Welcome to the NFL Playoffs. For some reason the league has decided this year to put the AFC Wildcard games on one day and the NFC Wildcard games on the next. Change can be good. I like that the Minnesota Vikings have the early Sunday game. It's always nice to play these games at the time that the players and coaches are accustomed to playing them. Anyway, here's a look at today's games. The AFC Wildcard games.
Kansas City Chiefs @ Houston Texans
Pick: Chiefs
The Chiefs turnaround this season was remarkable. Perhaps the most remarkable turnaround that I can remember. They were 1-5 and staring at a likely top-3 draft pick. Ten straight wins later and they are in the playoffs. The Texans had a great turnaround as well. They went 7-3 after a 2-4 start to win the AFC South. Both teams enter the playoffs playing well. Both teams have terrific defenses. I give the edge to the Chiefs simply because of the quarterback position. I have a bit more faith in Alex Smith than Brian Hoyer. Although Smith would rather forget his last playoff game.
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cincinnati Bengals
Pick: Steelers
Winning a playoff game is something that everyone wants to see out of the Bengals. A team as good as the Bengals have been in recent years shouldn't be one-and-done in the playoffs as often as they have been. I'd have no doubt about picking the Steelers if they hadn't lost that game to the injury-depleted Baltimore Ravens two weeks ago. I just have a hard time not picking the Steelers with Ben Roethlisberger throwing for them while A.J. McCarron is throwing for the Bengals.
Here's hoping for some excellent football games today.
KC was the lead pipe lock of the week, and they showed up big. I also wasn't suprised that Cincy lost with their undiscipline and a game manager like McCarron. Lewis looks like he will keep his job, and that is a grave mistake.
ReplyDeleteThe Steelers-Bengals game was tough to watch. Very disappointing. Burict shouldn't be allowed to step on another football field. He makes Suh look like Gandhi.
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