The 2019 NFL Playoffs are now officially underway. With those post-season games come some interesting match-ups and stories.
First and foremost, in the NFC, will the New Orleans Saints be able to take advantage of their No. 1 seed, as they did in 2009 and ride it all the way to a Super Bowl trophy?
Secondly, if not the Saints, then who is the team that can come out of arguably the toughest conference to bring home a championship? Will it be the newest kids on the block, the Los Angeles Rams? Or, will it be a resurgent Chicago Bear team?
In the AFC, questions abound about who is the dominant team. At the start of the season, the Kansas City Chiefs looked as if they were going to run away with the conference title, but have looked vulnerable lately.
The Los Angeles Chargers have beaten the Chiefs this year and were tied with Kansas City for the best record in the AFC. Oh, and lest we forget the New England Patriots. The five time Super Bowl Champions are still a team to be reckoned with, despite the talk of their demise.
It will definitely be an interesting playoff season, no matter what transpires. But, heres to hoping for an exciting Super Bowl match-up.
Now, here are my fearless playoff picks for this weekend. Just a side note, these picks are being written on Thursday. So, I am not waiting until the Saturday games are over to make my selections. Also, these are amateur picks. I will not be held responsible if you use these to make wagers and lose your house in the process.
AFC Wildcard games
Indianapolis at Houston
Indianapolis is on a four game win streak, but are 4-4 on the road this season. The two teams split during the regular season, with the games decided by a total of six points. Despite their road record, I am going with the Colts on this one.
LA Chargers at Baltimore
Baltimore defeated Los Angeles in week 16. However, the Chargers are 7-1 on the road (the one loss coming at Baltimore). Charger quarterback Phillip Rivers is a veteran that will do everything to make sure the Ravens do not take them out of the playoffs. Because Baltimore sort of snuck into the post-season, I am going with Los Angeles.
NFC Wildcard games
Seattle at Dallas
Dallas has passed through some tight cracks this season with four games decided by three points or less. The Cowboys are also 3-4 against opponents in this year’s playoffs. However, Dallas is 7-1 at home and has a running game that can control the football. I would love to see them come to the Superdome for a re-match with the Saints and see if they can handle the atmosphere. For that reason I am going with the (wait, let me sit down before I faint) Cowboys.
Philadelphia at Chicago
Yes, Philadelphia is the reigning Super Bowl Champions. And yes, the Eagles seem to have that St. Nick (Foles) magic back in their corner. But, the Chicago Bears’ defense is something out of the 80’s. It will be hard for any team to go into Chicago and get a win with the way the new Monsters of the Midway are playing. So, I will hang my hat on Chicago in this one.
With those picks, I will now give you my undeniable, absolute, go take it to the bank Super Bowl prediction.
New Orleans beats Chicago in the NFC Championship, New England takes down Kansas City in the AFC Championship and the Saints re-live the magic of 2009 as they douse the Patriot hopes late in the Championship game with a 38-24 win.