mahomes versus Watson have in store for us? Was that Chiefs defense at the time playing like they are now? Chiefs to me are a more complete team this year than last year. Last season they had one bad call that cost them a trip to the Superbowl.

#3.SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (13-3) UP 1 SPOT  The 49ers are a well-balanced football team. They can win a few different ways. They have the home field advantage. They have some guys that know a few things about the playoffs as well. Two things and two X-factors when it comes to the 49ers for them to win are broken down in two simple questions. How will Jimmy Garoppolo do in his first playoff game? My second question is has the 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan learned from his play calling days in the Superbowl when he was the OC for the Falcons? The 49ers have a very good running game to wear down their opponent and kill the clock, which Atlanta did not have.

TWO HEADED MONSTER 49ER RUNNING ATTACK

#4.SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (12-5) UP 1 SPOT

Seattle won the battle out of the birds last weekend. They won on the road and broke a home playoff record set by teams with a bird name over teams with a bird name on the road. So in the battle of the birds in the  playoffs, they were the first team on the road in the playoffs to win in this type of a match up. Pete Carol continues to be a cockroach and never dies on first smack down on his insect body as he and the team wiggles to yet another second round. Russell Wilson continue to win these playoff games. Seahawks had a little Legion of Boom defense going. Knocking out Carson Wentz. Then taking it to Josh McCown with a torn hamstring the Seattle defense gave him.

Wentz left the game with a concussion. Looks like a typical cheap hit from the Legion of Boom’s old time defense.

#5.GREEN BAY PACKERS (13-3) UP 2 SPOTS Packers have a weapon of mass destruction for their first play off opponent.

Can the Seahawks fly in SNOW? Aaron Rodgers in snow at home in Green Bay. It’s just hard to go into those conditions and win. Plus Packers have a running game in this snow fight.

Will Aaron Rodgers even have to pass the ball? Hope somebody hits Pete Carol with a snowball.

#6.TENNESSEE TITANS (10-7) UP 3 SPOTS

If you are the Tennessee Titans and you brought down the Empire, what do you do next? Why should they even face the Ravens? Titans should just go somewhere warm and enjoy themselves. Call it a year. Be like George Costanza and walk out of the room on a high note.

Ryan Tannehill has been like Han Solo coming in as a long shot. He led the Titans to the playoffs and they overcame the Empire. Now we know something bad is going to happen.

See!!! Looks like a Lamar Jackson sighting. Greedo is alive and well. Poor Tannehill should have walked away when he had a chance .

#7.MINNESOTA VIKINGS (11-6) UP 4 SPOTS

Dalvin Cook to me is one of the best running backs in the game when he is healthy. The key to the Vikings is Dalvin Cook. If he runs through you and up and down the field, Vikings have a really good shot at beating you. If you can stop Cook you win that game. Stopping him is the key to the gatekeeper.

#8.HOUSTON TEXANS (11-6) UP 2 SPOTS     I was not impressed with the Houston Texans. The hype of JJ Watt blah blah blah. The Buffalo Bills shot themselves multiple times in THE FOOT this game. Heck the Texans stupid head coach let the Bills tie it to send the game into overtime, not kicking the field goal. Texans will be minced meat after their meeting with the Chiefs.

I CALL IT TEXAS HASH !!!

LAST WEEK’S RECORD IN THE WILD CARD WEEKEND (2-2)

OUR BIGGEST PICK WE GOT RIGHT – THE FALL OF THE EVIL EMPIRE TO THE TITANS.

OUR DISAPPOINTMENTS

We were disappointed as we had the Bills and they had a 16 point lead in the second half to blow that versus the Texans did not go over well.

The Saints versus the Vikings, who saw that one coming? I think Viking fans did not see that one happening.

ROUND TWO DIVISIONAL

WE ARE BRINGING IN THE BIG GUN FOR ROUND TWO

JANUARY 11, 2020  SATURDAY GAMES

NFC GAME

VIKINGS(11-6) AT 49ERS(13-3)

The 49ers are the number one seed in the NFC. They had a week to chill out. 49ers clinched home field in the very last game of the season versus Seattle on Sunday night. Vikings are the lowest seed in the NFC playoffs. They will go on the road once again after doing so in round one winning in the Saints dome last Sunday. Kirk Cousins picked up his first playoff victory behind center. Can Jimmy Garoppolo do the same thing?

HISTORY

ALL-TIME RECORD BETWEEN THESE TWO TEAMS 23-23-1

ALL-TIME PLAYOFF RECORD BETWEEN THESE TEAMS

49ERS 4-1 VIKINGS

The Vikings were able to get two of their playmakers back for the Saints game last week. I thought if they did play they would be extremely rusty. Vikings offense ran Dalvin Cook a lot versus the Saints wearing that defense down to the nub. Vikings as a team ran 40 times compared to 33 passing plays. I expect more of that this weekend. 49ers defense encounters with rookie defensive line Nick Bosa. They have a guy that we all hate in Richard Sherman. The Dickhead Sherman with experience coming out of his pores being one of those A-holes from the Legion of Boom a few years back. This is a defense that can limit your strong suits.

Vikings on defense will have their hands full. The 49ers are very well balanced. Jimmy Garoppolo has a slew of weapons to choose from. Vikings I’m sure will try to stop the 49ers tight end George Kittle. Which could leave receivers like Emmanuel Sanders freed up. Vikings will have to keep their eyes out for rookie Receiver Deebo Samuel who has been emerging as a big threat. 49ers have a nice running game where they have two backs averaging over 5 yards a carry. Vikings can make things happen on defense and force some turnovers. Safety Harrison Smith could be assigned to take down Kittle. Vikings are geared to stop the run. They have a shaky pass defense but they did well versus the Saints offensive juggernaut.

49ers can win time of possession style of games. They can win a shoot out, but that’s not their style. These are two evenly matched teams that like to do the same thing. Like looking in the mirror at each other. I like the 49ers being at home. I think Jimmy Garoppolo will have a smooth transition to his first step into playoff football. Can Kurt Cousins win another big game on top of another big game? I see Kyle Shanahan coming out with a great scheme to beat the Vikings. His way of making up for the bad calling in that second half of the Superbowl where he was OC for the Falcons. Who allowed the Patriots to stampeded them back in that game. The coach is the X-factor which will help the 49ers dispatch the Vikings.

OUR PICK

OUR PREDICTION:  49ERS 27-17 VIKINGS

AFC GAME

TITANS(10-7) AT RAVENS(14-2)

The Ravens are the number one seed of the AFC conference. Titans just made the playoffs in the final week of regular season. Then last week they knocked out the Evil Empire, last year’s Superbowl champs the New England Patriots. In which could be the game that ends the Patriot dynasty. The Baltimore Ravens will be a different animal. The Ravens had the best regular season record in the entire NFL. They have this year’s MVP quarterback in Lamar Jackson who can run and pass.

HISTORY

ALL-TIME RECORD BETWEEN THESE TWO TEAMS

RAVENS 12-11 TITANS

PLAYOFFS RAVENS 2-1 TITANS

The Titans are a very well rounded team. Defense, offense and special teams… all three units do very well. The Titans could easily have a different record and seed if they started the season with Ryan Tannehill at quarterback. The Titans made the switch near mid season from Mariota to Tannehill and took off. The Titans offense has a stud back in Derrick Henry. Ravens defense which is not talked about a lot because of what Lamar Jackson does on the field. They will need to gang tackle Henry. Earl Thomas the safety will have to help stop the Titans’ deep passing game as well. Titans need to get a early lead. Ravens defense is used to having the early lead and never have to adjust and just attack the quarterback passing attack after they build a comfy lead.

The Titans defense have to figure out how to contain Lamar Jackson. Ravens have a great running back in Mark Ingram, former Saint that can do damage. The Raven running attack sets up the passing game for Jackson. Lamar Jackson has improved his passing game this season and is a guy that does not throw interceptions. If LamarJackson runs for more than 70 yards his record this year is unbeatable. Titans defense made the big play versus Tom Brady last week. Brady is a guy that does not run. Lamar Jackson can escape pass rushing blitzes and find the open guy or just run like Forest Gump. The Titans will need to force a fumble or two. The Titans will need to get in good licks when the Raven receivers catch the ball and hope for the ball to bounce out of their arms for an interception or two.

This is match up I thought a lot about.  Thought about are the Titans an elite team or just a good team? Sometimes you see a team win so many games in a row and not see who they beat. Titans lost to the Saints late in the season. They lost to a Texans team late in the season when the division was in play and lost at home to them. They did beat the Texans in the last week of the season. The Texans had their back up quarterback in as they had nothing to play for. The Texans even though they won last week versus the Bills, I don’t think are a very good team. Maybe the worst remaining. The Patriots is a team on the decline so I pictured the Titans going into New England and winning. I can’t see the Titans doing that this weekend. Ravens’ Lamar Jackson will learn from the Chargers loss last season as he got his first playoff experience in that contest. I think the Ravens are just the better team in this contest overall.

OUR PICK

OUR PREDICTION:RAVENS 31-23 TITANS

 

 

 

The Buffalo Bills could easily be playing football next week in the second round of the playoffs. We know they blew a 16 point lead in the second half that cost them a victory in the wild card round. The team had some opportunities they did not capitalize on. Especially on the offensive side of the ball. We know the Bills defense is far more superior than their offensive unit.  The BiIls’ offense is lights years better than the 2018 group. Do we even want to go down that road with Nathan Peterman? Bills made some nice improvements on the offensive side of the ball. Giving Josh Allen somebody to actually throw to in veterans John Brown and Cole Beasley. They added a new group of backs, tight ends, and rebuilt the whole offensive line. Josh Allen played in every game this season  and now has some playoff experience as he has another year under his belt. One thing the Buffalo Bills need to add to this group is a bigger target for Josh Allen to throw to.

Josh Allen is 6’5″ tall. He has a power arm and can use his tree trunk legs and get chunks of yardages running the football. Most of the year all his receivers have been under six foot tall. Duke Williams, a former CFL star, was activated recently and played versus Houston. He had the ball thrown up high to him and could not pull it down as he stands at 6’3″ vertically.  One missed opportunity in that game that cost the Bills points. Duke Williams is a guy who is still trying to establish himself in the NFL. Maybe he will get better. Cole Beasly is a nice slot guy to get the yards over the middle on third downs. John Brown, normally just a speed guy, has done a lot this year for the Bills. He has run all the routes and has made many catches. Led the team in all the receiving stats. One play that involved John Brown catching the ball down the side line where he could not get his feet down but caught the ball versus Houston on Saturday. If he gets his feet down, Bills are set up first and goal instead of an incomplete pass. A taller target in that situation can probably bring the ball down and get his feet down. He perhaps even walks into the end zone for the touchdown.

I’ve seen quarterback Jay Cutler for years take advantage of his inaccuracy and toss many touchdown passes to tall play-makers like Alshon Jeffery and Brandon Marshall. You could say it padded Cutler’s numbers as he is one of the inventors of the pick six. Josh Allen has that power arm where he can throw it a mile. Sometimes he is off target. But to have a speed threat on one side in John Brown. Then to have Cole Beasley in the middle of the field. With an established taller play-maker on the other side, it could be the difference in making this offense into something like their superior defense. Josh Allen would complete more passes. Plus the team would score more points in the red zone on the jump ball. Not sure the Bills can address this need in free agency. Perhaps Justin Jefferson, a 6’3″ skyscraper with a big frame of 192 lbs from LSU could be the answer. A big time mismatch to defensive backs when it comes to length. His 102 receptions with 18 touchdowns gaining 1,434 yards has helped his quarterback Joe Burrows look better. A guy who you can throw a deep ball to and in the red zone that can grab it out of sky and bring it down. Another guy from UCF, Gabriel Davis, who also stands at 6’3″ had 12 scores and 72 catches. One of these guys would give Buffalo a weapon of mass destruction. Plus make others even better around him as John Brown can burn you deep or Cole Beasley over the middle. Plus it converts field goals into touchdowns which is simple math. If Buffalo could score 24 points or more per game, what would have been their record this year? Plus they’d be heading to Kansas City this week instead of calling it a year.

NFC PREDICTIONS SUNDAY JANUARY 5,2020

NFC (WILD CARD ROUND)

GAME THREE

MINNESOTA VIKINGS AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Everyone remembers Case Keenum’s pass January 14, 2018 where he connected on a 61 touchdown strike to Stefon Diggs. It was the final play of the game and the Saints defender Marcus Williams dove at his legs instead of wrapping him up and that was a touchdown that sent the Saints home. Another crazy ending that eliminates the Saints from post season.

The Saints are on a mission to rightfully correct things that have gone wrong versus them in recent years in the playoffs. They have the complete team and have the better record in regular season. Minnesota has some key injuries and a few playmakers that are doubtful to play. This is a playoff game and Kirk Cousins does not do well in big games when the spot light is on him. Plus he seems like he will have to carry his team in this contest and do most of the heavy lifting with an injury to the Vikings starting runningback. One key is I just don’t see the Viking defense slowing down the Saints passing game.

OUR PICK

OUR PREDICTION SAINTS 34-20 VIKINGS

GAME FOUR

SEAHAWKS AT EAGLES

Eagles again found their way to the playoffs with a winning streak at the end when they looked they were on life support. They won four in a row and win the NFC East. They come in at 9-7 and have the worst record in the NFC conference of playoff teams that have qualified into the tournament. Meanwhile Seattle finds their way to the wild card weekend losing to the 49ers in the final game of the season. If they would have won they would have won the division and had a home game instead of venturing off to Philadelphia this weekend.

The Eagles have too many of their playmakers sidelined in this contest. Eagles basically feasted on NFC East opponents to get to this weekend. Carson Wentz does not have that Nick Foles magic this team really needs right now. Seahawks history on the road was very bad in recent years. This year Seattle did better on the road than at home. The flight across the country will not affect them. Russell Wilson in my opinion could be the MVP this season. This guy is the Derek Jeter of football and does all the small things and finds a way to beat you. Seattle will end Philadelphia magic this Sunday.

OUR PICK

OUR PREDICTION SEAHAWKS 27-23 EAGLES

AFC PREDICTIONS SATURDAY JANUARY 4,2020

AFC (WILD CARD ROUND)

GAME ONE

BUFFALO BILLS AT HOUSTON TEXANS

This is a match up of two teams with bad playoff history. Houston has a lot of first round exits. Plus in a few of the games they have been blown out completely. The Bills suffered one of the worst droughts in sports not making it to the post season. In 2017 they finally broke that horrible streak. We Bills know the Bills history in the Superbowls. This is playoffs and not the Superbowl. Something has to give in this match up as one city will be a happy while one will live through another nightmare.

HOUSTON TEXANS

The return of JJ Watt for the Texans could be a huge lift for this team. Deshaun Watson is the biggest key if the Texans  want to advance to the next round. Someone else besides DeAndre Hopkins will have to come up with some big plays to make this happen for the Texans. The Texans will need to protect Watson from that attacking front of Buffalo, which is the X-factor.

BUFFALO BILLS

For the Bills it’s been all about their defense this season. The trend will have to continue as they need to set the tone early and the whole game and put a stop to Texans offense. They need to stop Deshaun Watson from making plays with his feet, a huge key in this contest. Plus they need to contain DeAndre Hopkins and stop him from making a big play. Bills quarterback Josh Allen will need to make some plays for the offense as well. He needs to avoid the sacks that back up this offense at times. Look for Allen to take advantage of the Texans and make a few big plays with his feet. Frank Gore is my X-factor, he will do something big on the offense with a big run.

OUR PICK

I like the Bills in this one for a few reasons. Bills were 6-2 on the road this season. I think the Texans line is a weakness the Bills defense can exploit. Bills defense is good stopping the passing attack. Even with JJ Watt back, I think the Bills offense can score on that unit.

OUR PREDICTION BILLS 24-13 TEXANS

GAME TWO

TENNESSEE TITANS AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

The Titans have been one of the hottest teams in the league. They made the switch at quarterback from Marcus Mariota to Ryan Tannehill and the Titans took off. Titans then hit a few bumps in the road. But they continue to fight and it took the very last week to clinch a spot in the AFC. The Patriots have stumbled as well to the finish line. Losing to the Dolphins in the final week of regular season with something to play for. That loss has them now playing in the first week of the playoffs which that is not the norm in New England. This match up has Patriot blood versus Patriot blood. Head coach of the Titans, Mike Vrabel, is a former Patriot player who won three Superbowls with the Patriots. Played for Bill Belichick. Now he is coming into New England to slay his former head coach Bill Belichick and the Evil Empire.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Nobody schemes better than the mastermind of Bill Belichick. The Patriots will focus and stop their biggest threat Derrick Henry and the Titans running game. Patriots will rock the running game with all of their backs sharing the load. Look for Sony Michel to get the bulk of carries.  The Patriots will use Julian Edelman the spark plug to convert third downs and get nice chunks on first down. Biggest X-factor Tom Brady has to step up his game and make some key passes to other people if Edelman gets double teamed.

TENNESSEE TITANS

Ryan Tannehill has to deliver the big plays with the passing game. Dolphins exploited corner back Stephon Gilmore last week with their passing game. The result is a Dolphin win. Derrick Henry should still find some success running against a shaky run defense the Patriots have. The Titans need to stop Edelman.  You can force Brady into mistakes if you have his security blanket and spark plug in check. The Titans special teams is the X-factor making something happen.

OUR PICK

I’ve been down this road before. I think I will test this road until the Rebellion is successful versus the Evil Empire. I like the Titans to pull off the unthinkable.  Patriots playing in the wild card round is very different then their norm. Bill Belichick has the usual two weeks to plot and rest before they play a playoff game. Patriots have been stumbling. The Titans are one of the hottest teams in the league. Even with the Titans two losses in the last three games, all were very tight games. Titans are a team that can beat you a few ways as well. They don’t make mistakes. I think head coach Mike Vrabel has seen what the Patriots did to Bill O’Brien’s Texan teams working on his staff. He has played for Bill Belichick as well. He can come up with something that will work.

OUR PREDICTION TITANS 24-21 PATRIOTS

 

 

We are remembering Sam Wyche, who passed away this week. Plus we get to insult the Cleveland Browns’ football IQ. At least they fired Freddie Kitchens. Now they can print up some new shirts for the Browns ownership just in case they make yet another bad hire.

“WHAT WE LACK IN INTELLIGENCE, WE MAKE UP WITH GOOD INTENTIONS”

We are throwing snowballs AT EVERYONE. We roll out the playoff power rankings for the 12 remaining teams.

#1.BALTIMORE RAVENS (14-2) Ravens are the hottest team in the NFL. They even beat a Steeler team trying to make the playoffs during the last week of the season with their back up RGIII. Many of their starters were resting and the Steelers did not do much. They conclude the regular season winning 12 in row. They have a first round bye and get to rest this weekend. Right now they are the scariest team in the playoffs. Nobody wants to play them. I think this Raven team is scarier than any of those crazy man Ray Lewis teams the Ravens did very well in.

Lets hope Lamar Jackson does not follow the same road of a Ray Ray.

#2.KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (12-4) The Chiefs are one of the hottest teams in the league, winning their last six games. They secured a first  round bye.  The Chiefs have one of the youngest stars in the league at quarterback. Patrick Mahomes has playoff seasoning from last season which makes this Chiefs team even better. We know their offense can get it done. This is a well coached team with Andy Reid as their head coach. The  Chiefs defense has been on the rise all throughout the second half of the season which makes this team way more dangerous than last season. X-Factor picking up Terrell Suggs. Could be a weapon of mass destruction in the playoffs with lots to prove being cut by the Cardinals.

#3.NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (13-3) Saints find themselves playing on wild card weekend with a 13-3 record. The NFC conference is so loaded with talented teams. The Saints mission for redemption from last season’s mugging has to start somewhere.

Yes, they are on a Mission from God. So how much for the little girl? Saints have a chip on their shoulders. The  opposing team to start things off is the Vikings who took a playoff game from them a few seasons ago with less than a minute on some fluke play. Then the referees last year did not blow the whistle after the Rams defender just raped the receiver. League did nothing. Even the challenge versus pass interference is bogus because of that game. Saints have demons, dragons, and closet monsters to overcome. They have the team. Will they succeed with them versus the World?

#4.SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (13-3)

The 49ers finally closed the door on their division on the final game of the season. With that win over Seattle, it also got the 49ers team a first round bye. 49ers either look like the best team in the conference at times or they can just lay an egg. It’s a solid team on both sides of the football. We will see what Jimmy Garoppolo can do in the playoffs. Will the experience be a factor playing on this level for the first time? Can Kyle Shanahan slay his past demons from his play calling in the second half of the Superbowl when he was the OC for Atlanta, and saw Tom Brady and the Patriots come back and take that game?

#5.SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (11-5) They say cockroaches would survive a Nuclear war. That is the same thing for pond scum that we call Pete Carol. Seahawks can be in any playoff seed from top to bottom and they are creepy crawlers that just get bigger if you squirt raid on them.

Like in the episode of Taxi where Louey Depalmer had to get outside help to kill the cockroach that is Pete Carol. Seattle can win on the road like they did well this season. Road warriors seems the winning recipe in Seattle these days. As the home turf in coffee town is not the way it used to be. Russell Wilson is one of the best leaders in the game. Derek Jeter of the NFL. Does all the little things right and this team is so dangerous because they can find a way to beat you on any given Sunday.

#6.NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (12-4) The Evil Empire to me does not look like anything special this season. Tom Brady is not lighting up the score board. Death Star these days in New England is just a four banger motor, not the once upon a time V-8 gasoline sucker. The defense and the running game have saved them this season. Can they repeat and make it back to the Superbowl? Last year I said the same thing about this team. The Patriots in the playoffs are a different animal. This year the Evil Empire did not get the first round bye. They will be playing in wild card weekend. The whole galaxy is waiting for the fall of the Empire.

It would be heard around the world. However they still have the evil genius still leading the way and plotting a wrath of Khan through every NFL city.

#7.GREEN BAY PACKERS (13-3) Maybe it’s just the hate I have for the Packers that causes us to have them number seven in the power rankings. They have one of the best records in the league. They have secured a first round bye. Something is just not right with this team. They struggled to come back and beat a very bad Lion team in the last week of the season. The first round bye was on the line so they had something to play for. Then they lose to the Chargers in LA because they were hungover during the season. These days the Packers running game I’m scared of, more then Aaron Rodgers’ arm. The Packers defense has improved. Is it a scary unit? We do know Rodgers has a lucky horseshoe up his ass so big he wins playoff games in the last minute like he invented the last minute drive.

#8.BUFFALO BILLS (10-6) I’m old school at times. I believe great defense and great pitching in baseball win playoff games. The Buffalo Bills defense is electric. One of the best units in the playoffs.

The Bills defense  puts their opponents in bad situations. In long yard situations. Bills are well coached and do not make mistakes. Bills can win games on the road. They will need more from their offense if they want to avoid going one game and out.  Plenty of years where great defenses just wrecked havoc through the playoffs and the offense just did enough. That will have to be this team’s recipe.

#9.TENNESSEE TITANS (9-7) Titans to me are one of the most dangerous teams in the playoffs. They have the great running back in Derrick Henry.

Love the way this guy lays out the stiff arms against opponents. The Rise of Ryan Tannnehill at quarterback made this team for real. They have fed off his leadership and play and the Titans’ lethargic offense became one of the league’s top powerhouses. Titans defense is a very good unit. The Titans special teams can change the momentum of a game. Can this team knock out the Empire in week one of the playoffs?

#10.HOUSTON TEXANS (10-6) The Texans go as far as Deshaun Watson can bring them. On offense this team can put points upon the board. On defense, the return of JJ Watt is what their defense can use right now.

A defense that has seen a young rookie in his second game, Drew Lock and the Broncos put up a 40 point beat down on the Texans. Watt’s presence will help improve that side of the ball. If he can make some big plays that is cherries on the sundae. On offense can they protect Deshaun Watson? Watson can do a lot with his feet and make broken plays look like one of the greatest highlights of the weekend. Can this team avoid that first playoff game exit?

#11.MINNESOTA VIKINGS  (10-6) Vikings this year, I Iiked how they have a very balanced team on both sides of the football. Now the Vikings to me have too many big question marks with this team. Will Adam Thielen and Dalvin Cook be able to suit up for this game? Vikings laid an egg versus the Packers on Monday Night right at the end of the season. A win there they could be in a different spot instead of a road game to New Orleans. That is the biggest question, can Kirk Cousins win the big game? Vikings like to take the ball out of his hands and run the ball more than pass with Cook in the back field. Then not to have his security blanket in Adam Thielen is very tough, but he could be getting used to it as he missed quite a few games. What can these two guys do banged up even if they do suit up?

#12.PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (9-7) The Eagles snuck through the back door again to make the playoffs again this season. Eagles take advantage of a bad division and beat up on their own division down the stretch to make it in. Eagles come in very banged up at the playmaker spots on offense. They had guys from the practice squad suit up. They probably had the beer man take a few handoffs. Do they have the Invincible scripted in their play books this weekend?

How many trick plays does Doug Peterson have? Will Nick Foles be suiting up for the Eagles this weekend? Carson Wentz will have to create some of his own Eagle magic if this team can escape wild card weekend with a victory. Wentz could be ….

Or Eagle fans will be on his door step after the game with pitch forks and torches.

 

OUR RECORD IN STRAIGHT PICK- EM THROUGH 16 LONG GRUELING WEEKS THAT MADE US LOOK VERY BAD!!!

141-99

LAST WEEK: 7-9 PATHETIC!!!!

THURSDAY NIGHT RECORD:11-6

MONDAY NIGHT RECORD:12-3

SATURDAY RECORD:1-2

THE SUNDAY FUN DAY GAMES WEEK 17

BROWNS AT BENGALS

Joe Burrow Joe Burrow SWEEPSTAKES.

OUR PICK: BROWNS

DOLPHINS AT PATRIOTS

Julian Edelman looks like some character that lives under the bridge.

OUR PICK: EVIL EMPIRE

BEARS AT VIKINGS

Bears for some odd crazy reason do well versus the Vikings

OUR PICK:BEARS

CHARGERS AT CHIEFS

Will this be the last interception thrown by Phillip Rivers that we see in a Chargers uniform?

OUR PICK:CHIEFS

JETS AT BILLS

Bills get their 11th victory in front of the Bills MAFIA…

OUR PICK:BILLS

PACKERS AT LIONS

Fire the fat guy. Throw the State farm agent off the bridge while you’re at it.

OUR PICK:PACKERS

SAINTS AT PANTHERS

Saints giving on the Holidays – giving the mentally disturbed person like Antonio Brown a try out.

OUR PICK:SAINTS

FALCONS AT BUCCANEERS

Winston another 4 picks. Falcons are bringing everyone back next season in their coaching staff. Here’s to having a job.Thank you Jameis for making that ownership decision look better than it was.

OUR PICK:FALCONS

EAGLES AT GIANTS

Late December and the Eagles thrive.

OUR PICK:EAGLES

TITANS AT TEXANS

Titans bring out their best game of the year with playoffs on the line.

OUR PICK:TITANS

REDSKINS AT COWBOYS

Cowboys win one for the Garret.

STEELERS AT RAVENS

Steelers are a lost cause.

OUR PICK: RAVENS

COLTS AT JAGUARS

Jaguars should clean house after the game.

OUR PICK: COLTS

RAIDERS AT BRONCOS

LOCK AND LOAD!!!!!

OUR PICK:BRONCOS

CARDINALS AT RAMS

Red birds all day long. Larry Fitzgerald has a big day.

OUR PICK: CARDINALS

49ERS AT SEAHAWKS

Part two goes to the 49ers. Pat three in the playoffs. Mr.T will guest star as Clubber Lane.

OUR PICK:49ERS

OVERALL RECORD OF STRAIGHT PICK-EM THROUGH 15 WEEKS

134-90

LAST WEEK:10-6

THURSDAY RECORD:11-6

MONDAY NIGHT RECORD:12-3

SATURDAY GAMES

TEXANS AT BUCCANEERS

Since JJ Watt’s injury, the Texan defense has not been the same. Jameis Winston surprisingly is overcoming all his mistakes and right now the Buccaneers are one of the hottest teams in the league.

OUR PICK:BUCCANEERS

BILLS AT PATRIOTS

It’s time to end the Evil Empire’s reign of terror for good. Bills, you think are due at some point.

OUR PICK:BILLS

RAMS AT 49ERS

Rams will put up a good fight. Like a caged animal ready to be put down kind of fight. At the end, Jimmy Garoppolo saves Christmas and gets the 49ers back on track.

OUR PICK:49ERS

THE SUNDAY SLATE

BENGALS AT DOLPHINS

Dolphins seem to have gone back to playing only one half. I’m going with the rifleman in this one. Andy’s last Christmas story in Bumbletown.

OUR PICK:BENGALS

STEELERS AT JETS

Steelers need a win to get that final wild card. The Steel defense has to be Ernest to save Christmas from the awful play of their own quarterbacks. When you have no Big Ben. You have a choice between a reindeer that gets hit in the head by his own helmet. Or a Duck that drives you quackers from his interceptions. Steel-town borrows a page out of Ernest’s play book.

OUR PICK:STEELERS

GIANTS AT REDSKINS

Looks like this match up has a changing of the guard at quarterback. Could Daniel Jones versus Dwayne Haskins be the new faces for years to come with these two young quarterbacks? I like the Redskins defense in this one. It will be the key in stopping the Giants big winning streak at one.

OUR PICK: REDSKINS

PANTHERS AT COLTS

Two teams that are desperate for a win around the holidays especially. Both teams had promising starts that have led into a disasterous second half of their season. One will be thrown off the building in this contest.

Unfortunately it will be Kyle Allen and not Cam Newton as Colts win this one.

OUR PICK: COLTS

RAVENS AT BROWNS

Two words….CLEVELAND STUPID…..

OUR PICK:RAVENS

JAGUARS AT FALCONS

Seems like Falcons are due for a let down here. Will the head coach of the Jaguars be the next to receive a lump of coal for Christmas? Jaguars won last week versus a Raider team that already has slot machines dancing inside their heads. Falcons should fly smoothly in this one.

OUR PICK: FALCONS

SAINTS AT TITANS

Titans were red hot until they got knocked off by the Texans. I think this team will still be shell shocked and lay another egg at home. Drew Brees is possessed and home field advantage is on his mind. The Saints do the jingle bell rock in country city.

OUR PICK:SAINTS

RAIDERS AT CHARGERS

Both teams have checked out at this moment. If you’d like to leave a message please do so after the beep… BEEEP. Chargers have no messages while Raiders fans think the number is for a bail bond. This game will be like the island of misfit toys if they played a pick up game of football.

Phillip Rivers is the gun that shoots jelly. While Jon Gruden is the cowboy that rides the ostrich.

OUR PICK:CHARGERS

LIONS AT BRONCOS

I’d like Drew Lock to rebound from last week and have another big game. Lions defense is horrible.

Does Matt Patricia above get a lump of coal in his pink slip on Black Monday?

OUR PICK:BRONCOS

CARDINALS AT SEAHAWKS

Seahawks need this one to stay afloat on top of the NFC West. They better not overlook the Cardinals with that rematch of the 49ers dancing inside their heads. Russell Wilson will take control of this contest and lead the Seahawks past the Cardinals.

OUR PICK: SEAHAWKS

COWBOYS AT EAGLES

The Eagles are too broken to sneak back into the playoffs. Cowboys have been on the struggle bus for a very long time until last Sunday. Not sure which Cowboys you’ll get. I’m thinking the ones that beat the Rams last week because all teams I hate, somehow win out and make it to the playoffs.

OUR PICK: COWBOYS

CHIEFS AT BEARS

Remember all the years in Chicago when it was the year without a Santa?

Santa would mean quarterback. Is Mitch Trubisky going to be the Bears future? He has played better. What if the Bears selected Patrick Mahomes who they could have gotten? Would Mitch be winning games in the playoffs for the Chiefs? While Patrick Mahomes, touched by the Bears, would be another quarterback turned to stone and being beaten up by opposing defenses across the league. Like the boogie man in Green Bay? You can say the Boogie man in that situation is Aaron Rodgers, not a Green Bay defense.

OUR PICK:CHIEFS

PACKERS AT VIKINGS

Vikings rising up and taking down the big cheese Aaron Rodgers on Monday night is a BOLD PREDICTION…. Can Kirk Cousins win the biggest game on one of the biggest stages where everyone is watching? Vikings defense makes this happen.

OUR PICK: VIKINGS