This is the finest football weekend of the year
Our divisional round picks are in.
What a glorious day.
For my money, this is the best football weekend.
Two games Saturday, two games Sunday. The eight best in the league.
Let’s get to our predictions. Once again, feel free to share yours in the comment section.
TYLER DUNNE
Lamar Jackson is the man on a mission, but this Ravens defense plays with a level of belligerence that’s bringing a smile to the face of the late-great Tony Siragusa. Ravens 24, Texans 13.
Momentum is real and momentum is on the Packers’ side. This is the offense that’s been fighting for their lives the last month. Defense has flaws and will give up yards in chunks to the 49ers’ Monstar unit of playmakers, but Rashan Gary picks the perfect time to wreck a game late. Packers 31, 49ers 28.
Torn. Todd Bowles’ blitzes are so well-timed, so relentless and Jared Goff’s been an average quarterback vs. pressure. Further, you can’t expect Baker Mayfield to miss the deep shots he did vs. Detroit the first time around, right? Playing at home is huge, though. One Dan Campbell gamble is the difference. Lions 28, Buccaneers 27.
Josh Allen vs. Patrick Mahomes has a legitimate chance to be this generation’s Manning-Brady. Buffalo earned this home playoff game — Highmark Stadium will be certifiably nuts. And yet, the Chiefs nucleus of Rashee Rice, Travis Kelce and Isiah Pacheco, whom Buffalo didn’t see the first time around, is enough for more Mahomes magic. Chiefs 24, Bills 17.
Last week: 6-0
BOB MCGINN
M&T Bank Stadium is a foreboding place for a visiting team, especially one with a rookie coach, a rookie quarterback and little playoff pedigree. Bye-bye, Texans. Ravens 41, Texans 7.
I’m not sold on Brock Purdy. Give him time and he’ll pick apart a defense, but the Packers have enough rush to get after him. The 49ers better hope their offense doesn’t need a half to remove the rust because Green Bay’s balanced, underrated attack will function just fine. 49ers 27, Packers 23.
Winning at Lambeau Field, 34-20, on chilly Dec. 17 was as impressive a feat as what the Buccaneers will seek to do at Ford Field. Wily Todd Bowles will push Jared Goff to the limit but, in the end, Goff is a hair better than Baker Mayfield. Lions 22, Buccaneers 21.
Despite a rash of injuries, Buffalo has the Bills Mafia and momentum on its side. Patrick Mahomes’ first playoff road game is one long, hard struggle. Bills 31, Chiefs 16.
Last week: 5-1
JIM MONOS
C.J. Stroud will be back. It’s time for Lamar to make a name for himself in the postseason. Ravens 27, Texans 20.
Jordan Love doesn’t play defense. He’s not the issue but the defense is. Grown-man team is ready to make their run to the championship. 49ers 37, Packers 23.
Should be plenty of stats through the air for both quarterbacks. Lions 34, Buccaneers 31.
QBs are the story, both defenses are strong. High-level game. KC not as explosive, Bills need to take advantage. Bills 23, Chiefs 20.
Last week: 3-3
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Not going 6-0 this week...
Personally, predicting the scores is one of the least interesting reads leading up to the games. Nothing personal gentlemen, but I can't shake the idea that if 500 monkeys were assigned to pick numbers out of a barrel that at least one of them would select the right score. Next time you're in Las Vegas, give me a head's up and I'll buy you a round of banana daiquiris.