This game is the NFL’s flannel nightgown, the one deemed least likely to entice TV audiences. It’s the playoffs. For us to get what we want, any team we face we have to win. This season, our beloved Indianapolis Colts missed the playoffs after a rough season.
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What the Vikings need to do – You can pretty much copy what I said about the Seahawks above, switch a couple names, and it would be the exact same thing. The Hawks are a strong Super Bowl contender. And while both running backs have proven they can succeed under such circumstances, it’s not conducive to a ton of success on the ground. Sports heaven predicts wild card weekend.
So, here’s a breakdown of the players at each position we think you should consider starting in your AFC Saturday league and then the NFC Sunday league. The Chiefs may not have many other obvious edges against the Texans. Brush past this weekend’s slate of games at your own peril, basically. Andy Reid has done an excellent job, as has Bill O’Brien – with a number of different quarterbacks. Here I give you my picks against the spread, but not only that, you get our staff picks for the weekend and you can make your score predictions as well.
Kansas City: No one player exemplifies this team more than Alex Smith and his growth as a championship quarterback.
However, Kansas City has one of the better offensive lines in the entire National Football League, and they could handle Watt’s pass rush. The result of that game doesn’t guarantee a similar result this time around, but it’s hard not to feel good about Seattle. Kansas City rebounded from a 1-5 start and the loss of star RB Jamaal Charles in rattling off a franchise-record 10 straight wins. The Steelers don’t have DeAngelo Williams, but the Bengals still don’t have Andy Dalton. Cincinnati manhandled Cleveland twice, and this talented, well-coached squad is an incredible home dog bargain even with AJ McCarron. Rodgers threw 31 touchdowns passes with only eight interceptions this season, but he had some poor games along the way, particularly in losses to the Broncos, Bears and Cardinals.
I’m torn. I’m very anxious about the Texans losing LT Duane Brown while KC gets back sack-master Justin Houston from injury.
Kirk Cousins has made the [REDACTED] decision makers look better than usual this season – not that they set the bar high (hi Washington!). McCarran should have a field day throwing the ball to A.J. Green, but they will have to outscore the 3rd ranked Steelers offense.
Ulrey: This matchup intrigues me the most, and it’s the one I’m looking forward to most this weekend.
With very little offensive weapons, Randall Cobb isn’t scaring anyone, Aaron Rodgers has been reduced to mere mortal standards. The Minnesota Vikings were able to edge out the Packers for the NFC North title.
Keep an eye on DeSean Jackson who I expect to take advantage of a secondary without Sam Shields (concussion) and Jordan Reed who has been uncoverable the last month of the season.
Dripping with playoff experience and arguably playing at a higher level right now than presumed MVP and Carolina quarterback Cam Newton, Wilson’s going to be an expensive choice but he and the Seahawks stand to dominate a Vikings defense that’s mostly green to the postseason. McCarron is the safe choice but not until almost game time when we have fresh news on Dalton. With hopes of playing in January, the Minnesota Vikings have built a team to play in the cold until their new indoor stadium is built.
As long as the Seahawks limit Adrian Peterson, they will win. On this veteran team, every other starter on offense and defense has played in the playoffs before. He’s just not quite there yet.
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I loved the Washington Redskins in this spot when they opened as a home underdog, then the casual gambling fans realized these aren’t the same Packers, reversing the betting line – that scares me. You can definitely bring him up, but for the sake of the guy whose number you’re trying to get, don’t focus on how hot JJ is (I know, that will be tough).
