2018-19 NFL Playoffs (2nd round)

Last week

Colts 21-7 Texans
The Colts charged through the 1st quarter, scoring on their first three drives and forcing a 3-and-out and an INT on the Texan's first two possessions. That's really about all that happened, though. The Colts offense kinda turtled after that, didn't really try to exert any pressure on the Texan D and the Texan offense just never got started, so even though they moved the ball fairly well in the 2nd half, it didn't really matter. The Colts came out strong, left the Texans dazed and confused for the rest of the match. I thought the criticism of DeShaun Watson was unfounded: I thought he made plays, it was his receivers that dropped balls and didn't get open, to which I credit the surprisingly effective Colts D. Easy W for the Colts, another playoff disappointment for the Texans.

Seahawks 22-24 Cowboys
I just kept waiting for Russell Wilson to shake loose and do Russell Wilson stuff but it never really happened. The Seahawks seems so intent on running the ball, running the ball, running the ball, that they never gave their best weapon a chance to open up and win the game for them. Weird. The Cowboys were fine, they grinded their way to an advantage and held on. I really thought the Seahawks could've won this game but they didn't. Cowboys are balanced and very very not bad all over the field, they're not great but they're good enough to work over teams that don't bring their A-game.

Chargers 23-17 Ravens
The Ravens just didn't have any offense at all. I like Lamar Jackson, he's an intriguing talent and he provided a spark to this Ravens squad but, man, he did not have the magic in his opening playoff game. The Chargers didn't put up much of a fight, they played for FG's instead of TD's, got an FG and a punt blocked and didn't seems that aggressive on defense. But they didn't need to because the Ravens just couldn't score or move the ball with any real power. The Chargers didn't play their best but they didn't have to.

Eagles 16-15 Bears
What a tough L for the Bears. I knew this game would be low scoring, both teams feature excellent pass rushes and offenses that kinda scuffle. I knew going in the Eagles would have trouble scoring and instantly rushed to the Bears to win. But as soon as the game started it dawned on me, 'Wait...how do the Bears score...?' Yeah, I kinda forgot that part of it, that the Bears would be every bit as challenged as the Eagles. The Bears had their chance, double doink off the upright and crossbar (I thought it went in off the crossbar at first) and a new Chicago legacy of frustration is born. The Eagles still got some magic in 'em.


This week

Colts @ Chiefs (-5.5) (o/u 56)
Two things to remember: that Chiefs offense is amazing and that Chiefs defense is terrible. So will the amazing offense out last the terrible D? I think it will. The Colts have beaten expectations all year long and overcame a truly awful start to get into the post-season. Andrew Luck is playing well as is his O-line and the defense stifled DeShaun Watson last week, so they deserve to be here (and are looking very dangerous for next season). But the Chiefs are too good to be held down and I think the potentially crazy weather is going to throw a wrench into the dome-safe Colts' plans. Don't be surprised, though, if the Colts are the better team that just can't get it done down the stretch. I'll take the Chiefs to seal it late, 31-27 (Colts and the over).

Cowboys @ Rams (-7) (o/u 49)
The first half of the season the Rams were the best team in the league; for the second half, they were better than average but not better than the cream of the crop. For the first half of the season the Cowboys were pretty bad but got hot in the second half and are playing as well as anyone in the NFC. Clear case: if the Rams find their form, they'll pummel the Cowboys because they're better in every way; but if the Rams struggle, the Cowboys will hang around and give them a game. I'm gonna split the difference and say the Rams have moments of brilliance in an otherwise disappointing game, but they still end up with enough to move on. I'll take the Rams in a clumsy, hard-fought 24-20 victory (Cowboys and the under).

Chargers @ Pats (-4) (o/u 47)
The Pats didn't look as good as usual this year: Gronk is probably done, Brady looks a little Eli-ish out there at times, the WR's are dropping passes. But the defense is underappreciated and they've still got enough veteran smarts to get a playoff game in Foxboro. The Chargers are the vagabond team playing well enough on offense and better-than-expected on defense. The weather will not be in the Chargers' favor but I don't think the weather looks to work for the Pats either. Rather than crazy pass happy shootout a Brady-Rivers game would suggest, I think this'll be a sludgey, slow, ground control game where field position makes all the difference. And I think the Chargers make more plays than the Pats. I'll take the Chargers 17-14 (Chargers and the under)

Eagles @ Saints (-8) (o/u 51)
The Saints have the QB and the defense to be the best in the league, their home field advantage is immense and their ability to steal games late means they've never out of it--even when they're not playing well. The Eagles are the improbable defending champs who are improbably looking to do the improbable all over again. I think the Eagles caught the Bears not ready for prime time, but I don't think they'll find the Saints in the same mood. But the Saints can make mistakes and the Eagles got nothing to lose, so I think this will be an exciting game that goes right to the end. I'll take the Saints 31-27 (Eagles and the over).