Our Next Opponent . . .

[randymon]

You are right every one of the teams we could face will present a major problem just like we will for whoever we play. At this point these are the best teams in the division facing off so no telling what will happen. The AFC is just about as wide open as can be. I think I could make a case for just about every team although I do think Houston is the least likely of the 6 teams.

I think Houston has toughest road because of the Qb and Rb situation. Watt can not overcome their offensive deficiencies by himself by I know he'll try. All the other AFC teams have the Qbs to pull it off.

 

[SpringStein]

I actually like that they decided to do both AFC games on the same day. Then everybody knows what is happening and can move forward with planning. NO having to wait another day to see how things shake out.

The one disadvantage I see is that the AFC WC winners have an extra day to recoup and game plan for the next week. Otherwise I like that we know next Saturday night who we will be playing.

 

[iknowftbll]

I actually like that they decided to do both AFC games on the same day. Then everybody knows what is happening and can move forward with planning. NO having to wait another day to see how things shake out.

Oh, I like it too. I was just noting that it's a bit of a departure from previous seasons.

What are your thoughts on my picks?

 

[DownSetHutch]

I am damn near positive that we will be facing the Steelers in the 2nd round. And I would love to have another crack at them, and I am guessing that our defense would/will feel the same way. Does anyone think Chris Harris would get lit up in a 2nd matchup? I don't. The team got embarrassed after having their heels on the Steelers' collective throats. They won't let that happen again. Our defense is INSANELY GOOD. They will have something to prove, and they will prove it.

 

[DownSetHutch]

As for the other matchup, the Chiefs are going to win, then they will go into Foxborough (sp?) and likely lose.

 

[randymon]

As for the other matchup, the Chiefs are going to win, then they will go into Foxborough (sp?) and likely lose.

I'm not so sure KC will beat Houston. That D has given up less than 14 pts last 6-7 games of season. That Houston secondary is better than you might think and I think they can give Smith a lot of trouble if they keep the KC run game under control. I say KC run of 9 straight ends in Houston Sat, Cincy beats Pit and Denver host Texans 2 wks from now and their D destroys Hoyer and Broncos play NE once again for AFC Championship. Book iiiiiiii T!

 

[iknowftbll]

I'm not so sure KC will beat Houston. That D has given up less than 14 pts last 6-7 games of season. That Houston secondary is better than you might think and I think they can give Smith a lot of trouble if they keep the KC run game under control. I say KC run of 9 straight ends in Houston Sat, Cincy beats Pit and Denver host Texans 2 wks from now and their D destroys Hoyer and Broncos play NE once again for AFC Championship. Book iiiiiiii T!

To be fair, the same reason we believe the Texans can beat the Chiefs are reasons to believe they can beat the Broncos. The thought of Watt and Co. going against our O-line...cringe inducing. But I do believe playing in Denver will make a big difference. And even our O-line looks adequate when the team goes "hurry up."

 

[SpringStein]

I say KC run of 9 straight ends in Houston Sat, Book iiiiiiii T!

10 straight.

 

[randymon]

To be fair, the same reason we believe the Texans can beat the Chiefs are reasons to believe they can beat the Broncos. The thought of Watt and Co. going against our O-line...cringe inducing. But I do believe playing in Denver will make a big difference. And even our O-line looks adequate when the team goes "hurry up."

True. Been listening to all the nfl shows today and pretty much all think Denver should start Manning but they all failed to take into consideration of weather being a possible factor and if it is, I think I'd rather have Oz start and keep Manning nice and toasty on sideline if they need him. That to me ( weather ) could be a factor before Kubiak makes his final decision. Maybe?

 

[Orange Crush77]

I think weather absolutely should be considered. I still think oz gives us the best chance.

 

[WalkerBoh]

I think Houston has toughest road because of the Qb and Rb situation. Watt can not overcome their offensive deficiencies by himself by I know he'll try. All the other AFC teams have the Qbs to pull it off.

I'm not sure McCarron can pull it off for the Bengals.

 

[SpiritOf77]

Marvin Lewis is 0-6 in the postseason

I think that streak ends vs Pittsburgh

 

[femurov]

I do not want to see Pittsburgh. Sorry, but I don't like our chances against them. Their offense is too explosive and their D is good enough to make a stop every now and then, which is all they need if the O is clicking. I think we CAN beat any of these teams. But Pittsburgh is the only one I'd be iffy about.

 

[randymon]

I'm not sure McCarron can pull it off for the Bengals.

Actually think McCarron can manage some time consuming drives and keep the Steelers offense at least to somewhat of a minimum of shots and I like the Cincy D to out play Steelers D at home. If they can get by Pitt,then I believe Dalton will be ready. Pitt very well will be missing D. Williams and that is going to hurt run game thus effecting that passing game and it's explosive wrs. I would rather have Pitt in Denver though. I like the revenge factor much more for Denver than a Cincy team coming here and wanting payback.

 

[Mingo]

I agree with Randymon

 

[cdumler7]

So who all will you guys be cheering for this weekend?

For me--Houston. As much as a rematch against the Chiefs sounds wonderful the idea of seeing Chiefs fans freak out when the streak of losing playoff games continues sounds so much sweeter honestly.

Cincinnati--Again revenge sounds great but I actually wouldn't mind seeing Cincinnati end their playoff streak. Throw in the Steelers are everybody's media darling pick to make the run to the Super Bowl. I just don't see it.

In the NFC

Vikings--Again going with the whole would love to see the underdog win it. Throw in seeing the Seahawks bounced early in the playoffs is fine by me.

Washington--I've actually started really liking Cousins as a QB. His fire is just fun to watch.

 

[cdumler7]

So weird stat of the day. The last time the Chiefs won a playoff game was in Houston (the Oilers) 22 years ago with a former 49ers QB.

 

[randymon]

So who all will you guys be cheering for this weekend?

For me--Houston. As much as a rematch against the Chiefs sounds wonderful the idea of seeing Chiefs fans freak out when the streak of losing playoff games continues sounds so much sweeter honestly.

Cincinnati--Again revenge sounds great but I actually wouldn't mind seeing Cincinnati end their playoff streak. Throw in the Steelers are everybody's media darling pick to make the run to the Super Bowl. I just don't see it.

In the NFC

Vikings--Again going with the whole would love to see the underdog win it. Throw in seeing the Seahawks bounced early in the playoffs is fine by me.

Washington--I've actually started really liking Cousins as a QB. His fire is just fun to watch.

Ok this is who I`d like to win......Houston, Pitt, Vikes and Skins.
This is who I think wins...... Cincy,KC,Seattle and GB
Cincy/Pitt gm
I think the running game or lack of, hurts the passing game for Pitt and McCarren manages game well, uses G.Bernard and Hill in passing game and the play action exposes that very bad secondary of Steelers.
KC/Houston
Chiefs are just to solid all-around and although Houston hangs around for 3 qtrs, the turnovers and 3 and outs by Texans offense,finally wears down Watt and that D and KC wins by 15
Seattle/Vikes
Seattles offense and defense is peaking at right time and regardless of weather, they win big. AP will be a non-factor and the Hawks D will force Teddy to beat them thru the air and that will be the nail in the coffin for Vikings.
GB/Wash
This is probably the most interesting one. If Lacy and the O-line shows up for GB, I think Rodgers and that D which seems to show up once in a while, can pull this one off. I don`t have a lot of faith in Cousins having to carry game on his shoulders ( I think GB stops the run effectively) with Playoff pressure to boot, he has more than two pks in game and GB advances with under 7 pt victory.

 

[iknowftbll]

Who I'd like to win:

Texans: Like CD, as much appeal as a Chiefs @ Broncos playoff game appeals to me, the thought of the Chiefs playoff futility and overall irrelevance has even more appeal. And given how arrogant the AP and AA crowds are, they literally cannot conceive the possibility of the Chiefs losing this game, it would make for an entertaining read in the aftermath of a Chiefs loss.

Steelers: This would put the Steelers in Denver for the divisional round and I think that would be good news for the Broncos. Of the three potential opponents, the Steelers have the least intimidating defense and that could be what the doctor orders for our anemic offense. And I have a good feeling our D believes they have unfinished business with the Steelers.

Vikings: Because Seahawks fans are arrogant. As much as I like the idea of a "revenge" SB matchup, that would mean the Seahawks reach the big game 3 consecutive years. Even if the Broncos win it, that would make for some insufferable Seahawks fans. Rather I'd like to see the Vikings go on a run and face the Broncos in the SB. A Broncos win would not only be their third win, but give them company in the "Losers of 5 Super Bowls" category.

Redskins: I live in the D.C. area and can't help but like the Redskins a little. Previous markets I've lived in were the Chargers and Raiders so it's nice to not despise the locals over their team. Kirk Cousins is a genuinely likable guy and I'd love to see him lead the Redskins on a deep playoff run and go on to cement the Redskins as playoff contenders for the next few years. Plus that name "Redskins" is so un-PC, which makes it even better when they're playing well!

Who I think will win:

Texans 16, Chiefs 13. The Chiefs bring in the better offense and these teams are a push on defense. I think the home field advantage tilts this one, with the crowd contributing and setting up the Texans D for a critical play. This can greatly mitigate the disparity between the Chiefs and Texans offenses, especially with that Texans offense going against a top-tier defense.

Steelers 28, Bengals 20. I just have a hunch the Steelers, who know how to win in the playoffs, are going to get it done. Tomlin has proven himself to be a superior playoff coach than Lewis. The Bengals will do this without Dalton, too. This may be a boost, since Dalton is notorious for folding in the playoffs. Imagine the dialogue surrounding the Bengals if A.J. leads them to a win?

Seahawks 23, Vikings 17. I know what I said about Seahawks fans, but that has nothing to do with the fact I think the Seahawks are the better team. Besides, even if it means Seahawks fans get to brag about 3 consecutive Super Bowls, it wouldn't be the worst thing for the Broncos to get an opportunity for a rematch. Seahawks keep that possibility alive.

Redskins 34, Packers 24. The Redskins are playing some solid ball right now. There is a big difference between this team and the 2012 team, and it helps they are facing a struggling Packers team instead of the Seahawks this time around. With virtually no running game to speak of, Cousins has had to rely on his arm to carry the offense. With his WR core healthy, this isn't necessarily a bad thing.

 

[iknowftbll]

Geez, Hoyer is giving this game away. He's thrown a pick with nobody in a Texans uniform even in the same zip code and now he's had the ball slip right out of his hands, resulting in another turnover. The good news is the Texans defense looks up to the challenge, making stops and coming up with a tipped pick of their own. But if the Texans offense doesn't get this thing going the Chiefs are going to get that playoff monkey off their back today.