I’m siding with Vegas on most of the games, but I smell an upset looming in Steel Town.
NFC
(2) New Orleans Saints vs. (7) Chicago Bears: The Saints will prove to be too powerful on both sides of the ball for an average Bears’ team. This score is predicted assuming that Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas both play. New Orleans 31, Chicago 17
(3) Seattle Seahawks vs. (6) Los Angeles Rams: It’s another defensive grudge-match between these two teams. Seattle wins the game late in the fourth quarter against the NFL’s best defense. Jared Goff’s health uncertainty doesn’t make me feel confident in the Rams. Seattle 23, Los Angeles 20
(4) Washington Football Team vs. (5) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bucs’ offense starts slowly–WFT’s dominant pass rush is the reason. But, eventually, WFT’s inexperience will enable Brady to exploit the defense. Besides, WTF’s offense needs to mature before we can take this team seriously. Tampa Bay 31, Washington 10
AFC
(2) Buffalo Bills vs. (7) Indianapolis Colts: Josh Allen and the Bills will prove to be too much for the Colts. Buffalo 24, Indianapolis 17
(3) Pittsburgh Steelers vs. (6) Cleveland Browns: Ok, fans. I smell an upset! Talent will trump discipline, and the Browns will get their first playoff win since 1995. Cleveland 28, Pittsburgh 24
(4) Tennessee Titans vs. (5) Baltimore Ravens: While I expect Derrick Henry to do his thing (and get at least 150 yards and score two TDs), I also think that the Titans’ porous defense will yield to Baltimore’s explosive attack. Baltimore 42, Tennessee 28
