The pain and frustration that was Baltimore’s 2021 season has finally come to a close. Many questions remain, but at least now we’re closer to them getting answered.
Until then, however, it’s time to look forward to a very interesting wildcard round of the NFL playoffs.
SATURDAY 1/15
Raiders (10-7) at Bengals (10-7), 4:30 pm on NBC
Odds: Cincinnati -6.5
Total: 49
Analysis: Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase are playing as good as any QB/WR duo right now—they’re on that kind of level. Even if the Raiders slow Chase down, the Bengals offense is explosive enough to withstand that.
This is the first playoff game for both starting quarterbacks, which adds to the intrigue. I think it’s close for a while, but the Bengals pull away late.
Pick: Cincinnati 40, Las Vegas 27 (CIN -6.5, over 49)
Patriots (10-7) at Buffalo (11-6), 8:15 pm on CBS
Odds: Buffalo -4.5
Total: 43.5
Analysis: New England is the only road team I think wins outright this weekend. Their formula is solid, and the Bills have been susceptible more times than I thought they’d be this year.
Josh Allen should have a very good game, but I think the Patriots perform much better in run defense than their ranking of 22nd indicates. Last month, when these two teams met in Buffalo, New England prevailed, 14-10. I see a similar game unfolding this weekend, but with a bit more scoring.
Josh Allen may have to play mistake-free for the Bills to win, whereas the Patriots can conceivably withstand a Mac Jones mistake or two.
Pick: New England 24, Buffalo 21 (NE +4.5, over 43.5)
SUNDAY 1/16
Eagles (9-8) at Buccaneers (13-4), 1:00 pm on FOX
Odds: Tampa Bay -9
Total: 49
Analysis: Tom Brady in the playoffs, at home, no less. Enough said.
Pick: Tampa Bay 31, Philadelphia 20 (TB -9, over 49)
49ers (10-7) at Cowboys (12-5), 4:40 pm on CBS
Odds: Dallas -3
Total: 49.5
Analysis: I believe this will be the best game of the weekend, as either team could win a close game or a blowout. Dallas is at home and Dak Prescott is still going strong on his comeback tour. Furthermore, and say what you want, but Mike McCarthy is one of eight active head coaches to have won a Super Bowl. That kind of experience is extremely valuable.
Kyle Shanahan is a veteran head coach, as well. He’s been to a Super Bowl. The 49ers have a physical, fast football team on both sides of the ball. I think they keep it close to the end, but Micah Parsons is the difference maker for Dallas.
Pick: Dallas 27, San Francisco 26 (SF +3, over 49.5)
Steelers (9-7-1) at Chiefs (12-5), 8:15 pm on NBC
Odds: Kansas City -12.5
Total: 46.5
Analysis: The Steelers, as frustrating as it is, seem to be built for a playoff run. Ben won’t quit, Najee won’t tire, Watt won’t stop.
However, Patrick Mahomes is dangerous. He can make the Steelers defense pay in areas where other quarterbacks couldn’t. He’s averaging 291 yards passing and has thrown 17 TD to 4 INT in his postseason career. I think the line is way too high, but I do think the Chiefs get the win to move to 7-2 in the playoffs in the Mahomes/Reid era.
Pick: Kansas City 31, Pittsburgh 27 (PIT +12.5, over 46.5)
MONDAY 1/17
Cardinals (11-6) at Rams (12-5), 8:15 pm on ESPN
Odds: Los Angeles -4.5
Total: 50.5
Analysis: Of all the games this weekend, this is the one where I think the under hits, which is strange considering the head coaches for both teams are forward-thinking offensive coaches. Sometimes those kinds of dueling similarities cancel each other out, to an extent.
Can Kyler Murray pick apart a Rams defense, against which he’s averaged 326 yards passing and 50 yards rushing this year? Absolutely. My hesitation, though, in picking the Cardinals is that in the playoffs, you need more than just one dominant player to win the game, even if that dominant player is your quarterback.
Besides, I don’t know if anyone will stop Cooper Kupp this year. I see another 10-catch, 100-yard outing from him one week from tonight.
Pick: Los Angeles 26, Arizona 13 (LAR -4.5, under 50.5)
Born in Baltimore, Mike had long been drawn to sports of all kinds. Growing up watching Cal Ripken play ever day gave him a great example for which to attack every endeavor he undertakes.
When the Ravens came to town, though, that’s when Mike found his passion. Since that time, he’s tried to gain every bit of knowledge he could. Now as a high school coach, Mike is able to take his film study and appreciation of the game to a new level.
To engage with Mike on social media, follow him on Twitter @MikeFastNFL.