I pick the Green Bay Packers
This one was tough. But the fact that the Rams are starting Goff, and he just had pins put in his thumbs less than a month ago, is what finally checked the Packers box for me. Not to say if they were trotting out Wofford it would've made a difference. But a QB with only 9 fingers in the playoffs against Aaron Rodgers, in a season that he could legitimately win the MVP, is not a recipe for success.
The Rams defense will not be able to bail them out of this one. Rodgers and Adams are going to be nuts this weekend, add in Lambeau, which means it's gonna be COLD. Back the Pack.
I pick the Kansas City Chiefs
Seriously. Do I even have to say anything here? Lightning is not going to strike in a bottle... on the weekend... against the opponents of the Browns... twice in one season. Pat Mahomes is still an wizard at QB, and I don't see Mayfield and the Browns being able to overcome that. Cleveland may get the benefit of a little bye week rust, and the fact that the Chiefs have been playing down to their competition. But once we get into the 2nd quarter, I fully expect the Chiefs to drop the tomahawk and put the Browns back to sleep.
I pick the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
As difficult as this was, I still can't go against Brady in the playoffs. More than that, the Bucs defense is REAL, and NASTY, and when they start pinning their ears back and going after Drew Brees, this could get ugly. Add to that, the revenge factor for the Bucs... AND that it's horribly difficult to beat a team, any team, three times in a single season. I think the stars are aligned for a decisive win where the Bucs move to the NFC Championship game to face the Green Bay Packers. Which, let's admit it, is the game we all want to see.
I pick the Baltimore Ravens
C'mon! You knew this was coming. The Ravens are THAT team in the playoffs right now. They are the hott team, just like the Titans were last year. The one factor that will give the Bills an edge that they can really exploit is going to be the weather. It's supposed to snow. And that could be detrimental to the Ravens. But, my belief is the Ravens will lock down the run game, like they are known to do, and come out with a win. And to be honest I think it's going to be decisive. Not a blowout, but probably a touchdown or so. I take the Ravens, just as you expected.