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| The 2016 NFL Playoffs kick off this weekend with the Wild Card round. |
Kansas City (-3) at Houston: 1/9 at 4:35 ET
The Kansas City Chiefs may be the NFL's hottest team entering the 2016 postseason, recovering from a 1-5 start to rattle off ten consecutive victories and finish 11-5 as the AFC's No. 5 seed. They come up against what some would consider a favorable matchup at Houston, but with JJ Watt on the field for the Texans nothing is advantageous for the Chiefs. The Chiefs will look to methodically move the ball and control the clock with a combination of RB's Charcandrick West and Spencer Ware. The Texans' defense is stout, but too much time spent on the field will doom them in this contest. Plus, given the lack of consistency with the Texans' QB situation, how can one have confidence in their offensive attack?
Pick: Kansas City Chiefs (-3)
Pittsburgh (-3) at Cincinnati: 1/9 at 8:15 ET
This AFC North rivalry has had many intriguing story lines this season. From Le'Veon Bell's season ending knee injury, to the pre game scuffle and Twitter trash talk along with QB Andy Dalton's season-ending thumb injury, it is only fitting that we get Round 3 this weekend. This one will initially look similar to the post-Dalton matchup, as backup QB AJ McCarron will spread the ball around well and keep Cincinnati close against the suspect Steeler secondary. QB Ben Roethlisberger will have to continue to air it out, which hasn't been an issue, with RB DeAngelo Williams inactive. Look for a high-scoring affair in this one, which will see Bengals' Head Coach Marvin Lewis finally get his first career playoff win.
Pick: Cincinnati Bengals (+3)
NFC
Seattle (-5) at Minnesota: 1/10 at 1:05 ET
This seems to be the "easiest" pick of the weekend by many. If Seattle's Week 13 38-7 drubbing of the Vikings is any indication, this will be a straightforward pick. But not so fast. Minnesota is playing with a ton of confidence after going into Lambeau Field last Sunday night and taking the NFC North crown away from the Packers with a ferocious pass rush that harassed QB Aaron Rodgers all night long. Being at home, in what is expected to be one of the coldest games in NFL history, with a raucous crowd should lead to a very competitive affair. The disadvantage for Minnesota is that they are coming up against an experienced, championship-caliber Seahawks team that, except for a Week 16 slip-up at home against St. Louis, seems to be rounding into their old form just at the right time. QB Russell Wilson is playing at an elite level, and their defense seems to be regaining that L.O.B. swagger. It would also be shocking if RB Marshawn Lynch doesn't find a way to play, as he has been a full participant in practice all week. This game will be won at the line of scrimmage, with two of the NFL's best RB's going head-to-head, but look for a few more big plays from the Wilson and the Seattle passing attack to be the difference.
Pick: Seattle Seahawks (-5)
Green Bay (-1) at Washington: 1/10 at 4:40 ET
YOU LIKE THAT?! Yes, somehow the Washington Redskins found a way to get themselves a 9-7 record and an NFC East crown that doesn't look all that impressive. But, when you consider QB Kirk Cousins' unexpected high performance, a four-game winning streak, a home atmosphere and a reeling Green Bay squad, this game is virtually a pick 'em. The Packers' offense has looked un-Packer like for some time, while the Redskins' offense has looked very un-Redskin like for the better part of a month. Cousins and TE Jordan Reed have developed confidence in one another, and WR DeSean Jackson always remains a deep threat. With some key guys in the Green Bay secondary questionable, notably CB Sam Shields, this could be an opportunity for Washington. Despite all the things pointing to a Redskins win, I can't take Cousins over Rodgers in a playoff game. They have been trending in opposite directions, and the Pack may not lift the Lombardi Trophy this season, but they will find a way to advance to the Divisional Round.
Pick: Green Bay Packers (-1)
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