Kevin’s Rad Picks: Wildcard Weekend
The NFL Playoffs are finally here. Now, you might be wondering why I didn't do my picks the last several weeks. Couple things: one, for Week 15 I did a video and that fell apart.
I'll do you a favor make a short story shorter, no one bothered to edit the video. Looking back, it was probably the wrong week to do it because the class took a field trip on that Thursday and I was sick on that Friday, but still, that's not a valid excuse for this video to be tossed.
I mean, I spent a good 15 bucks on that video that I didn't have to begin with (because it was my Mom’s money) and for everyone to just ignore the comedy gold that it was, it’s a real shame.
And then after that I had lots of real work to do, and then we had break, and I had a research paper to write, and just a bunch of other stuff. Evidently, my picks got pushed to the wayside.
To be honest, I probably would’ve been wrong on most of them anyway. So, not counting the picks that will never be shown, I ended 14-14-2 this regular season.
Now, it’s playoff time, and my record from the regular season is in the rear view mirror. My picks now will be hotter and more correct than ever before. So, without further ado, let’s get these wildcard picks out of the way.
Tennessee @ Kansas City: Kansas City (-8.5)
Kansas City has been getting hot at the right time and Tennessee is still a very mediocre team that just squeaked their way into the playoffs.
Yes, I know the line is -8.5 but I believe Kansas City will have no problem steamrolling over Tennessee. Also, everyone pretty much hates that Tennessee got in over Philip Rivers and the Chargers. No? Just me? Fine.
Anyway, time will only tell whether this Kansas City squad can live up to the expectations they set after their week one manhandling of the Pats.
Atlanta @ Rams: Rams (-6)
Okay, I know said these takes would be hot but come on, I couldn’t resist. Jared Goff, I mean, what a year for this young man. He led the NFL in pass efficiency, coming off a year that he was ranked the worst QB in the NFL by NFL.com.
This kid is something, I can even make the argument that he can be considered elite. He has looked so good this year, especially for only being 23 years old. He proved this year that last year was a fluke and now he has the chance to take this team deep into the playoffs.
The pieces are in place, but it’s ultimately up to him, who I believe in. It should be a close game, but in the end I believe Goff can pull it off and send the team who loves to choke back to Atlanta with another disappointing season.
Buffalo @ Jacksonville: Buffalo (+8.5)
OKAY, now this might be the hottest take I take. Being a Pittsburgh fan, I was happy that the Ravens choked hard and lost to the Bengals.
My heart, along with everyone who has one, melted when all the videos came out showing Bills Mafia going crazy. It brought a tear to my eye. It reminded me of what I felt, as an Islanders fan, when the Isles won a playoff round for the first time in 23 years.
I've become connected with Bills fans, and I believe that their players, after seeing those videos as well, will play god-like against the Jags. The Jags lost to that very mediocre Titans team last week with all their starters.
They looked terrible, and if that kind of play continues into this weekend, who needs LeSean McCoy? I believe in the Bills and Bills Mafia, and you should too. Take the Bills and thank me later.
Carolina @ New Orleans: New Orleans (-7)
The Saints are good, and yes, I say that a lot because it’s true. Being this is the first time they've made the playoffs in 4 years, Drew Brees and company. should be able to make ends meet in a major way.
The Saints beat the Panthers twice already this season, the first time by 21 and the second time by 10. The Saints have all the pieces in place to go far, and if they can't pull it together this season, they're young enough and will still be good enough to do it again next season.
As for Carolina, I hate Cam Newton. He had that one good year (2015) and since then, he's been mediocre at best. Yet, he still walks around like he’s an elite Quarterback.
Let me tell you something, Cam, Joe Flacco is the only elite QB I will ever respect, and is the only one that should even hold that title. So calm it down with the antics and just try to get good.
And, should I remind you he has exhibited questionable behavior towards women? I can go on for hours. I’m just piling up the reasons to go with the Saints this Sunday.
Well, there you have it. After a short break, I’m back to being 100% right on my picks. While there’s a good chance I won't watch any of these games live, I’m excited for what’s to come ahead. There’s a few good games this weekend, but next weekend is when the real fun begins. Until then, stay warm, sit back, relax, and enjoy some good old January football.