It was crazy to see the Jets lose out on the playoffs. They had a solid year. Meanwhile dumpster fire teams like the Texans and Skins make it in...lol I would have liked to root for the Jets to mess up someone's Super Bowl dreams.

gamerforlifeforever2 : Bengals were going to lose no matter who they played and really the Jets were an overall better team than the Steelers have been all season. But you are entitled to your own opinion. I mean heck, the Bengals have had a tough time even beating the Texans in recent years. So if you thought the Jets would have been an easy out, I think you might be drinking a little too much of the kool-aid ;-)

Jordanv78 : If Andy Dalton wouldn't have got injured in week 14, then the Bengals would've been the #1 seed, the Jets would've made the playoffs and laid an egg against the Broncos, and the Bengals would've had an excellent chance of making it to Super Bowl 50. If only that injury wouldn't have happened, then your Bengals hate would make your statements look bad.

gamerforlifeforever2 : I don't hate the Bengals. I just realize they aren't as good as their record might suggest is all. Dalton and Lewis have never won a playoff game for a reason. Just sayin. Especially with Eifert dinged up too. Their chances are slim.

Every team deals with injuries. It's the way it goes.

Well this should be an interesting opening week of the NFL playoffs!

The Bengals Steelers game is full of a lot of intrigue. Dalton still injured (like I had assumed) and now we can see if AJ can come in and get it done. It helps the Bengals bigtime that D Williams is injured for the Steelers. That's a huge hit for them. Honestly, with no run game to really balance out their passing attack, I think that really helps out the Bengals defense a lot...Should be interesting. Maybe they can win a game after all.

I'm also kinda figuring that the Seahawks will school the Vikings and the Packers will do the same to the Skins...I also found it weird that as of yesterday, not ONE HOME TEAM WAS FAVORED for this weekend. Not sure If I remember that ever happening before in my lifetime.

Jordanv78 : Really? I would imagine that it's at least happened once in recent history during the wild card round. That's four games between, normally, closely-bound teams, after all.

SWTerra : It's not very common at all in Vegas odds to not have a home team favored. Generally the team with the "Home Field" was the team with the better record although that's not always the case. It may have happened before, but I just don't remember it happening.

Jordanv78 : True enough. And even if it has happened recently, I doubt it's been this significant in every away team's favor.

The only line that's even up for debate to me is Bengals/Steelers. Both sides have pretty key injuries to their offense, so I feel like I can expect to watch a pretty defensive game. But who knows?

Chiefs/Texans is a very odd matchup, and I'm really not sure how to rate it myself. Kansas City is certainly coming in more hot than any of the other playoff teams, after starting a garbage 1-5. It's amazing how teams can sometimes turn around. At the same time, the Texans have played much better down the stretch. Even then, I'd place more bets on the Chiefs than the Texans. Even without their all-star running back, they'll have the tools to rip through the Texans defense, and if that does happen, Houston will not win a shootout. If the defense does get pressure on Alex Smith, though, it could be a very different game. The game's outcome might come down to how well the Texans defense plays, but they would have to play nearly lights-out to get a chance.

Both of the NFC matchups feel much more skewed. I don't even expect Seahawks/Vikings to be a game, and it will be a perfect example of why you can't be a one-dimensional team and win in the playoffs.

Packers/Redskins is another case of the Wild Card team having the better record, and the better team, than the division winner they're up against. Chiefs/Texans is the other case in this Wild Card round. I just don't see the Redskins winning this one.

So this weekends games wound up being pretty interesting after all!

Although Vegas was right (not one home team won?) I guess no real surprises happened on paper, but what wound up being interesting was the WAY some of these teams lost.

1. Bengals v Steelers - What a crazy finish to that game! Bengals wound up losing the game in the most "Bengals-y" way possible. Although that game probably wouldn't have even been close if it wasn't for Burfict knocking Roethlisberger out of the game for awhile.

Aside from Burfict and Jones totally unraveling and wrecking the game for their team, the biggest turning point was probably Hills fumble. Still though, people need to hold the two players accountable for totally falling apart at the end and costing their team the win. Sad that this game will more so be remembered for that, and not for some of the crazy play on the field over the last few mins of the game.

2. Seahawks v Vikings - Crazy that Lynch didn't play after practicing all week?!? Not sure what happened there, but the Kicker missing a 27 yard FG that any kicker in the NFL would normally make is just not acceptable...and some people wonder why there's so much hatred for kickers.

3. Packers vs Skins - Is anyone really surprised here? Rodgers did what he does best and the Redskins just can't get consistent pressure on QB's. That, along with their sub-par running game really did them in.

4. KC vs Texans - Another game I'm not as surprised about who won, but more so that the Texans didn't even put up a fight. Hoyer is HORRIBLE and looked like he had no business playing in that big of a game. To be shut out in the playoffs at home 30-0 is a bitter pill to swallow.

I actually liked KC's chances of getting to the AFC title game, but now with Maclin hurt, I'm not sure they are going to have the firepower to get to that point. Fingers crossed though!

I still can't believe how idiotic Burfict and Jones were at the end of the Steelers game, getting both of those personal foul penatlies, giving the Steelers kicker an easy field goal. Another thing that still bothers me is how some of the fans started cheering and throwing bottles at Ben as he was being carted off the field. I mean, I understand how upset everyone was after that dirty hit that Gio took on the previous drive, but still, it's totally uncalled for and it makes the entire fanbase look bad.

This isn't exactly postseason related, but since it actually happened during the postseason, I'm guessing it's ok to talk about. The Rams are going back to L.A. I feel bad for the St. Louis fans, seeing that now they don't have a team to cheer for... I really hope that the Chargers won't follow, because there doesn't need to be a 2nd team in L.A.

It's too early for me to pick a team that I'm going to be really rooting for because now there's multiple teams who I share a little bit of feelings for in a way inlcuing the Patriots, Seahawks, Packers, and Broncos. If I had to pick between two, I would want either the Broncos or the Seahawks to win it all.

If I can, I'll defiently be watching parts of the Broncos game on Sunday.

I picked all the teams right to start out the first weekend of the playoffs in the Wild Card Round. I didn't even realize that it was also the first time in NFL history that all 4 road teams won in the same playoff weekend. That is pretty crazy!

Anyways, my picks for this weekend will be:

Patriots over Chiefs
Steelers over Broncos
Cardinals over Packers
Seahawks over Panthers

Hopefully I will keep my unblemished record in the postseason.

gamerforlifeforever2 : For the record, I don't think you should feel that bad for St. Louis fans. They should be able to start cheering for the Chiefs now XD

Stuff happens, and teams move. That's the way it is in pro sports. I mean its already happened a ton in the NFL, as well as long time standing franchises like the Sonics moving. Owners always looking for the next town to get a free stadium deal from with Taxpayers money. Especially for the smaller-market teams.

They can go from one of the lowest TV revenue earners, to the best just by moving to LA. I wouldn't' be surprised if the Chargers moved as well, since they are in DIRE need of a new stadium. I mean when you watch Charger home games, the stadium is almost always at least half-full with the opposing teams fans. Not a good look for a franchise.

What I found interesting was the fact that the Bengals owner voted down the Rams move. Mainly (based on reports) Because he didn't want the NFL to INCREASE revenue, because that would raise the salary floor and the average salaries he would have to pay for players. Basically saying he didn't want to EARN more because he would have to PAY more. That has to really irritate Bengals fans. No wonder the only have 5 postseason wins in their almost 50 year history and no postseason wins since 1991

As far as my predictions go, here' are my early picks. Although I might slightly adjust before game day due to injuries or weather issues.

Chiefs over Pats - This is all based off of how healthy Maclin is, and thus the other big players on the Pats side.

Broncos over Steelers - If Big Ben is as hurt as he says, and Brown can't play, the Steelers are going to have a real hard time even scoring in this game, let alone WIN on the road in what will probably be a cold game.

Cardinals over Pack - It's always a bad situation to pick against Rodgers, but I always root against the Pack and the Cardinals have been a very consistent team all year. Something that the Pack can't say. Let's just hope the layoff didn't hurt the Cards.

Panthers over Seahawks - Panthers have been strong all season, but they do have some injuries...but does Marshawn finally suit up this week? Only time will tell.

Well, Hue Jackson is now with the Browns... I honestly hoped the Bengals would've promoted him to be their head coach, but now that's not going to happen. Knowing the Browns though, they'll probably do to Hue what the Raiders did to him back when he was their head coach, get rid of him after like 1 or 2 seasons.

I did find it CRAZY that the Browns are on their 6th coach in 8 years. Just goes to show you how bad of a dumpster fire that organization has been for as long as I can remember.

I do agree that Hue got a raw deal with the Raiders. Seemed like he was getting them back to respectability. I do feel though, that he's better served as a coordinator than a head coach. Who knows though, maybe he's gotten better over the past couple seasons.

Jordanv78 : I honestly do think he could be a very successful head coach if he's with the right team and has a good cast of players to work with. Unfortunately for him, the Browns have neither, and they have a very bad habit of getting rid of head coaches after just a couple of years with the team. The Browns will get rid of him in a matter of time, and then they'll come to regret it once he is successful with whoever picks him up next.

Well you could say about a lot of coaches that they might be successful with the right players and stuff like that. I mean if ever coach had Aaron Rodgers on their team, I'm sure they would be a lot more successful. I guess what I feel makes a good coach is a guy that can take a group of players and form them into what the NEED to be. To help the players improve.

I do understand what you are saying though. At least Hue got the Browns to agree that if he was the coach of the team, that he wanted to move away from Manziel. I think they were already on that page anyways, but at least this way there's no confusion.

You know, I don't really care on who in fact wins Super Bowl 50, as long it's not New England.


This is my prediction in the playoffs..

Chiefs will beat the Patriots...
Because I hate New England, 'nuff said.

Steelers will beat the Broncos...
Because Pittsburgh has been on a roll recently, and with all the controversy revolving Manning recently, I see him loosing focus and lose against Pittsburgh, even dispite Big Ben's injury.

Cardinals will beat the Packers...
I haven't really watched both Arizona and Green Bay much this year, although I got to go with Arizona with this one, because they have been doing pretty good. Arizona's defense is pretty good and I don't see Green Bay going through Arizona.

Panthers will beat the Seahawks...
Just like I said about Pittsburgh, Carolina has also been on a roll all season, only losing a couple games, I don't think Seattle will past them, if they do, I would be surprised.


If this scenario plays out, I see this happening.

The Steelers will beat the Chiefs in the AFC Championship
The Panthers will beat the Cardinals in the NFC Championship

The Steelers will beat the Panthers in Super Bowl 50.

Well since IB did it, and I'm now eliminated from the Vizzed pickem thread, I'll post my predictions for the rest of the playoffs as well:

Patriots will beat the Chiefs: Chiefs hot streak comes to an end. As much as I hate the Patriots, I still say that the Patriots will win 24-16.

Broncos will beat up the Steelers: Broncos will win in the biggest blowout of the week. With Ben's injury, the Steelers offense won't be able to overcome the Broncos defense.  Peyton Manning, despite his decreasing arm strength, I think he will lead his team to a 34 point performance. Broncos win 34 - 16.

Cardinals will beat the Packers: Honestly, if the previous game isn't the biggest blowout of the week, then this one will. The Cardinals offense will put up close to 40 points against a lackluster Packers defense, and the lack of playmakers for Green Bay will give the Cardinals and easy win. Cardinals win 38 - 21

Panthers will beat the Seahawks: I see this one coming down to the last play, with Cam Newton throwing a game winning touchdown to Greg Olsen with no time left on the clock. Panthers win 28-26.

Broncos beat the Patriots in another epic Manning vs Brady battle 28-24.
Panthers beat the Cardinals in a defensive struggle 13-7

The Panthers beat the Broncos and win Super Bowl 50. The final score being 31-28.

Ugh. You people. 

Let me point something out to you.

The Chiefs are winning, no question. What makes you think the pats will win.

Julian Edleman returning? That's why we have a defense. 

Gronk? Eric Berry.

Partiots defense? Look what  the chiefs did to JJ Watt. 

And momentum means something in the NFL, and it's one thing the pats don't have. At all. 

Barathemos : As much as I'd love to see the Chiefs KO the Patriots, I just don't see them putting up enough points to win the game. Even if Jeremy Maclin is in the game, they still won't be able to match the Patriots. As great as the Chiefs D is, the Pats are still going to put a lot of points on the board, and unfortunately for KC, Jeremy Maclin is the only good wide receiver on their team. If he's out, then the Chiefs pretty much have zero chance of winning the game, sorry.