Old dude, the Packers have had their week of rest and should be in good shape to get Aaron a chance to play at Lambeau next week for the first time in his career. But the Rams will not make it easy, as they looked good at Seattle last weekend.
They did. Or perhaps the Seahawks looked bad. It's difficult to be sure.
Divisional weekend is always fun, because you have had to do something impressive to get here. I am feeling the HYYYYYYYYYYPPPEEE!, and it is time to watch me work.
Los Angeles Rams (+6.5) vs. Glorious Green Bay Packers The Rams had the most impressive win on the NFC side last week with an impressive display against the Seahawks. But, the victory came at a cost. Aaron Donald and John Wolford left the game with injuries, and Jared Goff was struggling with his injured thumb. Of course Donald is going to play and still be a factor, and the Packers need to block him up along with Leonard Floyd. The challenge for the Rams is going to be how well Goff is going to play in a cold weather venue. As for the Packers, pretty much everyone is in better shape except Kingsley Keke. The biggest worry outside of the usual things the Rams throw at you is a fake punt. Johnny Hekker is one of the best fake punt guys, and the Packers have struggled all year with special teams. I wouldn't be surprised if Jalen Ramsey travels with Davante, so someone like MVS, Lazard, Big Dog, or Big Bob might need to step up a bit. On defense, Snacks Harrison probably is going to need to make a play against Cam Akers. I'm also going out on a limb to say that at least one of Amos and Savage need to make a play. The Packers can win this game, but it won't be easy. Thankfully, the fans in the stands should help the team get a win. Packers 31, Rams 28.
Winter is coming?
The Rams are a very good defensive team. The pick six on Russell Wilson last week was the play that changed the game. Aaron Rodgers is more careful than Wilson, so he's unlikely to make a similar mistake. The key will be getting the running game going. Aaron Jones, Jamaal Williams, A.J. Dillon -- if the three of them combine for 200 yards, the Packers win easily. If they total 100, it's going to be bad. I don't think the Rams will be able to score enough on offense to win the game -- Akers is a nice running back, but Goff will struggle in the cold weather, especially with a surgically repaired thumb on his throwing hand. Packers win, but it won't be easy. Packers 27, Rams 20.
Baltimore Ravens (+3) vs. Buffalo Bills I have to start by apologizing for calling out Lamar Jackson last week. He played very well against the Titans, and I'm happy to admit that he proved me wrong and showed that he can win in the playoffs. It also was a great win for the Bills last week. Getting a home playoff win in front of Bills Mafia was fun to watch. As for the game, the Bills have the better defense, though obviously Jackson is a dynamic playmaker and is more explosive than Josh Allen. This game could go either way, but I like the Bills, especially because they look to be peaking at the right time and recovered nicely from the Hail Murray. Nobody Circles The Wagons Like the Buffalo Bills 24, Ravens 10.
Lamar Jackson could win this all by himself. The Bills have to be disciplined on defense and keep Jackson in the pocket. I believe they will. The Ravens have a decent defense, but they may not hold up in the end. Bills 24, Ravens 23.
Cleveland Browns (+10) vs. Kansas City Chiefs I know that everyone wants to laugh at the Steelers for getting blown out to the Browns and light into Big Ben and Mike Tomlin, but the Browns deserve a whole lot of kudos. Winning a playoff game without their head coach, key starters, and less practice time is very good. Browns fans, you deserve this moment of triumph after all of the jokes I and the rest of America lobbed at you over the years. Heck, that makes the news of the Lindor trade a lot less crushing. (Sorry for that, I'm a big Twins fan and enjoy making fun of an AL Central rival. The Central is going to be won by either us or the Chi Sox.). The Chiefs are the big favorites, but there is a couple of things that worry me about them. First, they rested their starters against the Chargers and lost. They are going to have some rust. Second of all, the Browns are coming in hot, and have nothing to lose. The final concern I have for the Chiefs is that during their run last year, they cheated death 3 times. By all rights, the Texans should have won in Arrowhead last year. Thanks to Bill O'Brien having an epic meltdown, they dodged the bullet. They also survived the Titans last year. They also narrowly survived the Niners in the Super Bowl. That's right, I'm picking the Browns to pull off another huge upset. Sorry Mahomie. I still love you in fantasy football. Don't Clown With The Browns 21, Chiefs 17.
The Browns are a nice story. The story does not have a happy ending. Chiefs 34, Browns 21.
Tompa Bay Bucs (+3) vs. New Orleans Blame the Refs This might be the last ride for Drew Brees, and might be the last home game for him as well. I would say that about Brady, but he wants to return to Foxboro next year to stick it to Darth Hoodie. The Saints beat the Bucs twice in the regular season, but it's very hard to beat a good team 3 times in one season. Of course, 2001 Duke and 2000 Michigan State basketball say otherwise. The Saints are healthy for once, and Brady has finally gotten in sync with Bruce Arians. I think the Saints have the better offense, and they look to be on a mission. I just hope they have to travel up to Wisconsin to get their rematch of Week 3. Saints should win big. Saints 35, Tompa Bay 0.
Uh, no. No way the Saints pitch a shutout. I think they win, though. I wonder if the Bucs can handle adversity and they'll be facing it. I could see a meltdown or two on their sidelines, as their team has a plethora of divas. Saints 35, Bucs 29.
One last thing, Seabiscuit -- here are our friend Brad Carlson's picks.
Enjoy your football this week. Also, live positive and test negative. Ben out.
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