Divisional Round Picks, NFL Playoffs

Houston Texans/Kansas City Chiefs: The Texans/Chargers game was a bit wild as both teams struggled to find a rhythm, Houston in the right place at the right time and making the most of bank errors in their favour. One play was particularly impressive when a fumbled snap looked like it might be a turnover (the score was still close), but C.J Stroud caught it in stride and then threw a 30 to 40 yard pass (that never happens!). I doubt the Chiefs will make many mistakes so it should come down to finesse on the field, Kansas City winning 27 to 19 somewhat recently versus Houston, holding an edge for much of the game. The Chiefs didn't impress as much this season in terms of consistently winning decisive victories, but if the game was close they came out on top almost every time that's beyond good fortune (Denver almost beat them twice). Despite the lack of punishing monumental hard-fought engrossing widespread victories, they still won 15 games that's a big number to take into consideration. Geez Louise, this stat is unfortunate, the Texans have lost in the Divisional Round 5 times since 2011, they've in fact never made it through to the Conference Championships, solid Wild Card play, but nothing beyond that. No need to recap the Chiefs undaunted recent playoff success, can anyone emerge to stop them?, the same team winning all the time breeds decay (unless it's the Broncos). The Texans have managed to avoid the Ravens for now and survived a Wild Card matchup where they made some mistakes, sometimes a team wins with a bit of luck one round and doesn't need any the following week. The Chiefs lead their all-time series 10 to 5 and the temperature looks cold this Saturday in Kansas City (not as cold as the conditions in the Chiefs home win over Miami last year). Spirited fight and sophomore exactitude: without error, the Texans move on (Picking Houston). 

Washington Commanders/Detroit Lions: Washington and Tampa didn't unleash extraordinary unkempt offensive tirades last weekend, but it was still a super competitive down-to-the-last-minute game, that impressed on an otherwise dull Wild Card Weekend. Washington was clearly up for the challenge and will likely be just as ready in Detroit this Saturday, fired up with convincing tenacity for another tight matchup with a similar team. The Lions once again firmly demonstrated that they can score tons of points at any given moment, they ran away with the 2024 season and seem strictly destined for a strong playoff run. They scored the most points in the NFL and their points against was impressive too, apart from the mad shootout with Buffalo which hopefully might be a sign of things to come (not necessarily with Buffalo winning). They swept those damn Packers and Vikings and only lost twice all season long, they scored more than 30 points 10 times indeed, more than 40 five times, more than 50 twice. In other words, they're ready for a shootout and I don't deny that Washington is to, nor that the Commanders could come out on top if they let things loose and give 1,000%. You wait so long for a season like this one and take it to heart with home field however, Detroit deserving of the hard fought advantage they've waited so long to impeccably uphold. These two teams could play in a close one but I imagine the Lions pull too far ahead. Leaving Washington to make audacious decisions. Causing multiple turnovers. Picking Detroit. 

Los Angeles Rams/Philadelphia Eagles: the Rams were ready for the Minnesota Vikings in a riotous display of unsung upset, 6 sacks at least in the first half that was tough to watch if you were cheering for Minnesota. The Eagles impressed versus Green Bay too they were in control for the entire game, and every time the Pack looked like they might put something together Philadelphia responded with uptight dispossession. Once again the Eagles face an opponent whom they've rarely met in the postseason, only twice many years ago one match versus St. Louis they lost both games. The Eagles punished them in November with a 37 to 20 unevenly matched victory, this game could be like the Rams defeating Minnesota last weekend after coming out on top earlier in the year. Their all-time series is close with the Eagles leading 24 to 20 to 1, that's super tight considering how long both teams have had to pull far away in vehement opposition. One potential advantage for L.A could be their defence leading Jalen Hurts to frustration, there was a drive last week versus Green Bay where he tried to do everything on his own unsuccessfully. Nonetheless, if Philadelphia's line doesn't hold he's a lot more mobile than ye olde Darnold, if the Eagles break through like they did versus Minnesota the Eagles will need Hurts's A+ running game. There's something beyond football at work here though the fires in California inspiring the Rams, to express themselves with stern superlatives as they efficiently battle for Lombardi's prize. They're incensed and roguish and determined in their characteristic unyielding quest to win. I don't know if the Eagles can match it. Picking the Rams in Philly in January.

Baltimore Ravens/Buffalo Bills: fitting that this game should be the last one to be played this weekend, I should bashfully state that I'm really looking forward to it, it's like best case if the Broncos aren't playing. But who to cheer for, in one way it's distressing that both these great quarterbacks have to play one another, if Denver can't win every year then it's no doubt fair to see other teams rewarded. Both have played exceptionally well in hard-fought regular seasons for the past 5 years, both are strong candidates for the MVP in 2024, how do you choose between Allen and Jackson? Baltimore has won the Super Bowl twice since moving from Cleveland, a defensive juggernaut reigning victorious in 2000, a surprising unexpected win in 2012, while everyone knows of Buffalo's postseason struggles. Jackson has kept the team competitive since arriving and genuinely frustrated the stalwart opposition, but in the playoffs he falters at times even though he always seems like Super Bowl material. Similarly, Josh Allen can't seem to make his efficient way past the Chiefs, even though he holds a strong regular season record against them, and always seems like he'll come out on top. Both of these incredible QBs always seem like they'll effortlessly win, and keep scoring resoundingly at will as their bitter opponents look on in wonder. You want to see every outstanding QB win the coveted Super Bowl at least once in their lifetime, as loyal Broncos fans were outstandingly rewarded when Elway won twice at the end of his career. These careers aren't at an end there's still plenty of time to win, but the Chiefs aren't as strong this deflated season and the Lions do let in a lot of points on occasion. It looks like a cold one in Buffalo this weekend so it may unfortunately come down to better subzero play (subzero Celsius [cold practise facility]). Wishing both these teams luck since Denver's out. Picking Buffalo in a tight one.