AFC

Previous: #1, won at Pittsburgh, 30-6

The Texans defense showed why they’re my pick to come out of the AFC. Defense travels. This team can win on the road and go all the way if CJ Stroud and the offense can limit the mistakes.

Next: at New England

Previous: #3, BYE

Broncos welcome Buffalo to Mile High after a week off. Denver is getting no respect, despite being the number one seed. They have a defense almost as good as Houston, though, and I think that’ll carry them to the next round.

Next: vs Buffalo

Previous: #5, won at Jacksonville, 27-24

Buffalo won a nail biter on the road in the wildcard round, and now they go back on the road to take on the number one seed. With Josh Allen, you can never count the Bills out, but the Broncos have a fierce defense.

Next: at Denver

Previous: #4, won vs LA Chargers, 16-3

New England dominated the Chargers despite an off day for Drake Maye and the offense. Houston is a different animal entirely.

Next: vs Houston

Previous: #2, lost vs Buffalo, 27-24

Jaguars had a shot, but fell short versus Buffalo in the Wildcard round.

Next: Free Agency Frenzy

Previous: #6, lost at New England, 16-3

The Chargers offense didn’t show up for the playoffs.

Next: Finding a new Offensive Coordinator

Previous: #7, lost vs Houston, 30-6

Ugly end to the Mike Tomlin era and possibly to Aaron Rodgers’ career.

Next: Finding a new Head Coach

NFC

Previous: #2, BYE

Seahawks sat back and relaxed, now they welcome an even more depleted San Francisco than the last time they beat them.

Next: vs San Francisco

Previous: #3, won at Carolina, 34-31

Rams survived another sloppy performance against Carolina to earn a trip to frigid Chicago.

Next: at Chicago

Previous: #4, won vs Green Bay, 31-27

Bears pulled off a comeback for the ages to oust their bitter rivals.

Next: vs LA Rams

Previous: #5, won at Philadelphia, 23-19

The Niners keep winning despite all the devastating injuries.

Next: at Seattle

Previous: #1, lost vs San Francisco, 23-19

The offensive issues that have plagued Philly all season ultimately did them in.

Next: Finding a new Offensive Coordinator

Previous: #6, lost at Chicago, 31-27

One of the all-time playoff collapses has Green Bay mulling their future.

Next: Deciding Matt Lafleur’s Fate

Previous: #7, lost vs LA RAMS, 34-31

Panthers acquitted themselves well in the first postseason appearance of the Bryce Young era.

Next: Free Agency Frenzy

Divisional Round Picks

Regular Season: 170-102 / 134-138

Playoffs: 4-2 / 5-1

The Buffalo Bills pulled off a road win against a very good Jacksonville team & Josh Allen is probably the best player left in the playoffs, but going to Denver to play the well rested Denver Broncos and that ferocious defense is a tall task.

The Bills have been the sexy pick in the AFC, but not for me. I’ll take the home dogs to win outright. DEN (+1.5)

Broncos 23-20

The San Francisco 49ers keep winning despite all the injuries, so it’s tough to pick against them. The Seattle Seahawks, however, are the number one seed for a reason. Their defense is elite and they shut down San Fran just two weeks ago.

I’ll pick the Niners to cover in a loss. SF (+7.5)

Seahawks 17-13

Drake Maye was a little shaky in his postseason debut against LA. The New England Patriots cannot afford that against the Houston Texans and that dominant defense.

The game is in New England, and CJ Stroud and the Texans offense have their own issues, but I think the Houston defense will give the Patriots fits. HOU (+3)

Texans 19-13

This game should provide plenty of fireworks because both the Chicago Bears and the Los Angeles Rams have high powered offenses and suspect defenses.

On paper, this looks like a mismatch. The Rams have been elite for most of the season, but they have scuffled down the stretch. The Bears are the team you can never count out and it will be frigid at Soldier Field.

I’ll take the home dogs to cover, but LA will probably win. CHI (+3.5)

Rams 35-34

My Evolving Super Bowl Pick

Seattle Seahawks over Houston Texans