Last week was a good deal more SUPER!!! than I expected. A bunch of unexpected results, like the Browns absolutely thumping the Steelers. What fun.
The NFL Playoffs this year look poised to deliver fantastic competition going forward, barring intervention from The Virus (yes, that virus).
So here’s what’s going on this weekend, complete with TV channel, times, and picks against the spread. All times are in God’s Time Zone (CST). Enjoy!
SATURDAY
Green Bay Packers vs. LA Rams (3:30p, FOX): The Rams largely succeeded last week on the legs of Cam Akers, who ran all over Seattle, and in spite of Jared Goff, who looked singularly hapless. This game’s at Lambeau Field, where Aaron Rodgers excels. The Packers have had a week off. I don’t expect any rust. Green Bay should dominate, shutting down Akers and hobbling the Rams’ attack, while keeping things relatively low-scoring.
PICK: Green Bay (-6.5)
O/U: UNDER (45.5)
Buffalo Bills vs. Baltimore Ravens (7:15p, NBC): There’s nearly nothing here that makes me think the Ravens have a chance, outside of Buffalo’s close win against Indy last week. There might be some emotional letdown, but Josh Allen is intensely efficient in the pass game. He should be able to overcome a dangerous Ravens D, and I don’t think Lamar Jackson can do the same for Baltimore.
PICK: Buffalo (-2.5)
O/U: UNDER (49.5)
SUNDAY
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Cleveland Browns (2p, CBS): Goodness, did Baker Mayfield impress me last week. Sure, the Steelers aren’t what they used to be, but still. They should seriously challenge the Chiefs D, though I do think Patrick Mahomes will outscore him. Mahomes has shown flaws late this year, but he’s still probably the most exceptional QB not named Tom Brady currently playing pro football. I’ll trust him to win a shootout, but it’ll be closer than the line.
PICK: Cleveland (+10)
O/U: OVER (57.5)
New Orleans Saints vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5:30p, FOX): It is a truth universally acknowledged that one should never count out Touchdown Tom. Brady is still the Bucs’ best chance to win, but they weren’t able to overcome the Saints’ brutal attack all year. I have no idea what to do with the over/under here (and when that’s the case I always take the under), but not only should the Saints win, I think they’ll win big.
PICK: New Orleans (-3)
O/U: UNDER (52)
That’s all! Thanks for reading. Follow me on Twitter right here if you liked this, and as always, happy watching!