NFL Divisional Playoff Round

I did well last week, going 3-1. My only miss was the big Minnesota upset of New Orleans in Superdome. It took a missed pass interference call and some sub-par play from future Hall-of-Famer Drew Brees to keep the Vikings alive and the on road once again, this time to Santa Clara, to face the NFC #1 seed San Francisco 49ers. I don't want to downplay Minnesota's achievement, which was significant. The defense played superbly and Kirk Cousins got the monkey off his back by winning a playoff game. But San Francisco I believe is a better team than New Orleans. The 49ers have too much speed on both sides of the ball. Except for the KC-Houston match-up tomorrow, I think this is the easiest game to pick. Take the 49ers.

The evening game might be the biggest upset of the divisional round. The robust Titans, fresh off their humiliation of the Patriots in Foxborough, travel to Baltimore for a clash with the ascendant Ravens. I say might be the biggest upset because the Ravens are favored by ten points, but last season in the playoffs Lamar Jackson under-performed against the Chargers and the Ravens were upset at home. Could freshman jitters give man to a sophomore jinx? Maybe. Mark Ingram is nursing a bad calf. But Jackson is a better passer this year than last. I like Baltimore's tight ends. Plus, Baltimore's defense is better than the New England's, despite all the hype about how great the Patriots were. Take the Ravens.

The Kansas City Chiefs are also favored by ten points. (Benjamin Hoffman of The Times thinks that the Texans will cover but lose a close game.) Though Houston beat the Chiefs in Kansas City Week 6, I don't see a repeat. Kansas City's defense is playing better, as is the Kansas City ground game. Take the Chiefs.

The final game of the divisional round is Seattle at Green Bay. The Russell Wilson Seahawks have never triumphed at Lambeau Field. The weather will be cold; it'll be in the twenties with snow flurries. Not Seattle Seahawks weather. Fast-twitch muscles don't function the same in weather that cold. Green Bay has a strong pass rush, a good running back and Aaron Rodgers. Hoffman's going with the Packers. That's the smart pick. But I'm banking on a miracle. Take the Seahawks.