I previewed the Wild Card weekend for the NFL Playoffs last weekend and while I was spot on with my picks, the scores of the games were just a tad (a lot) different than I predicted. So let’s try this again.
Kansas City Chiefs vs. New England Patriots: Saturday at 3:30 pm on CBS
Last week, the Chiefs defense made Brian Hoyer look like………Brian Hoyer. It was one of the worst postseason performances in recent memory. This week, the Chiefs will go up against a slightly better quarterback by the name of Tom Brady. The last time the Chiefs played the Patriots was in 2014 when the Chiefs destroyed the Patriots 41-14. You know the Patriots remember that game and want payback, but several injuries to key players on both sides of the ball might limit their effectiveness.
My prediction: Get ready for what I’m about to say………….are you ready? I got the CHIEFS pulling off a surprising upset by a score of 35-31.
Green Bay Packers vs. Arizona Cardinals: Saturday at 7:15 pm on NBC
These two teams played each other a couple of weeks ago. In that game, the Cardinals blew out the Packers 38-8. The Packers had a hard time keeping Aaron Rodgers upright against the Arizona defense. Although I think this game will be much closer, I still expect the same outcome as the last game.
My prediction: Cardinals win by a score of 28-21.
Seattle Seahawks vs. Carolina Panthers: Sunday at noon on FOX
This will also be a rematch of a regular season game. Back on October 18th, the Panthers defeated the Seahawks 27-23 on a last minute touchdown throw by Cam Newton to Greg Olsen. Even though the Panthers finished with a record of 15-1 and the Seahawks are a six seed, I expect this game to be as close as the last one.
My prediction: Panthers make a few more plays than the Seahawks do and and win the game 31-28.
Pittsburg Steelers vs. Denver Broncos: Sunday at 3:30 pm on CBS
The last time these two teams meet in the playoffs was the famous Tim Tebow game. In that game, Tebow threw the game-winning touchdown pass on the first play of overtime. The Broncos now have Peyton Manning as their quarterback, but Manning can’t win this game by himself. The Broncos need their running game to be effective against the stingy Pittsburgh defense. In last weeks win, Steelers star players Ben Rothlesburger and Antonio Brown suffered injuries. Although Rothlesburger will play, Brown will not. That’s a huge loss for the Steelers offense.
My prediction: Broncos win by a few touchdowns.