GAME OF THE WEEK – SUNDAY at 1:05 EST - Los Angeles Chargers (13-4) at New England Patriots (11-5), NE by 4 – This game is like a throwback to mid-2000s playoff football… and both the quarterbacks are still there! Believe it or not, Philip Rivers and the Chargers have never beaten the Patriots with Tom Brady (they beat them with Matt Cassel in 2008). This might be the best opportunity they’ve ever had to beat that streak, and in the playoffs no less. And you know what? I think they’re going to do it. There’s nothing scary about this Patriots team this year—they’re solid, but not special, and I don’t think anybody’s terrified of playing them like they would have been in playoffs past. This Chargers team is better on both sides of the ball, and while they’ve got to go on the road to make it happen, I think they finally beat their boogeyman and move on to the AFC Championship. UPSET! – Chargers 27, Patriots 24
Indianapolis Colts (11-6) at Kansas City Chiefs (12-4), SATURDAY at 4:35 EST, KC by 5.5 – The last time these two teams met in the postseason was one of the craziest games in NFL history, finishing 45-44 with an insane Indianapolis comeback to win. I think this game won’t be quite as high scoring, but should also be a close contest. The Colts don’t have the firepower the Chiefs have, but their defense is significantly better than Kansas City’s and shot at least help to keep this one within winnable range. But the Chiefs have a real shot at the Super Bowl for the first time in a long, long time, and Arrowhead is going to be rocking for this one. I’ve got them taking on the Chargers in what’ll be a heated AFC title game. Chiefs 28, Colts 24
Dallas Cowboys (11-6) at Los Angeles Rams (13-3), SATURDAY at 8:15 EST, LAR by 7 – This is going to be an interesting one, and a big test for the Rams, who have had some difficulties against elite defensive units this year. But when it comes down to it, I just don’t think the Cowboys have the offensive potency to match with the Rams, even if they’re able to avoid a massive explosion of points. Rams 30, Cowboys 20
Philadelphia Eagles (10-7) at New Orleans Saints (14-2), SUNDAY at 4:40 EST, NO by 8 – I had the Eagles going into Chicago and winning last week, but this week I’m not as solid on their chances. The Saints are a better team with a much better offense and have a much better homefield advantage than Chicago does. I think the repeat dream ends for the defending champs this week. Saints 33, Eagles 20
Tha’tll set up Chiefs/Chargers and Rams/Saints for the championship games, which would give us a pretty damn fresh Super Bowl. Looking forward to it!