After a solid 4-2 Wild Card Weekend, I went 0-2 yesterday on my picks. I will honor the proud tradition of accountability set by our owner Woody Johnson by placing the blame squarely on the referees in the Buffalo-Denver game and on Adam Schefter for pumping up Sam Darnold’s injury.
Let’s try to get back on track.
5. Houston Texans (13-5) at 2. New England Patriots (15-3); 3:00 pm Eastern; ESPN/ABC
For the last month or so I have felt like the Texans were the best team in the AFC. We will put that theory
to the test in this game.
I came away from their opening round win over the Steelers really impressed. They won a road Playoff game in which their quarterback was terrible and never really felt like they were in serious danger. This has been one excellent defense through the course of the season.
This game might come down to whether CJ Stroud bounces back. While I believe in the Texans defense, I don’t think Houston can beat the Patriots if Stroud plays like that. Based on his quality as a quarterback, I think he will. He has Playoff experience under his belt so I don’t think this moment will be too big for him.
I say the Texans end their losing streak in the Divisional Round and go to the AFC Championship Game.
My Pick: Houston Texans
5. Los Angeles Rams (13-5) at 2. Chicago Bears (12-6); 6:30 pm Eastern; NBC
It’s really scary to pick against this Bears team at home. They have had the classic feel of a team of destiny going for some time. The forecast for extreme cold also gives me some pause for a warm weather Rams team going on the road.
I think this might be the end of the line for the Bears, though. For maybe the first time this season, they caught a bad break when San Francisco beat Philadelphia in the Wild Card round. Instead of hosting an extremely flawed Eagles team in round two, they get a Rams squad that arguably is the toughest to beat in the conference when at close to full strength.
The weather almost got me to change my pick. But the lesson of my last second flip to San Francisco yesterday is to trust your gut instead of outside forces.
My Pick: Los Angeles Rams
