I’m almost over the inexplicable KC Chiefs implosion where a postseason berth seemed to be a foregone conclusion. If there was a season to make some noise, it was this one…What a missed opportunity. It just wasn’t meant to be. Anyhoo, here’s what the crystal ball is telling me how it’s going to shake out!
AFC Wild Card Round
Bengals @ Chargers
The Super Chargers did just lose starting FS Nate Allen to a severe concussion that ended his career as well as star HB Carlos Hyde, who suffered a dislocated elbow that will sidelined him until next season. I don’t think it’ll matter much though, as Brock (R)O(t)sweiler is one of the top QBs in the league, and he’s got a deep WR corp headlined by the talented pair in Amari Cooper and Michael Thomas. Capable veteran HB DeMarco Murray should still be enough to keep the Bengals defense honest. Cincy has some serious talent but they won’t last in a shootout with San Diego with those inexperienced safeties, and QB Goofy Goff still has a bit more maturing to do. It should be a fun game where plenty of points are put on the board.
Chargers 38, Bengals 24
Browns @ Jets
The Jets made Carson Wentz work and work pretty well with his 28-10 TD/INT numbers. But the Jets will be taken as far as stud RB Todd Gurley will carry them. Looking at the Browns defense, including the injury to CB Walt Aikens, Gurley could have a huge day. Cleveland’s vet QB Brian Brohm is always a big threat coupled with WRs Jarvis Landry and Stephen Hill. I feel it’s a bit of a toss up but I’ll go with the ball control the Jets would be more likely achieve with Gurley toting the rock often. I’ll go Gang Green.
Jets 24, Browns 21
AFC Divisional Round
Chargers @ Titans
The ghosts of Apolo lingers. I wonder when he’ll be back to make a trillion trades, building another super team. I gotta win one before he comes back! The Titans are still stacked on both sides of the ball as their new GM resisted the temptation to put their stamp on the squad just yet. The will be a slugfest as both squads have great talent, but I’m going with the ghosts here. King Henry will work this Chargers front 7 and propel Tennessee to yet another conference championship game.
Titans 27, Chargers 20
Jets @ Ravens
The Ravens dominated during the regular season and slightly exceeded my expectations but the talent in undeniable. Jimmy G is the best QB in this game and has a great supporting cast in WRs Zay Jones and Alshon Jefferey, who is a future HoFer. Let’s not forget the mighty mite Phillip Lindsay. The defense is nothing to scoff at either. New York is overwhelmed with all this explosiveness and won’t be able to hang.
Ravens 30, Jets 13
AFC Championship Game
Ravens @ Titans
I think the Titans would get this home game but I’m honestly not sure. It’s hard to say these teams are evenly matched bc the Titans are so damn talented, but the Ravens are still really good—just not good enough. The ghosts continue their march towards a Super Bowl without Apolo.
Titans 34, Ravens 20
NFC Wild Card Round
Vikings @ Redskins
I was introduced to GM Ferreira in an drawn out trade negotiation where I got the feel he’d pick this up very quickly, and he has. He took a squad who many probably thought would be somewhere in the middle of the pack and took them to the postseason. I’m happy to see SS Tre Flowers play as well as I believed he would if given the starting nod. The Vikings have the better team on paper, but I think home field advantage is going to help the Redskins eek out a close one where HB James Connor goes bonkers.
Redskins 21, Vikings 20
Cowboys @ Rams
I think it boils down to a one thing—if the Rams wish to win, they’ll start some Booty. I’d say that should be a safe bet as Kizer can’t progress in the playoffs. That being said, it’s not like the Cowboys without the Long Neck can’t win. I think they’ll play some ball control offense and hope Lynch doesn’t turn the ball over while whoever starts for the Rams does.
Rams 23, Cowboys 20
NFC Divisional Round
Redskins @ Bears
The Bears are missing QB Eric Ainge, and that’s what they get for starting him vs my Chiefs when they had a playoff spot locked up. Without him, it’s going to be a tough to win a playoff game even if the backup QB is named Patrick Mahomes. Redskins HB Connor pummels this defense to send the Skins to the NFC title game
Redskins 30, Bears 12
Rams @ Bucs
The Bucs are going to have to make up for the tremendous loss of their starting HB Zeke Elliot, but I don’t think they’ll have too much of a problem doing just that. The team is very talented, has the better QB, and home field advantage. It was a nice run for GM Santos but it ends in Tampa.
Bucs 31, Rams 23
NFC Championship Game
Redskins @ Bucs
The Bucs still miss Zeke who was left in to play week 17 for a rushing record chase but QB Cousins still has a damn good receiving unit to throw to. Unless Connor goes off again, it’s curtains for Washington’s excellent season.
Bucs 28, Redskins 24
SFL Super Bowl
Bucs vs Titans
The Titans had about the quietest 13-3 season, mainly because Apolo wasn’t around this year. His ghosts are still good enough to take it all the way without him. They’re still too damn good.
Titans 33, Bucs 23
I don’t have as much time these days so that’s all folks!
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