Broncos! Ti-Cats! 🏈

Super Bowl Pick

Seattle Seahawks/New England Patriots: the compelling rematch over a decade later of the infamous pass that lost a Super Bowl, both teams completely new(?), and likely focused on other things. Their regular season stats are close without any noteworthy discrepancies, both having defeated a team from Los Angeles in the playoffs, both defences shining at opportune times. Seattle looks like the better team and they defeated two strong division rivals to make the Super Bowl, the Rams did seem like they might win, but the 'hawks just kept on scoring more touchdowns. I haven't been that impressed with the Patriots' offence during the postseason, but their regular season stats are crazy, it would be cool to see Drake Maye have a huge game, he's so young and incredibly fortunate. Sam Darnold looks so much like an old childhood friend though, who was often mistaken for my brother, and he's been playing exceptionally well, how could I possibly not pick him? Seattle's won 4 of their last 5 meetings and 7 of their last 10, but New England won the only game that counts, late in the 4th, 28-24. It seems like the best thing I can do for the Patriots is indeed not to pick them, since I haven't picked them three times and they've come up with three huge playoff wins. But at the end of the day, isn't that a bit crazy, bizarro mysticism likely not a factor? Seattle does look like the better team. Picking the Seahawks, hoping it's close.

NFL Playoffs, Conference Championships Picks

New England Patriots/Denver Broncos: picking the Broncos! Defence! Stidham! Payton! Go Broncos Go!

Los Angeles Rams/Seattle Seahawks: the Conference Championships are upon us and the NFC West still has no winner, Seattle claiming that sublime right while the Rams furiously and openly contest them. The Rams are the only team to have beaten the Seahawks since Oct. 5th, Seattle’s run indeed most impressive not that Los Angeles hasn’t also played well. Both of their games in 2025 were decided by a total of 3 points, the Rams winning 21-19 in Week 11, the Seahawks emerging victorious 38-37 in Week 16. The Rams have won 3 of their last 5 with 2 of those games going to overtime, and 6 of their last 10, with three of those games decided in OT. These teams are so close that Seattle only leads their all-time rivalry by a game (29-28), although in terms of postseason contention, the Rams have won both their matchups. Honestly, who knows, who knows who’ll pick up the win, these teams are way too close to call and it should be amazing seeing them play again for the Conference title. Los Angeles has played well enough to win and won in bitterly cold weather last Sunday. But the Seahawks made it look easy against a fierce 49ers team last weekend at home. I’m picking Seattle for the NFC West Title. Hoping it’s another close thriller. 

NFL Playoffs, Divisional Round Picks

Buffalo Bills/Denver Broncos: Picking the Broncos. Defence! Nix! Payton! Go Broncos Go! 

San Francisco 49ers/Seattle Seahawks: San Francisco impressed in its win over the Eagles last weekend, the game looking like it could go either way till the end, trick plays brilliantly executed to ensure victory, big defensive stands taking out the Super Bowl Champions. Seattle looks to be an even tougher opponent who they've already played twice this season, the classic divisional game, I love it when this happens in the playoffs. The Seahawks let in the fewest number of points in the entire league let alone 79 fewer than the 49ers, their offence also scoring the third highest number of points in the NFL, whoa Nelly, those stats are crazy. In 2025, they beat Pittsburgh, Jacksonville, Houston, Minnesota, Atlanta, Indianapolis, and Carolina, while also splitting their games with the Rams and San Francisco, also falling to the Bucs in Week 5, they've only lost one game since then. Their quarterback, Sam Darnold, if I'm not mistaken, has won 29 games in the last two years, with different teams, that's got to be some kind of record, although he came up short in the Wild Card Round last year. They played in the last week of the season and I imagine the 49ers really wanted to win the game, once again, if I'm not mistaken, they would have won the division with the win and would have had the best record in the NFC. In that game, they only let Seattle score 13 points but only scored 3 themselves, for such an explosive offence, that must have been highly frustrating. The Seahawks play in a dome so the January weather shouldn't be a factor, the fans likely no rowdier than those from Philadelphia, although I really don't know much about such things. This is a divisional game though so the outcome remains uncertain, so many times division rivalries producing shocking outcomes that statistics can't predict. Seattle's pretty freakin' good though on defence and offence and they're playing at home. But they don't seem to have as many active Broncos connections. Picking San Francisco on the road!  

Houston Texans/New England Patriots: both these teams won their Wild Card games with similar styles that ruthlessly afflicted, their opposing quarterbacks with inadequacy as they helplessly tried to pull drives together. Justin Herbert and Aaron Rodgers are no slouches when it comes to winning games. But in the odd instances when they had three or four seconds to make a play (when they weren't getting smoked), as they looked down field, there was no one to throw to. Houston didn't play that well on offence until the 4th and neither did the Patriots (throughout the game) honestly, but both teams still lived to see another day, thanks to the resilient focus of their defences. Sometimes when your offence doesn't play well and you still come up with the win, it plays exceptionally well the following week. Unfortunately, both of these teams are in that scenario so even if both offences play well one of them still has to lose. I doubt either offence will make as many mistakes, and if they do, their defences should back them up, it's great to see two teams who are so evenly matched. Their might be snow on Sunday. The Texans have won three of their last 5 games versus the Patriots with one win coming in New England, but this is a much stronger Patriots team that shouldn't be quite so easy to overcome. They didn't play during the regular season so there are no fresh stats to examine, they have met twice in the Divisional Round, with New England winning both times. Houston has in fact lost in the Divisional Round 6 times in a row, while the Patriots have won 8 times in a row in that very same Round. So far in 2025, the Texans have won 10 in a row, and New England, 14 of their last 15. I don't want to irritate either team by not picking them, because I didn't pick either of them last week as well, it seems like the Patriots are destined to win another, but could this finally be Houston's Divisional Round year? It is more exciting to see a team who's never made the Conference Championships win, than one who won them 9 times in the last twenty-five odd years though. Picking Houston on the road. Turnovers may decide the outcome.

Los Angeles Rams/Chicago Bears: the Bears had an impressive comeback win last weekend and the Rams came close to blowing it, so it will be interesting to see what happens this freezing Sunday in Chicago. Both teams played in tough divisions where the competition was fierce, the Bears finishing 3-4 including last week's Wild Card win, Los Angeles winning 4 out of 6. They've only met twice in the playoffs after so many many years of existence, the Rams emerging victorious in 1950, Chicago shutting them out in 1985 (on the way to a Super Bowl win). Los Angeles has the better stats on offence and defence but can they play in the cold?, they did well enough last January in Philly (losing 28-22), but didn't really start to shine until the 4th. Chicago got away with one last Saturday so like Houston and New England it's time to shine, if they can just get their offence going earlier in the game things likely won't seem so wild and chaotic.  They've met 97 times in total with the Bears leading the all-time edge, but the Rams have developed a winning tradition in the last decade that may challenge Chicago's rule. The Bears have won 6 of their last 10, but L.A has won 3 of the last 5 (Chicago winning most recently), Chicago leading all-time 55-39-3, they first played in 1937 (a Bears win). Chicago hasn't had much success in recent years so it would be cool to see them win, but the Rams seem like the better team who'll come out on top if they don't beat themselves. I'm getting too old, I don't like to choose, unless it's the Broncos seeking playoff wins. But if Los Angeles wins, they'll play the winner of the 49ers/Seahawks game, and for me that's a cooler scenario. Picking the Rams on the road. Hoping they bring some sweaters. 

*Stats from the Football Database, Wikipedia, and NFL.com.

NFL Playoffs, Wild Card Weekend Picks

Los Angeles Rams/Carolina Panthers: it was fun watching Panthers score updates this season (I follow the scores on my phone in the fall while chillin' in the forest). They played in a bunch of really close games and came out on top at times against some good teams. They beat Tampa once, took out a surprising Falcons team that won some big games in 2025 (and lost to them too), and picked up wins over Green Bay and the Rams. They've got efficient pluck and tenacity and I imagine no one wants to play them. Although that's a common thread for this postseason, who would want to play any of these teams? The Rams did have a tougher time of it, their division crazy competitive (three teams with 12 or more wins), they beat Houston, Indianapolis, Baltimore, Jacksonville, San Francisco, Seattle, Tampa, and Detroit, while falling to Seattle, San Fran, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Carolina. They scored 200 more points than the Panthers and their defence played better too, but this game's being played in Carolina, the Panthers perhaps starting off Wild Card Weekend with an upset. I've gone overboard before on the overestimation of the visiting team with the winning record, so I don't want to be overly enthusiastic. They've only played Carolina once in ye olde postseason, a 29-23 loss in double overtime in 2003. They've made the playoffs 7 of the last 9 years as well, and in that time won 3 Wild Card games. It would be nice to see the Panthers win, and I hope they play with as much comeback confidence as they did during the regular season. Hoping they pull off the comeback, picking the L.A Rams. 

Green Bay Packers/Chicago Bears: I was hoping to see Detroit play the Pack in the postseason but I guess Chicago will have to do, after an incredible resurgent season that I don't think anyone predicted. During that stretch, they managed to beat Green Bay and Minnesota once apiece, although the Lions defeated them twice, while also picking up wins over Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, while keeping it close with San Francisco. They've met in the playoffs twice, both picking up a win (going back to 1941), and they only trail the Pack in their all-time head-to-head standings by 12 hard fought games. In their last 35 meetings though, they've only beaten Green Bay 6 times, that's crazy lopsided, they must want this one big time. Green Bay had solid D this year and won some big games. Once again, they were a formidable threat, picking up wins over Detroit (twice), Pittsburgh and Chicago, while struggling at the end of the year without Jordan Love. I read at ESPN.com that Love should play this Saturday however, he may be a bit groggy from his absence, but he did pick up that big Wild Card win on the road versus Dallas in 2023. The Bears scored 50 more points than the Pack but Green Bay let 55 fewer in, as they often say, defence wins championships, but will it settle things in the Wild Card round? The only thing I know for certain is that Chicago must be really sick and tired of losing to Green Bay, and this is a big game at home, and they're going to be über-ready. It reminds me of when Cleveland beat Pittsburgh in 2020 and the Broncos beat Oakland in 1977. The Pack plays well in the Wild Card round. But I'm thinking the Bears win this one. Picking Chicago at home.  

Buffalo Bills/Jacksonville Jaguars: Buffalo still looked good this year with strong performances many a week, they weren't as dominant as they were in previous seasons, but there's no doubt they're resolutely given 'er. At times, they looked unbeatable in 2025 pulling off a memorable comeback win versus Baltimore in Week 1, with additional big wins over Carolina, Kansas City, Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh, and New England (who also beat them). They scored the 3rd most points in the NFL and picked up 5 wins on the road. Another strong competitive season led by Mr. Josh Allen, with a schedule not many could bear. Jacksonville was a surprise this year after starting the season without much comment, they lost 4 of their first 10 games, and didn't look particularly impressive. Then something happened, the coaching staff must have done something to turn on the jets, they've won 8 straight since then, and came out on top of a tough AFC South Division. They almost scored as many points as the Bills and let in around 30 fewer, this could be a crazy high scoring game if both quarterbacks venomously fire. They've met twice in the playoffs with the Jags winning both games, both times Jacksonville beating the Bills in the Wild Card round, the last time they met was total dudsville. I don't know who has the edge both these teams look way too close to call. They've split their last 6 regular season games 3 and 3. Hoping it's a shootout. Picking Buffalo on the road.  

San Francisco 49ers/Philadelphia Eagles: again with the closely matched exceptionally good teams no one would want to play, settling in for a Wild Card extravaganza that hopefully showcases an exciting win. There's an 80% chance of rain in Philly on Sunday but I don't know how much is expected, the weather can be a cool leveller although these teams already seem somewhat even (it's not supposed to be that cold). San Francisco scored 58 more points this season while the Eagles let in 46 fewer, the 49ers won one more game but Philadelphia is playing at home. I like both these teams and they've both had a lot of success in recent years, the Eagles notably winning the Super Bowl last year, San Francisco coming up just short in recent memory (in overtime).  I'd say therefore the 49ers have more to play for, but that's somewhat ridiculous, every team having so much to play for every time they make the playoffs. They've only met twice in the postseason with San Francisco winning their Wild Card matchup, Philadelphia coming out on top in the Conference Championships (Purdy was injured in the game), I'm surprised they don't meet more often in the playoffs, they didn't play during the regular season.  I like Jalen Hurts and the Eagles and it's been cool to see them have so much success for the last 10 years, but there are a lot of  Broncos connections on San Francisco which cannot be passively overlooked. With so many Broncos links, and no other definitive reason to prefer one team to the other, I'm taking San Francisco on the road in Philly. Hoping it's a close game, and the weather doesn't influence the outcome. 

Los Angeles Chargers/New England Patriots: New England's different with Brady and Belichick gone, they're not the same frustrating team that made it to the Conference Championships so many years in a row, it's more like they were when I was a kid, before the incredible run, off in the wilderness seeking Super Bowl victory, a brand new alignment impressing throughout the 2025 season. Their schedule wasn't the toughest but they still picked up big wins versus Baltimore, Buffalo (who also beat them), Carolina, Tampa, and Atlanta (I'm surprised Atlanta fired their coach), losing to Pittsburgh and Las Vegas they harnessed a solid 14-3 record. I'd argue the Chargers had a tougher season and still rocked it super hardcore, although the Patriots scored a lot more and let far fewer in, was it simply a matter of an easier schedule? Easier schedule or not, they're playing at home where they know how to win, that loss versus Buffalo likely toughening them up, especially after they were winning by so many in the first half. Still though, the Chargers beat Kansas City twice, Minnesota, Pittsburgh, Denver and Philadelphia, while losing to Denver, Houston, Jacksonville, and Indianapolis. San Diego beat the Boston Patriots in the 1963 AFL Championship Game 51-10, but since then the Chargers have fallen to New England three times in the postseason, one of the many good teams that couldn't make it past Brady. Brady's gone however and this is a whole new ball game, both teams rockin' it in prime time this season, once again, too close to call. But I certainly still don't want to see the Patriots defeat the Chargers even if their quick turn around is mind-blowing. Picking the Chargers on the road. This could be where New England defines itself. 

Houston Texans/Pittsburgh Steelers: the Texans are 6-2 lifetime in the Wild Card Round and they've won the last two years, they've also won 9 regular season games in a row and seem pumped for the upcoming postseason. Over that stretch they beat Indianapolis twice, Kansas City, Buffalo, the Chargers, and Jacksonville, that's a pretty impressive run, that no doubt indicates playoff wherewithal. They let in almost 100 fewer points than Pittsburgh but didn't score that much more, at home the Steelers lost to Buffalo, Green Bay and Seattle, although they beat New England, Baltimore and Detroit on the road. It was an up and down season for the Steelers who played really well at times but never really put together a consistent streak, if it's the right weekend there's no doubt they will punish you, but if not, they may take a beating. Houston and Pittsburgh have never met in the postseason so this is interesting to see, which is surprising considering how often these teams play in January, their respective schedules at the mercy of the football gods. Honestly, everything seems to be favouring Houston, although it should be chilly in Pittsburgh on Monday night, and the Texans lost the last two years in January in the divisional round, when playing outside of the dome. Nevertheless, so many times things seemed to be favouring Aaron Rodgers in January when he played for Green Bay and the Pack unfortunately came up short. Methinks it's time for a reversal of fortune, even though this seems like a definite Texans win. Taking Pittsburgh and a resurgent Aaron Rodgers. Hoping it's a tight close game.  

*Broncos!

**Stats from Wikipedia, NFL.com, ESPN.com, and the Football Database. 

Broncos! 🏈

Super Bowl Pick

Kansas City Chiefs/Philadelphia Eagles: there's no doubt the Eagles and Chiefs are both formidable teams, demonstratively augmenting their intuitive daring with remarkable precision and commendable accuracy. Both of them had exceptional years and have played incredibly well for at least the last 7, with postseason runs boldly accentuating difficult hard-fought tenacious regular seasons. Both teams have impressed in the playoffs this year picking up huge wins under challenging circumstances, Philadelphia looking more dominant but they dodged a bullet when the Lions were knocked out. They still looked tough though, with strong running and passing games and a quarterback as nimble as Mahomes, I kept thinking they'd run it much more often but they don't even have to they're that freakin' deep. Jalen Hurts should perhaps receive more cred for the outstanding job he's done in Philadelphia, overlooked at times by more flashy QBs, even though he's a consistent tremendous playoff factor. That gives him something to prove with a strong defence and offence to support him, you'd also hate to see Saquon Barkley come up short after such a strong running year. Can the Chiefs be beat though?, they seem to have no trouble putting scoring drives together (no matter whom they face), especially when they suddenly find themselves losing, how do they consistently win so many close ones? It's tough to pick, my football instincts say the Eagles are the better team, and that they're tougher more imposing too hard to beat multivariability. But Taylor Swift stood up to Trump during the election and now he's causing all kinds of trouble for North America, normally I would find the Swift/Kelce relationship too melodramatic, but under these circumstances, it's bona fide heroism 💌. Nevertheless, I'm still a Broncos fan and I find at the end of the day it's tough to pick Kansas City. I like Mahomes and Andy Reid, they're awe-inspiring. But their success is even more irritating than New England's. Picking the Eagles. Hopin' they win the rematch. 🏈

 

Conference Championship Picks, NFL Playoffs

Washington Commanders/Philadelphia Eagles: the classic divisional matchup in the NFC Conference Championship game, both teams resolutely impressing in shocking fashion this past weekend.  The Commanders pulled off perhaps the greatest upset in NFL postseason history, and the Eagles held on tight in the snow and made huge plays during the blizzard. I haven't picked either of these teams yet this year so it seems like whomever I pick will face adversity, they split their season series a game apiece, Washington arguably only winning due to Hurts's concussion (they still only won by 3 points). Philadelphia's defence was stronger than Washington's there's a big difference in their points totals, even if the Commanders proved last Saturday that they can quickly score a ton. I doubt the Eagles will turn the ball over so much though, a lot of surprising changes of possession last weekend, Philadelphia knows they're blessed with Detroit's loss and will likely be poised to defy this Sunday. But the Commanders remind me of the New York Giants when they won the Super Bowl with Eli Manning (both times), no one expected them to win those games and they even beat Brady's undefeated Patriots. The Eagles have the better team, they've played well the last two weeks, with the Lions out they're no doubt pumped, and the game's in Philadelphia this weekend. They've also won 12 of their last 16 versus Washington even though the Commanders hold a 90 to 85 to 5 all-time head-to-head lead. In all that time they've only met once in the postseason, a Commanders win in 1990. I like both these teams they've both won the Super Bowl they're both indeed well-rounded. However I still kick myself for not picking Eli Manning. Picking Washington in a close one.  

Buffalo Bills/Kansas City Chiefs: for years, Manning and Brady confidently expressed themselves victoriously, winning many a regular season game often complemented by successful postseasons. They had to face each other numerous times in frigid inhospitable January, the first two games no doubt won by the Patriots, the third one seemingly lost to fate. Yet after falling behind 21 to 6 at a foreboding ominous perplexing halftime, Manning defiantly led the troops to a stunning 38 to 34 Colts win. As a Bronco, Manning continued to defeat Brady earning two more Conference Championship wins, another Super Bowl, limitless praise, having finally championed inexhaustibly. The Patriots/Colts/Broncos matchups were consistent feats of herculean competition, perhaps to be matched by the Chiefs and Bills as Mahomes and Allen meet for the fourth time this Sunday. Mahomes owns a 3 and 0 record never having fallen to the Bills in January, Buffalo determined to reverse their fortunes and emerge Conference Champions for the first time this century. Kansas City's been strange this year they never really pull that far ahead (unless they're playing the Texans), but if they fall behind the game's quickly tied up with the Chiefs almost always coming out on top. Apart from an atypical November day after the Grey Cup had just begun, when Mr. Josh Allen ran for 26 yards on 4th down no less to score another Bills touchdown (defeating the Chiefs [Denver also beat them]). Allen holds the regular season edge with a 4 to 1 impressive advantage, now seeking to magnify his success with undaunted exceptional postseason excesses! Who knows what will come to pass, both these teams are having incredible seasons. I doubt Kansas City will turn the ball over. But I still think Buffalo will win. Picking the Bills. Hoping Von Miller makes some big plays! *Just realized that the only team from the NFC East division that Buffalo hasn't played in the Super Bowl is Philadelphia. Switching my NFC Conference Championship pick to the Eagles. Hoping for a Bills/Eagles Super Bowl. 

Snow field goals are my new favourite thing. 🏈

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.

Super Wild Card Weekend Picks, NFL Playoffs

Los Angeles Chargers/Houston Texans: it still remains fathomable if not potentially unlikely that Justin Herbert and the L.A Chargers will make a playoff run some day, to make up for the ways in which you never hear anything about them, even though they consistently win big regular season games. The Chargers have only won one playoff game in the last 10 playoff years, and are no doubt seeking to alter that statistic, the task by no means easy to victoriously fulfill. Houston played well enough this year, handing Buffalo one of their only losses, they also kept it close with Kansas City, Green Bay, and Detroit, while losing big to Baltimore and Minnesota. When they played Baltimore on Christmas I was hoping to see a closer game than their matchup last January, but the Ravens still convincingly dominated, which made me think they hadn't improved enough. Houston's won 3 of their last 5 versus the Chargers but L.A holds a 6 to 3 lifetime advantage, winning their most recent game in 2022, while finishing with one more win in a much tougher division this year. The Texan's offensive and defensive stats are dead even they let in and scored 372, while the Chargers scored 100 more than they let in, generating better stats on both sides of the ball. Houston did win a huge playoff game last season when C. J. Stroud was a rookie no less, and they're playing at home again this upcoming Saturday, which may give them a slight advantage. But I find I can't overlook the Super Bowl-less Chargers especially since this weekend they aren't playing the Broncos.  Even if Houston has never won it too, I'm still picking defiant L.A.

Pittsburgh Steelers/Baltimore Ravens: generally cool to see division rivals face off in the playoffs, the Ravens and Steelers no strangers to each other often playing some of the best regular season games. The Steelers have been good forever and the Ravens have played quite well for many years, it's exciting to see them playing again this Saturday, hoping it's another incredibly close one. Oddly, while I thought their regular season numbers would have indeed been much closer, it looks like Pittsburgh has clearly dominated, winning 4 of the last 5. Unless there's a problem with the Football Database, the stats should be legit, I'm sorry for the foolish doubt casting, I just don't understand how Baltimore could have lost so many times. Pittsburgh has actually won 8 of their last 10 - this is crazy - the Ravens have been crazy good for years, it's like the Penguins vs. the Capitals, Pittsburgh just has their number. These stats are at times reversed in the playoffs and the team that often wins finds themselves losing (I actually got the Penguins/Capitals stats from the playoffs, I don't know much about their regular season tallies), or engaged in a really tight game that delivers right down to the wire. The Steelers have lost 4 in a row albeit their schedule was super intense, while the Ravens have won their last 4, their schedule somewhat less daunting (not much though [one of their wins was against Pittsburgh]). Baltimore did lose to the Raiders and Browns this year, so it seems that at times they don't take their opponents seriously, but they also beat Buffalo by a lopsided margin, and the Commanders, Chargers, Bucs, Bengals (2), and Texans. Both teams are battle hardened from tough schedules they've both been playing playoff football all season long. The Ravens are at home and have better stats though. Picking Baltimore once again.  

Denver Broncos/Buffalo Bills: so happy to see the Broncos back in the playoffs! 🐎 Led by Mr. Bo Nix and an all-star defence! Pickin' Denver by 17. 🏈 

Green Bay Packers/Philadelphia Eagles: I imagine there are a lot of teams that other teams don't want to play this postseason, and at times they're stuck playing each other, with no alternative but to give 1,000%. The Eagles competed for top seed and were super impressive in 2024, they almost swept the NFC East, and defeated the Packers in Week 1. Nevertheless, they may have 3 more wins than Green Bay but their points for is only slightly better, the Pack having let in 35 more, that's not a huge difference on defence either. The NFC East had some good teams this year but the NFC North was one of the best divisions ever (the AFC West was also pretty good), seeing two teams compete for top conference seed in the final week, with a third team making the playoffs after winning 11 games. They met for the first time in the playoffs in 1960, when the Eagles defeated the Pack for the NFL Championship, Philadelphia winning again in 2003, Green Bay upholding victory in 2010. They haven't met very often in January considering how well both these teams have played in my lifetime (and how old they are), which adds some excitement to the game, although it'd still be pretty thrilling either way. The Eagles have lost three Wild Card games since winning the Super Bowl in 2017 (winning 1), while the Packers are 4 and 1 in the Wild Card round since winning the Super Bowl in 2010, this Sunday's matchup still a whole new ball game, independent of season or strategy. Both teams surprised a lot of people last year, Green Bay with a big unexpected win versus Dallas, Philadelphia with a surprising loss to Tampa Bay, a lot of these stats are looking to herald the Pack, which means the Eagles may be a safe bet. Bearing the 2024 season in mind, they both had outstanding teams, and will be exceedingly difficult to beat, at home or on the challenging road. It's tough to decide, but when that happens, why not stick with the Pack? Picking Green Bay on the road. I'd rather see them lose to Detroit.

Washington Commanders/Tampa Bay Buccaneers: sometimes there's a little bit of übermagic that accompanies the NFL playoffs, for definitive proof you need look no further than the compelling Commanders/Bucs game this upcoming Sunday. Washington has the better record and they played in a tougher division, but Tampa still scored a ton which demonstrated they can effectively move the ball. The Bucs in fact scored 30 or more points 8 times this season, while the Commanders almost matched them at 7, imagine the playoffs had taken place in September and October, could have been a completely different ball game. Tampa also handed Detroit one of their only losses this year and took Kansas City to overtime, not to mention a 37 to 20 victory over Washington in week 1, long ago, but still interrogative (playoffs in September and October except for week 1)(note: TB lost to Denver). The Commanders managed to beat the Eagles and Bengals and kept it close with Pittsburgh and Baltimore, it was cool to see them play so well, it's been so long since they won a playoff game (2005). For their last trip to the NFL playoffs they fittingly faced off against Tampa Bay, coming up short versus Mr. Tom Brady, but still demonstrating pluck and tenacity. Both teams let in similar totals in 2024 and scored close to the same amounts as well, they seem pretty evenly matched at the end of the day, this could be an incredible shootout. Baker Mayfield is no stranger to Wild Card Victory in the ye olde explosive and surprising postseason, but could come out overconfident, giving Jayden Daniels room to manoeuvre. It'd be nice to see the struggling Commanders pick up their first playoff win in almost two decades, they were quite prominent in my youth, it's been odd to see them struggling for so long. But I can't forget one freezing winter when a loyal Bucs fan cheered on the Broncos (when no one else did). Picking Tampa Bay in a close one. Irresistible unpredictability.   

Minnesota Vikings/Los Angeles Rams: exceedingly cruel to have to play on the road after finishing the year with a 14 and 3 record, yet that's the situation the Vikings find themselves in after falling to the Lions last Sunday. I never really bought into the Vikings this year and kept thinking they'd lose all season long, but they certainly impressed way beyond my expectations and are looking like fearsome contenders. 4 more wins is significant, they have four more wins than the Rams, and their division was one of the strongest ever (the AFC West also very good this year), that's something to take into serious consideration. It's not that the Rams didn't play well, they notably beat Buffalo in a tight shootout, took the Lions to overtime, and even defeated Minnesota 30 to 20 (they could come up big again).  They didn't look incredibly good versus teams that weren't playoff contenders though, which suggests they could have taken things more seriously, like they did when intensely challenged. The Vikings hold the playoff edge, beating the Rams 4 times while only losing twice, and lead their all-time head-to-head series also, 27 to 19 to 2. They smoked the Texans and beat the Packers twice, while picking up a win versus Seattle, they haven't won a playoff game since 2019, they must be hungry and out to prove themselves. The Rams have had a ton of playoff success since 2018 however, their coach consistently winning huge significant games with everything on the line with different quarterbacks. Honestly, my gut is saying L.A is going to win this one I don't know why it's not rational, but I'm also suffering from the Keto-flu and have been off in recent years. Nevertheless, my favourite NFC playoff scenario indeed proceeds as follows, the Lions finally make the Super Bowl, after so so many difficult years. And what better way to make it than to defeat Green Bay and Minnesota along the way. Which means the Vikings will have to win this weekend. I'm afraid I'm picking Minnesota. 

*Statistics from Wikipedia, Google and The Football Database. 

**Go Broncos!

It is pretty cool that both Manning Brothers won the Super Bowl. 

Imagine their Holiday get togethers!

🏈

Last Post-Season, while watching Kansas City play Miami in -22 C cold, I thought the NFL should perhaps build a cold practice facility, to help playoff teams prepare for such adverse conditions.

It could be located in Alaska, near Anchorage, which would certainly be exciting for local peeps curious about meeting NFL athletes. 

The CFL starts in June so we don't have to play in the winter (it can still be pretty cold in November).

Struggling to play when it's -22 C outside isn't a sign of weakness, having to do anything outside when it's that cold without the proper winter gear is incredibly difficult.

🏈

Super confident about this season for the Broncos.

Mostly because of their Head Coach. 

I know there was some controversy last year, but what I saw was a team that really turned it around and won some huge games on defence after starting out slowly.

I credited Head Coach Sean Payton for turning it around last year, and I was ecstatic for a month or more when it looked like Denver might make the playoffs.

Couldn't have a better Coach for Bo Nix!

Can't wait for their first game this Sunday.

🐎 

That was an intense game. So freakin' close. I couldn't eat my snacks. The AFC West collects another Super Bowl, bringing its total to 10, still 3 shy of the NFC East, but edgin' just a bit closer every year. Let Beatlemania ensue, here's a song that may be apt. That was a super impressive playoff run. Sad there's no more football till June.

Go Broncos!

 

Super Bowl Pick

San Francisco 49ers/Kansas City Chiefs: a Las Vegas Super Bowl. That's a spellbindingly spectacular overload. Too much import for one wholesome planet. To be athletically adjudicated this Sunday. With a couple of super impressive teams, have to admit, I'm not that excited regarding a 49ers/Chiefs rematch, but the game has some thrilling features that personal preference shouldn't overlook. Like Brock Purdy. It took him a bit to find his stride in the Conference Championship game vs. the Lions and the Divisional Round, but when he found it he was seriously impressive, I didn't know he could throw that well. Up against Patrick Mahomes, that's a tough test for any QB. He's still led huge comebacks twice in the playoffs. Meaning you can never really count him out. Backed up by Christian McCaffrey who really is Ed McCaffrey's son. I used to love watching his dad make huge plays. And his son chose to be a running back, that's awesome. Plus, Kyle Shanahan, Mike Shanahan's son, the brilliant son of my all-time favourite coach. Who had to choose San Francisco of all teams to lead (love the city but the 49ers won so often in my youth!)! Ah well, like I said last week, and a couple of years ago, let loose The Next Generation! Kansas City of course has pop culture feverishly posturing at its postmodern side, presenting faints and blossoms and intrigue, it's proven to be a valuable ally. I was surprised they overcame the Ravens and luck honestly helped out both these teams, in Baltimore's case it was tragic, in the case of the Lions, I would have kicked more field goals (that was tough to watch). Nevertheless, both Kansas City and San Francisco have solid offences, and both play defence well, Mahomes has been there and done that, but the 49ers look ready for anything. If Kansas City wins, they'll be 4 and 2 in the Super Bowl, with San Francisco hitting 5 and 3, the reverse 3 and 3 then 6 and 2, why not just make picks based on the numbers? Another Kansas City win brings more fame and fortune to the AFC West, but also one more Super Bowl than the Broncos, I don't really like that potentiality. A bit of the same-old-same-old but it's still the Super Bowl (in Vegas), I'm super pumped. The Chiefs lead their all-time series 8-7, and have won 5 of their last 6 matchups. Therefore, it seems inevitable. That I'm definitively picking the 49ers!

Conference Championships Picks

Kansas City Chiefs/Baltimore Ravens: the forecast isn't so bad for this one, the weather predicted to come in between 4 and 8 degrees Celsius at the moment, perhaps levelling the playing field somewhat, although both teams played well in the cold. This game's a tough one to pick even though it really shouldn't be, Baltimore was that good during the season, but the Chiefs are crazy good in the playoffs. It looks like the football gods just won't let Buffalo win in January (versus Kansas City), and like the old school Cleveland Browns, they keep coming up short versus the AFC West. It was so freakin' close again and that touchback in the fourth after the failed fake punt seemed like a prognostic miracle. Still shaking my head a bit. But I'm sure the Bills will have plenty of game next September. This is Kansas City's 6th AFC Conference Championship Game in a row, that's pretty freakin' incredible, after assuming there would never be a team comparable to New England, the Chiefs proved me wrong without much time having passed (in Conference Championship terms anyways). They've won 3 and lost 2 picking up 2 Super Bowls along the way, the pattern looks like it's Lose-Win-Win-Lose-Win-?, if things continue to follow the same scheme, this Sunday's another Chiefs victory. Baltimore's crazy good though I mentioned their regular season heroics last week, they've finally had success at home again this postseason, and Lamar Jackson must want this more than anything. They really dominated last Saturday, and didn't even look like they were trying to run up the score, they looked cold too and they still scored 34 points, Houston persevered, but the wall was impenetrable. Kansas City did not look cold and it's like they've been playing bombastic Beatles ballads throughout, the extra-curricular cantankerous criticisms efficiently ignored with elastic poise. I've never really listened to rap music not that I don't have a lot of respect for the artists, I do listen to old school jazz however, and love spur-of-the-moment inspired improvisation. San Francisco must be pissed because they've lost to both the Chiefs and the Ravens in recent Super Bowls, things looking good for the Lions however, craziness, intense playoff craziness. It seems futile to pick either team which makes the decision all the more interesting. Can Mahomes outlast his biggest challenge since Brady? I think he can. Picking the Chiefs. 

Detroit Lions/San Francisco 49ers: I know, I know, I need to pick San Francisco more often, it's been almost 30 years since they last won the Super Bowl, a new generation of 49ers fans must be hoping they win again big time. But they're playing the Detroit Lions this Sunday, and I'm definitely picking, the Lions 🦁. Picking Detroit again. Go Lions Go on the road!

Divisional Round Picks

Houston Texans/Baltimore Ravens: once again, applying literary hypotheses to the picking of NFL playoff games falls flat, and the Baltimore Ravens will not face the Cleveland Browns this Saturday, what a story it would have been however, the old franchise facing the new (the Baltimore Ravens used to be the Cleveland Browns but they moved to Baltimore in the 90s, after which a new Cleveland Browns team was created), with the old franchise's quarterback helming the rebirth, it was still cool to see Mr. Flacco back at it one more time (I was convinced Cleveland was the only team who could take Baltimore[like Paris taking Achilles]). But C. J. Stroud put on quite the performance and played exceptionally well in his playoff debut, that's a lot of points for the first time out, and an impressive outstanding home win. Could he be the Texans quarterback they've been searching for for decades, the one to get them through to the Super Bowl?, the Cowboys are out, it's all up to Houston. Baltimore though. Geez. All bets are off after the Cowboys collapsed last Sunday, but the Ravens were pretty freakin' good this year. They crushed Houston, Detroit, and Miami, and beat San Francisco by 14, those are pretty good stats for a team that regularly makes the playoffs, although they have come up short in recent January memory. Not including the last game of the season, they've won 10 of their last 11, playing well in a tough division, playing rested at home this Saturday. The temperature at the moment is listed as between -9 and -4 degrees Celsius for tomorrow's game, the cold potentially a factor, affecting both resilient teams. I hesitate to pick Baltimore because they seem like such a sure thing, yet I'll continue to go with the home team, even though it'd be cool to see another Stroud win. They showed his Bowl stats last Saturday and they were crazy impressive. He may be built for the playoffs. This Saturday's quite the test. 

Green Bay Packers/San Francisco 49ers: back at it again, what a crazy win over Dallas, watching that game was mind-boggling, although dull, I would have rather not got so much work done. How do they pick 'em, how does Green Bay keep coming up with these big game quarterbacks? Have you looked at their List of Seasons on Wikipedia? They've been a consistent playoff contender dating back to 1993. I'm thinking back to 1995 through '97 when a feisty Brett Favre was helming Green Bay, and Dallas and San Francisco were the teams to beat, and the Pack overcame San Fran 3 playoff years in a row. Does that have any bearing on this weekend's game? Technically, no, it's almost thirty years later and these teams have changed remarkably since, but with Green Bay's decisive win over the Cowboys last Sunday, it would be cool to see them beat the 49ers as well (if you were in high school during the mid-90s). Beat San Francisco though? That's another gruelling task. The 49ers crushed Philadelphia, Jacksonville, Pittsburgh, and Dallas, beat the Seahawks twice, beat the Rams in the game that counted, defeated Tampa Bay by 13, although they didn't play well mid-to-late October. Still, not including their Week 18 loss to the Rams they've won 7 of their last 8, have seemed like an impregnable force, and let in the fewest points in the NFC (almost the league). But Dallas also had a solid defence and seemed unconquerable as well, and the Pack found a formidable way to expeditiously entertain triumph! In recent memory they've struggled versus San Fran losing their last 4 post-season games however (dating back to 2012). And sometimes teams that explode one week have trouble adjusting to a tougher challenge the next. Nevertheless, I like this new Pack team and their advantageous undaunted defence. Picking Green Bay in a tight one. Would love to rewatch the latest Guardians of the Galaxy.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers/Detroit Lions: have to give props to Baker Mayfield on his second playoff win. He's quietly accomplished a lot floating under the radar without much press. Also have to acknowledge the Lions' huge win last Sunday! Picking Detroit again. Go Lions Go!

Kansas City Chiefs/Buffalo Bills: the highly sought after rematch NFL aficionados have imaginatively heralded, freely available at frigid heights this coming Sunday in upstate New York. The forecast is currently predicting somewhere between -3 and -12 degrees Celsius, another challenging one for the contestants, in this here freezing post-season January. Both teams played well in the cold last weekend however and came up with convincing wins, Josh Allen's 52 yard-touchdown-run of note, the Chiefs playing surprisingly well in atypical Missouri conditions (Mahomes also has some huge playoff runs under his belt). The last time they met the game was so intense the league changed a rule shortly thereafter, to accommodate similar potential death-defying ingenious offensive outbursts. They've played twice in recent memory but both times in Kansas City, the first match a clear Chiefs victory, the second one still almost too close to call. You can never really count either of these teams out since if they catch fire they can put up 20 plus points pretty quickly, but neither of them seem like a lock this year, all the better for predictions and prognoses. They both let in a comparable amount of points during their respective 2023 campaigns, two of the lowest totals in the NFL in fact, surprised both of them didn't win more games (it's tough to beat Denver). On offence the Bills totally scored more though and this game's in Buffalo this weekend, after having lost one of the most exciting games in NFL post-season history in KC two years ago, does Buffalo even have to practice? Of course they have to practice incredibly intensely to take on Mahomes + North American Pop Culture, there's no doubt they'll be ready though I reckon, I don't know if Allen's a Stones' fan? Either freakin' way I feverishly can't wait and hope the weather doesn't influence the outcome. It's like the new Manning/Brady rivalry. There's nothing quite like 'em. Picking the Bills.  

Super Wild Card Weekend Picks

Cleveland Browns/Houston Texans: who hasn't been unreasonably impressed with Joey Flacco's mind-blowing comeback, the Browns desperate for a QB mid-season, the Super Bowl Champion Flacco signing up and winning games?! I was glad to see the Broncos defeat Cleveland 29 to 12 in Week 12, but didn't want to see Cleveland lose their QB, the Broncos likely still would have won if he had played the entire game. Nevertheless, it must have seemed bleak for Browns fans especially after only having picked up one playoff win since forming the new team, and looking like a solid threat this year, even coming close to beating Baltimore the second time round. But even with all the Joey Flacco comebacks in the world there's still a remarkable team in Houston, who fought and struggled hardcore throughout 2023, to make the playoffs for the first time in 4 years. C. J. Stroud making the most of his rookie debut, winning some huge games along the way, including an improbable win over the Broncos, it was close right up 'til the end. They're pretty even with points for and against, some slight differences but nothing major. Can the rookie sensation defeat the resurgent legend and begin franchising fascination of his own? Or will Mr. Flacco's never-say-die exceptionality pick up another playoff win and herald famished triumph? They played in Week 16 and the Browns won 36 to 22 (with Flacco). I'd like to see both teams win. Picking Cleveland because they've had so much less success (since reforming in 1999).  They also had a really tough division this year (two losses vs. Baltimore, split vs. Pittsburgh and Cincinnati [the second game vs. the Bengals didn't really matter] [the Browns actually beat Baltimore once, my mistake]). 

Miami Dolphins/Kansas City Chiefs: it's tough to say. Do extracurricular phenomenons give the opposing team an edge? The Chiefs didn't play as well this year although they certainly had a lot of media attention, and I liked how they merged popular music and sport in an entertaining unprecedented (?) spectacle. It was cool to see how Kelce and Swift became bona fide American pop culture royalty, and even though I'm a die hard Broncos fan, Denver defeating the Chiefs 24 to 9 in Week 8, I can still appreciate what Swift and Kelce mean to romantic fans. Does the relationship give Chiefs' opponents an edge, however, does it motivate them even more to crush adorable Kansas City? This might be the case. From what I've taken in from watching sports for many a year, you don't want any distractions on the field, any drama that may lead to complications. You want to be 1000% focused without anything tearing you away from the moment. The trash talk must be unbearable every play, but Mahomes is the best QB in the league, and if the Chiefs can focus on the Beatles, there's no doubt they could excel this postseason (is Swift the biggest musical act in the States right now?). Just remember that when the Beatles had the whole world pressuring them to do well, when pop culture put an astronomical amount of pressure on them, they responded with some of the best music the world's ever encountered, you're that freakin' talented, I'd focus on that this Saturday. Although the Dolphins are pretty solid and haven't won a playoff game in over 20 years. Brady lost twice in the Wild Card round with New England (once vs. Flacco). But look at the risks Kansas City is taking for America! Picking the Chiefs. In an incredibly close game. That is one brutal weather forecast. I've worked in weather like that. But never in a freakin' t-shirt. Crazy.

Pittsburgh Steelers/Buffalo Bills: I think Buffalo is in the best postseason position they've been in in years. No one expects them to win. The media pressure is totally off. There's no doubt it's nice to have people saying nice things about your team, but taking them seriously can lead to error. Thus, like the pressure was off Cincinnati when they faced the Bills last year, the pressure's off Buffalo vs. Pittsburgh this weekend, although the Steelers aren't expected to win either (I imagine), and Mike Tomlin's no stranger to the post-season (no one's expected to win!). Mason Rudolph can make quite the five-year-plan for himself if he pulls off the unexpected upset, and he's been playing well as of late, he isn't cornered, but has nothing to lose. Pittsburgh can be cold and brutal in the winter too so home field may not generate an advantage (it may be brutal again this Sunday in Buffalo), although the Bills have won three straight Wild Card games in Orchard Park, and must be fuming after losing in the snow to the Bengals. Buffalo's been in the trenches all season with a horrendously gruelling schedule, still picking up 11 wins along the way, falling to the Broncos on Monday Night in week 10. A schedule like that may be daunting but it keeps you playoff ready all the time. It's like they've been playing playoff ball since September. And have put on quite the spellbinding show. Pittsburgh hasn't had it easy either, I've already mentioned that the AFC North was tough. The only teams they played this year that never seemed like playoff contenders were Las Vegas, Tennessee, Arizona (loss), and New England (loss). They had a rough go of it too. The Steelers hold a 2 to 1 postseason edge over Buffalo but they haven't played in January since 1995. Hoping it's a close game but am I really, I must admit, I am really not. Hoping the Bills make a statement. Picking Buffalo on Sunday.

Green Bay Packers/Dallas Cowboys: surprised to see Green Bay back in the playoffs so soon after Aaron Rodgers' left. Against the Packs' old coach Mike McCarthy no less. This post-season is writing itself! Both teams have reached outstanding heights in the NFL playoffs, Green Bay with 4 Super Bowl wins, Dallas having picked up 5. That's 9 Super Bowls between 'em note that most franchises go nuts with one, or even an appearance means a lot, it does, it's a huge thing. There's the weird coachy jinx that may make a difference (in my head), it may be strange for McCarthy to play against his old team, not consciously, I'm sure his mind will be 100% focused on winning the game, but the subconscious old school remnants of his long tenure coaching in Green Bay, which included a Super Bowl win, may unconsciously muck things up, although according to Google, his hometown's Pittsburgh, and Green Bay, led by McCarthy, defeated Pittsburgh in Super Bowl XLV (Manning had trouble vs. the Colts when he was in Denver [it's understandable]). Nevertheless, Dallas and Green Bay have a long playoff history that's seen them meet 8 freakin' times, the games split 4 wins apiece, the Pack winning the two most recent (2014 and 2016). I'd like to see Dak Prescott and the Cowboys have more playoff success since they haven't made it past the 2nd round in almost thirty years, but Green Bay comes up short in January often and has lost in the NFC Championship Game 4 times since winning the Super Bowl (it'd be nice to see them win too). They lost to the Seahawks, Falcons and Buccaneers which means they struggle in big games versus teams without much post-season success, but they also lost to San Francisco, and when I was in early high school, they were the only team that could beat Dallas. If Jordan Love can win his first post-season game only one measly year after Aaron Rodgers left, that would be pretty huge, and he has impressed this season (although he came up short vs. Denver who beat Green Bay 19 to 17 in Week 7). He throws the ball exceptionally well at times. A win against the Cowboys in Dallas seems impossible however. After looking at the Cowboys' schedule, they didn't lose at home this season. Not once. While I was watching them play Detroit, an announcer mentioned that up until that point they were averaging 40 points a game at home as well. Those are pretty crazy odds for a team whose defence also let in 35 fewer points than Green Bay's. Always love seeing a Packers playoff win. But the odds are too stacked in the Cowboys' favour. Picking Dallas at home. I'm picking these home teams too easily. 

Los Angeles Rams/Detroit Lions: I would just imagine it's back to day one. The first Super Bowl Era Season. No history, no rivalries, no jealousies, no nothin'. Just formidable Detroit Lions football throughout the entire freakin' game. No concentration on the media. No qualms about sensation. Just preparing like mad and executing impeccably. I have no doubt the Lions can win. Picking Detroit! Go Lions Go!

Philadelphia Eagles/Tampa Bay Buccaneers: I don't know what happened to the Eagles in 2023 but they suddenly fell apart when they were playing San Francisco, and haven't really done much since. It's odd because before that game they beat Minnesota, Tampa (25 to 11), the Rams, Miami, Dallas, Kansas City and Buffalo (with an amazing last minute and overtime comeback), and seemed like a for sure Super Bowl contender. That's not to say they're out of it or anything, but it's a shock nevertheless, but if I remember correctly, the last time Baltimore won the Super Bowl, with Joey Flacco as quarterback, they lost their last four games of the season, before turning it around in the playoffs (blackbirds singing). Tampa will naturally defy them as the Eagles attempt to punish them at home, the Bucs' defence having let in more than a hundred fewer points this year, their offence having scored 85 fewer. They've actually met in the playoffs 5 times with Tampa holding the edge 3 to 2, the Bucs having defeated them during 4 of their last 5 meetings (not this season), their lifetime series tied 11 apiece. Normally, I'd pick the team that played really well last year and at the beginning of the season (😌), it's difficult not to pick Philadelphia since I'm so used to seeing them play well. I'm also taking way too many home teams which is always a bad sign, but if I'm way off and several away teams win, the playoffs will be much more exciting. Tampa's defence is playing exceptionally well and Philly has blown it versus several recent opponents, but can the Bucs still score enough to win, can they regenerate that legendary 2020 magic? I'm betting they can although they did lose on Monday (vs. the Eagles) and Thursday Night (Bills). Picking the Bucs at home. Defence wins championships. 

*Stats from Wikipedia and The Football Database.  

**The Bills/Steelers game was switched to Monday. 

Broncos!