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So much for the idea that I would pick her up in the NFL playoff division round with my picks.
I went 1-3.
Gross. Repugnant. Vil. Use any of these words to describe my division tour, and I’ll take it.
The Saints, Ravens and Chiefs have all been losers, although the Chiefs’ loss has been marked with an asterisk since Patrick Mahomes left the game. Let’s go. I beg. I hit Green Bay scoring the runs against the Rams.
This week’s AFC and NFC Championship games are a sanctuary for great quarterback play. We have Aaron Rodgers, MVP of this year, against Tom Brady, the greatest of all time. If Mahomes can play, it’s last year’s Super Bowl MVP against Josh Allen, who is in the MVP conversation this year.
What’s not to like about these clashes, provided Mahomes is ready to go? I think he will play as he battles through the concussion protocols which would be in place for a great day of quarterback play on Sunday.
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One request: no wind.
There is nothing worse for an offense than the wind. Snow? Take it. Wind? The hate.
Let’s see that quarterbacks can throw it without the wind turning it into a survival test.
It’s the league game on Sunday. Don’t let the weather dictate who wins games or who covers.
Last Chances:
Green Bay Packers -3
It will be Tom Brady vs. Aaron Rodgers. It doesn’t get any better than that. But this game will be for Rodgers against the Tampa Bay defense more than anything else. That defense was exceptional last week against the Saints, blocking receivers in men’s coverage and making it difficult for Drew Brees. But that will be a bigger challenge against this Green Bay offense, especially the way Rodgers can do off-schedule games. Green Bay made the Rams’ top-ranked defense last week. I think they will continue this here too. Rodgers is playing the best football of his career. The Bucs were improved in offense last week because they ran the ball. That will also have to play in this one. They have to control football. Brady will challenge on the court, but without the running game it could be a lot tougher against that Green Bay passing rush. At the end of the day, I think Rodgers is playing too well. It’ll be close for a bit, but Green Bay will win by one touchdown to get to the Super Bowl.
To choose: Green Bay 27, Tampa Bay 20
Last Chances:
Kansas City Chiefs -3
The key here is the health of Patrick Mahomes as he winds through the concussion protocols. Without him, the leaders would have big problems. Chad Henne is a solid backup, but little more than that. With Mahomes, the attack is entirely different. Buffalo is putting out a good defense against the Ravens, but it’s a bigger challenge if Mahomes plays. The passing game is deadly. The Bills have been much better in defense since the middle of the season. Coordinator Leslie Frazier did a good job. As for the Buffalo offense, Josh Allen didn’t show off his usual garish numbers last week against the Ravens, but he made enough plays. It was a windy night. If the weather holds up here – and Mahomes is in the game – it could be a nice shootout between two big-armed bystanders. Both defenses have improved since the Chiefs beat the Bills in Week 6, a game where Kansas City led football to win it. Clyde Edwards-Helaire ran for 161 in Kansas City’s 26-17 win. This time around I think it’s more of an aerial game with both quarterbacks having good games. I picked the Chiefs to go to the Super Bowl ahead of the season and I’m sticking with that. But it will be close – even with Mahomes.
To choose: Counts 31, Bills 30
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