The great thing about college football this year, despite (but also due to) The Virus (yes, that virus) was the all-conference schedules. It produced week after week of interesting, excellent matchups between great teams that we might not have otherwise seen.
Thanks to the NFL Playoffs, we now get to see the same thing.
Two fantastic games. And I’m here to break down each one and give you my picks. (Feel free to follow me at @WatchingFB on Twitter if you want more news, picks, and live game tweets.)
Unlike the usual smorgasbord of college football, there’s only two games on. Both are on Sunday. And both times below are in God’s Time Zone (CST).
NFC CHAMPIONSHIP
Green Bay Packers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2p, FOX): Time for the Battle of the Bays! Both of these teams handled their business last week and looked great doing it. The Packers’ victory was probably more expected, though. The Bucs struggled all year to outwit the Saints and Drew Brees, but when it mattered, they had answers for everything the New Orleans veteran could muster. This is a truly difficult pick to make. Green Bay is probably the more explosive team, with the most prolific offense in the league by points scored. But Tom Brady is always on a different level come the postseason. And the Bucs D, though weak on the back end, tends to handle the run. So Tampa Bay will likely turn Green Bay into a pass-first team. Thing is, Aaron Rodgers shouldn’t have a problem with that, and he’s been playing angry all year. Don’t be surprised by a Brady comeback, but the Pack should head to the Super Bowl.
PICK: Green Bay (-3)
O/U: OVER (51)
AFC CHAMPIONSHIP
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills (5:30p, CBS): The Bills have gritted their way to this point, surviving several close matchups on the strength of a dangerous pass-heavy offense and suddenly stingy D. I know everyone has crowned the Chiefs Super Bowl champs already but they have serious, notable flaws. Mahomes always excels in the passing game, but KC has struggled to run the ball well. These two teams are seeming clones: offensive behemoths lacking on D. In situations like this, not only will I take the over, I’m picking the squad who wants it more. The Bills Mafia believes in themselves for the first time in a while. This will be close, but Buffalo will squeak out a win.
PICK: Buffalo (+3)
O/U: OVER (54)