Steve Penepent | @Puma585
Friday, January 8, 2016 | BataviasBest.org
The NFL Playoffs are here and it is Wildcard Weekend! These games bring a few rematches from the regular season – but this time there is much more at stake. Here are my Wildcard Weekend thoughts and picks:
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Houston Texans
Both of these teams are recently coming off 2-14 seasons where they hired a new Head Coach and picked first overall (both early busts). From Elias: They are 2 of the 7 teams since the 1970 merger to post consecutive winning seasons immediately after posting at least a share of the worst record in the NFL. The Texans rebounded from a disastrous start and won the horrid AFC South, but the Chiefs also rebounded from losing Jamaal Charles for the season and a 1-5 start. The Texans lack of a consistent running attack is the only concern for me.
My Pick: Kansas City Chiefs
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals are the only team favored to win at home by 51% but Andy Dalton is out and AJ McCarron is in, and it may not be a good thing. 5 QBs have made their 1st career postseason start with the Bengals. None have thrown a touchdown pass. Boomer Esiason was the only one to win his start and the last time these teams met in the playoffs in 2005 Carson Palmer left the game after 1 pass because of a torn ACL. The Steelers stumbled against the Ravens but got lucky by the Jets losing to qualify for the postseason. DeAngelo Williams is questionable but Big Ben and Antonio Brown are ready to go. The Steelers know how to win in the playoffs and the Bengals have yet to win a playoff game in over 20 years.
My Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers
Seattle Seahawks vs. Minnesota Vikings
The last time these teams played each other the Seahawks smoked the Vikings 38-7. The Vikings have won their last 3 while the Seahawks have won 4 out of 5 and Russell Wilson is playing out of this world. The Seahawks also have more good news in that Marshawn Lynch is questionable and has a chance to play. Minnesota may get a blessing in disguise in that it is going to be bitter cold outside which means it’ll be a heavy dose of Peterson, but I think the Seahawks hit their stride at the right time.
My Pick: Seattle Seahawks
Green Bay Packers vs. Washington Redskins
The Redskins went 6-2 at home this season but were 0-3 against teams that finished the season over .500, losing by at least 14 points in all 3 games (Jets, Patriots, Panthers). The Redskins are the only playoff team without a win against a team with a winning record. Green Bay isn’t the Green Bay we’re used to seeing, Mike McCarthy took over play calling duties and it still hasn’t helped the Packers offensive woes. I see the Redskins pulling off the unthinkable and Kirk Cousins outduels Aaron Rodgers.
My Pick: Washington Redskins
Be sure to check out @BataviasBest on Twitter all weekend long for complete Wild Card Weekend coverage.
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