Pete Prisco’s NFL picks for NFC, AFC title video games: Aaron Rodgers sends Tom Brady dwelling, Payments-Chiefs a thriller


A lot for the concept that I might decide it up within the NFL divisional spherical of the playoffs with my picks. 

I went 1-3.

Gross. Disgusting. Vile. Use any of these phrases that you just need to describe my divisional spherical exhibiting, and I’ll take it. 

The Saints, Ravens and Chiefs had been all losers, though the Chiefs’ loss does include an asterisk since Patrick Mahomes left the sport. Come on. I’m begging. I did hit Inexperienced Bay laying the factors in opposition to the Rams

This week’s AFC and NFC championship video games are a shrine to nice quarterback play. We now have Aaron Rodgers, this yr’s MVP, in opposition to Tom Brady, the best of all time. If Mahomes can play, it is the Tremendous Bowl MVP from final yr in opposition to Josh Allen, who’s within the MVP dialog this yr.

What’s to not love about these matchups, offered Mahomes is able to go? I believe he’ll play as he battles via the concussion protocols, which might arrange for an excellent day of quarterback play Sunday.

Craving much more NFL protection specializing in previews, recaps, information and evaluation? Pay attention under and subscribe to the Decide Six podcast for a every day dose of every little thing it’s essential comply with professional soccer.

One request: No wind.

There may be nothing worse for an offense than wind. Snow? Take it. Wind? Hate it. 

Let’s examine the quarterbacks have the ability to sling it round with out the wind turning it right into a survival take a look at. 

That is championship recreation Sunday. Do not let the climate dictate who wins the video games or who covers. 

Newest Odds:

Inexperienced Bay Packers
-3

This can be Tom Brady in opposition to Aaron Rodgers. It would not get any higher than that. However this recreation will come all the way down to Rodgers in opposition to the Tampa Bay protection greater than the rest. That protection was excellent final week in opposition to the Saints, locking down the receivers in man protection and making it powerful for Drew Brees. However that is going to be a much bigger problem in opposition to this Inexperienced Bay offense, particularly the best way Rodgers could make performs off schedule. Inexperienced Bay made the top-ranked Rams protection look odd final week. I believe they are going to proceed that right here as properly. Rodgers is taking part in the perfect soccer of his profession. The Bucs had been improved on offense final week as a result of they ran the ball. That should play out on this one as properly. They’ve to manage the soccer. Brady will problem down the sector, however with out the run recreation it could be loads harder in opposition to that Inexperienced Bay move rush. Ultimately, I believe Rodgers is taking part in too properly. It will likely be shut for a bit, however Inexperienced Bay will win by a landing to get to the Tremendous Bowl.

Decide: Inexperienced Bay 27, Tampa Bay 20

What picks are you able to make with confidence throughout the NFL Championship Weekend? And which underdog is a must-back? Go to SportsLine to see which NFL groups are masking in additional than 50 p.c of simulations, all from the mannequin that is up practically $7,900 on its top-rated picks

Newest Odds:

Kansas Metropolis Chiefs
-3

The important thing right here is the well being of Patrick Mahomes as he meanders via the concussion protocols. With out him, the Chiefs can be in massive hassle. Chad Henne is a strong backup, however little greater than that. With Mahomes, the offense is fully totally different. Buffalo is coming off defensive exhibiting in opposition to the Ravens, however this can be a larger problem if Mahomes is taking part in. The passing recreation is deadly. The Payments have been a lot better on protection because the halfway level of the season. Coordinator Leslie Frazier has finished a pleasant job. As for Buffalo’s offense, Josh Allen did not put up his ordinary gaudy numbers final week in opposition to the Ravens, however he made sufficient performs. It was a windy night time. If the climate holds up right here — and Mahomes is within the recreation — this might be an excellent shootout of two big-armed passers. Each defenses have improved because the Chiefs beat the Payments in Week 6, a recreation the place Kansas Metropolis ran the soccer to win it. Clyde Edwards-Helaire ran for 161 in Kansas Metropolis’s 26-17 victory. This time round, I believe it is extra of an air recreation with each quarterbacks having good video games. I picked the Chiefs to get to the Tremendous Bowl earlier than the season and I’m sticking with that. However will probably be shut — even with Mahomes. 

Decide: Chiefs 31, Payments 30



supply

Leave a Reply