It’s a new season.
Start from scratch. Scrap the regular season. It’s playoff time.
Well, maybe that doesn’t work that way for those of us who choose games. I tried. It’s the playoffs, but the regular season counts.
For me that is not good at all. Last week I went 8-7-1 against the spread (two winning weeks in a row) to finish the regular season at 128-138-6. I went 13-3 to finish 178-94-0. That’s solid.
I will say that I usually get hot in the playoffs, which gives me hope that I can get over .500 for the season. It will take a lot of collecting to get there, but why not?
Here we go.
Saturday, 4:30 pm ET (CBS, Supreme+)
The Chargers come into this game with an offense led by Justin Herbert, who has yet to win a playoff game. This is a big game for him. The Texans haven’t played as well as expected, especially CJ Stroud. This also makes this a great game for him. But the Chargers have the league’s top-ranked scoring defense, which will make this a challenge. I think his pass rush will be a problem against Stroud’s offensive line. Herbert will play well and find a way to win his first playoff game.
Choose: Chargers 27, Texans 20
Saturday, 8 pm ET (Amazon Prime)
The Ravens appear to be on top heading into the playoffs, while the Steelers have lost four straight, including to the Ravens two weeks ago. The Steelers have struggled on offense lately, which is a problem against a high-scoring offense led by Lamar Jackson. But it’s tough to play a third game against a division opponent. I think the Steelers will stay in this one. It’s close, but the Ravens win it.
Choose: Ravens 24, Steelers 19
Sunday, 1 pm ET (CBS, Supreme+)
The Broncos are the surprise team in these playoffs. They’ve gotten this far behind a good defense that can rush the passer. That defense will be challenged in a big way by Josh Allen. Orchard Park, New York, is a tough place for Denver quarterback Bo Nix to make his first playoff start. He’s been impressive this season, but it’s a tall order. The Bills take it, but Denver’s defense will keep them there.
Choose: Bills 23, Broncos 16
Sunday, 4:30 pm ET (Fox, fubo try it for free)
Both quarterbacks arrive with injury problems. Jalen Hurts is in the concussion protocol but is expected to play. Jordan Love has an elbow injury, but is also expected to play. How rusty will Hurts be after not playing last week and missing half a game the week before? The Packers have played many good teams only to lose, including the Eagles. This week, I think love gets the best of them. Special annoying.
Choose: Packers 23, Eagles 20
Sunday, 8 pm ET (NBC, fubo, try it for free)
This is the first playoff game for Washington rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who has been special this season. Tampa Bay’s defense is banged up, so I hope Daniels has success throwing it. But the Bucs can score. They’ll also get some big plays from Baker Mayfield and then Bucky Irving will close out the game with some tough lags.
Choose: Bucs 35, Commanders 30
Monday, 8 pm ET (ABC/ESPN, try fubo for free)
The Vikings didn’t play well in Sunday night’s loss to the Lions that cost them a shot at first place. Now they face a Rams team that rested many key players last week. Sam Darnold needs to respond after a poor performance last week. The problem is that the Rams’ defensive front can get after him. Matthew Stafford will be challenged by Brian Flores’ defense, but I think he will make enough plays to pull off the upset.
Choose: Rams 28, Vikings 24
