Benster and D Pick Your Games----Aaron Gets What He Wanted Edition

 Old dude, the Packers don't have to travel for the NFC Championship Game for once. This time, a team has to come to Lambeau in the snow. 

Yes. Here's a picture of Tom Brady arriving at Austin Straubel Airport for the game with some of his teammates:

Indeed, Geritol Fan, it is Tom Brady and his band of mercenaries who have to come up to the proving ground of the NFL.

Indeed. And let me guess -- might there be some, uh, hype involved.

You've been part of this for at least ten years. You know the answer. Of course I am feeling HYYYYYYPPPEEEEEEEE!, and it is time to watch me work.

Tompa Bay Bucs (+3.5) vs. Glorious Green Bay Packers Some people say that Aaron Donald is still getting blocked by Elgton Jenkins to this very day. In all seriousness, that was a great performance by the Packers to beat a very good Rams defense, and earn a rematch against the Bucs. Obviously, we all know what happened in October, but that was a long time ago. Yes, I know that the Bucs are healthier on defense, but it is important to note that the Packers have played a lot better on defense. What is especially encouraging is that the Packers have had success against teams that run the football well. The Packers shut down in consecutive games Derrick Henry, David Montgomery, and Cam Akers to a large extent. It's also important to note that Allen Lazard did not play in October down in Florida, and he had a great game against the Rams even with the drop of a touchdown pass earlier in the game. This game will not be easy, as the Bucs play good defense and we all know that Brady is used to this stage. But I like the Packers to move on in a close game and send the Bucs back home without a home Super Bowl. Packers 24, Bucs 21.

At first, I hated this matchup. But as the week has gone on, I feel better about it. Brady was only okay against the Saints last week and that was in a dome. It will be snowy and windy in Green Bay and it's been noticeable that Brady struggles with long horizontal throws. I think there's a pick six coming on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Packers have had a chance to devise a game plan for Devin White and Lavonte David, who destroyed them last time. Don't let White come downhill; make him chase Robert Tonyan all over the field. Bucs will not go down easily, but they will go down. Packers 33, Tampa 24.

Buffalo Bills (+3.5) vs. Kansas City Chiefs Kansas City dodged a major bullet last week, thanks to Chad Henne playing well in relief of a concussed Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes has been cleared to return to action, and obviously tilts the field in favor of the defending champions. However, the Bills have been playing very well lately and did play the Chiefs close in the regular season. Kansas City throughout their run the past few years have had wins that were aided by a bit of fortune. Last year they survived 3 double digit deficits, and last week Dan Sorensen should have been flagged for a hit to the head on the controversial fumble late in the first half. I have nothing against the Chiefs, but those points have to be acknowledged. In fact, I think the Bills can hang in there, and pull off a major upset. Nobody Circles The Wagons Like The Buffalo Bills 35, Chiefs 34.

I was tempted to pick Buffalo, but we do need to disagree on one. Mahomes may not be 100%, but 85% of Mahomes is better than 95% of the league. Buffalo's weak running game will prevent the Bills from holding a lead should they get one. It'll be a shootout, but I like the Chiefs. Kansas City 38, Buffalo 28.

One question, old dude. Did our buddy Brad Carlson pick games this week?

Yes. Yes he did. You can see his picks here.

Enjoy your football weekend. Ben out.