Divisional Round Guesses (2016 Edition)

I so wanted to get the Pittsburgh/Cincinnati game wrong and I almost did. But I can't control it if a team decides to implode. Likewise with Minnesota. How do you shank a 27-yard kick? But that makes me 4 for 4 so far in picks.

Anyway, here's the slate for this weekend:

Game 1: #5 Kansas City Chiefs at #2 New England Patriots

It's almost unfortunate that the NFL is putting what will probably be the best game on first. Every logical mind says that you just don't bet against the Patriots in New England, no matter how hot the other team is. But, there is a chance. Tom Brady is about the only healthy person on that team and it shows in that the Patriots have lost four of their last six games. Some of the key players will be coming back from their injuries for this game and certainly the bye week helped with that. But Kansas City is on a roll and New England does not have that good of a defense. If Brady can get his players going, they can win a shootout game. Likewise, if Jeremy Maclin re-injures himself in any way, Kansas City will lose a lot in the passing game and could become one dimensional. But with the deck stacked as it is, I'm inclined to think that the Chiefs will maintain their momentum, albeit in a close game.

Pick: Kansas City Chiefs

Game 2: #5 Green Bay Packers at #2 Arizona Cardinals

Washington failed to do what must happen to beat Green Bay: get after Aaron Rogers. I don't see Arizona having that problem. Arizona was laughably bad in their final game against Seattle, but there may have been players pulled in that game. Or the players realized that it didn't matter since Carolina was winning their game. I don't expect Arizona to be distracted in this game. Green Bay is a walking wounded team and they are going to be missing even more players when they square off Saturday night. There is always a chance that the Green Bay offensive line manages to get Rogers some protection, but I doubt it. I think a high sack count and a lopsided night for Arizona is in the offering.

Pick: Arizona Cardinals

Game 3: #6 Seattle Seahawks at #1 Carolina Panthers

I think if this were any other team than Seattle, Carolina could be caught napping, looking ahead to the NFC Championship. But Carolina hates Seattle. They were furious at being knocked out of the playoffs by the Seahawks last year and their intensity when they played Seattle earlier this season showed. The Seahawks looked a bit more human and should have lost to Minnesota. But they'll be playing in warmer weather and with another playoff victory under their belt. Still, Carolina was able to beat Seattle in Seattle. Now Carolina will be on their own turf and well rested. Seattle may hang in for a bit, but I expect Carolina will bring down the hammer as the game progresses.

Pick: Carolina Panthers

Game 4: #6 Pittsburgh Steelers at #1 Denver Broncos

This should be the most lopsided game of all. Ben Roethlesburger is injured and if he plays, may not be able to throw the ball further than ten yards. DeAngelo Williams is still listed as day-to-day and may not be available. Antonio Brown has been officially ruled out for the game. So you have a potential of a back up QB, a back up RB, and no #1 WR going up against the #1 defense in the NFL. The only way Pittsburgh stays in this game is if Peyton Manning throws multiple interceptions that are returned for TDs and I doubt the coaching staff is going to let him. Denver will focus on the run and Manning will be kept to short passes, with an occasional deep ball to keep the Pittsburgh defense from cheating up too far. If he throws a pick on a deep route, it'll function more like a punt with less potential of being run back. I also expect Manning to be on a short leash with Oswiller being ready to go if Manning starts throwing picks. Again, like the Cincinnati game, I can't see Pittsburgh winning without Denver actively working to lose the game.

Pick: Denver Broncos