How we doing folks good to be back. So transparently, I set a New Years resolution to write 2 blogs a week, and uh well, I haven’t. But hey no time like the present right!! Lets get the ball rolling in the right direction and dust off the keyboard shall we?

So as I’m sure you’re aware unless you’re living under a rock, this coming weekend is SUPER Wild Card Weekend. SWCW is one of the best weekends in sports among the ranks of the first 2 rounds of March Madness, The Masters, and I guess that’s really it right maybe those few chances at the Sports Equinox but it does not get better than this coming weekend. 2 games Saturday, 3 Games Sunday, and a Monday Night Football to close it all out. Let’s get into it shall we?

Saturday Game 1: The Cleveland Browns @ The Houston Texans

Not to recycle a joke from one of my favorite podcasts (and direct competition, sup Big Cat) but the Houston Texans are right back in their rightful early Wild Card Saturday spot where they belong. I want to say that this Texans team is a bit different than the Texans team(s) that earned the coveted position back in the JJ Watt Deshaun Watson D Hop days, but it’s really not. All eyes are going to be on CJ Stroud here and rightfully so. Stroud has had a fantastic season minus the few games he missed after the Jets rung his bell in that gross rain game back in December. He’s really been the difference making catalyst on a team that to many really had no business being anywhere near where they are today. After a straight up choke job from the Jags (sorry Fassino but facts are facts here) and a nail biter of a Week 18 Saturday game, the Texans were able to clinch their division and earn themselves a home playoff game. I don’t want to say they lucked into a playoff spot because I don’t think that’s necessarily true despite the Colts also blowing that game, but they definitely lucked into winning that division that’s for sure. I am excited to see what these guys have to offer come Saturday, they’re playing with house money here as they still get their bearings as a franchise, but I do think they’re running into a juggernaut.

I wish nothing but ill will towards the putrid franchise that is the Cleveland Browns, not so much to their players but just their front office. I hate how they handled the Baker Mayfield situation and off the back of that signed a QB that has a controversial past with probably the worst contract in the history of the sport. That being said, there is not denying that this team is among the few you don’t want to be running into during the playoffs. They have what could be considered the scariest defense in the NFL and are living out my dream as a Jets fan (ride the coattails of your D with a subpar offense that just does the bare minimum to get by). The Brown’s D has allowed a scoring drive on just 23% of all drives throughout the regular season and with the inconsistencies we’ve seen with the Texans this year, that can prove to be a problem. And if the D doesn’t scare you as much as it should, check the calendar. What month is it?

January Fucking Joe. Now you might be saying “Jerry, Flacco is so washed he’s got nothing left in the tank”. Wrong, so wrong. 1,616 yards and 13 TDs in just 6 games played ice cold out of the TV booth. This man has done more offensively in 5 games than the Jets did all season, it’s wild that he is performing at this level at this age and I couldn’t be happier for him. Wild that its just happening in a Browns uniform, something tells me that the Lions Rams game won’t be the only “homecoming” we see in this playoffs.

As far as the game itself goes, I’m picking the Browns to win and the Under at 44.5. I think the Cleveland D is going to do exactly what they get paid to do and give the Texans a problem while Mr. Elite throws 40 yard bombs down the field.

Saturday Game 2: The Miami Dolphins @ The Kansas City Chiefs

I hate the Miami Dolphins so fucking much, I think they’re a joke. All bark, not bite, at least not when it matters. Sure, they set the all time offensive points record which was all great and fun, but lets see what they’re able to do when it counts. I do like Mike McDaniel, I think he’s a cool dude that coaches unconventionally but I don’t think the team around him will be able to get anything done. They’re going into this game with a few key offensive weapons still being shaken up so there’s really no telling how that’s going to work out. They can always just chuck the ball down the field and hope that Tyreek is there somewhere cause he usually is and it usually works. They’re also not the worst team on D and I do think they’ll be able to give some problems to the already struggling KC passing game.

Taylor Swift sucked the soul out of Travis Kelce, prove me wrong. Seriously, he was my first overall pick in fantasy this year and the minute the circus started his production has dropped tremendously. That being said, he’s due. Does it come Saturday? I’m not too sure but it’s coming (it’s been coming but like I said at the top of the blog no time like the present right!!!). KC has had their woes all season long, Mahomes is still the man but in the words of Giselle he can’t throw catch and run the ball all at the same time. KC has really been struggling in the passing game at no fault to Pat, he was able to get by last year but this year we saw the departure of Tyreek really take a toll. Big dropped pass after big dropped pass, some key moments ruined that honestly would’ve allowed the Chief’s season to work out a little differently. Pachecko was able to pick up the slack where the passing game was hurting with just under 1k rushing yards this year and Harrison Butcker has been as reliable as ever just missing 2 kicks all season long while going 5 for 5 for 50+. The story for KC this year has been their defense. Not quite as scary as Cleveland’s, but they’ve definitely been the ones winning their games. KC’s D has been able to hold their opponents to 17 points on average for the season and when you have Pat Mahomes under center you have no issue picking up 20 to win those games.

Mark me down for KC to cover the spread and Under 44.5. This game is going to be COLD. The combination of the artic tundra and the home field advantage that is Arrow Head Stadium we’re going to see Tua and the Dolphins struggle here allowing KC to easily cover the 4.5. Now the under play comes from an interesting tip I got from some gambler on Instagram that pretends he’s in anonymous. Basically the referee that is doing this game has had like 13 of his last 15 go under or something like that, I don’t know fuck it mask off we’re riding with the scary guy who changes his voice. Oh yeah, I’ll take the over on TSwift TV appearances too, locked that in at 6.5.

On to the Lord’s Day.

Sunday Game 1: The Pittsburgh Steelers @ The Buffalo Bills

You wanna talk about playing with house money? Look no further than the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers have no business making it to the dance, but after a 10-7 season it’s hard to keep them out of it. Another masterclass of coaching from Mike Tomlin to keep his over .500 streak alive, he was able to take this rag tag group to the playoffs. We saw 3 different QBs under center for the Black and Yellow this year with Kenny, Mitch and now Mason Rudolph leading the charge. While Rudolph hasn’t exactly been ice, he’s doing a serviceable enough job to help his team be the third AFC North squad in the playoffs. Najee Harris has been a difference maker with this offense rushing for over 1k yards this season along with his RB counterpart Jaylen Warren going for 785 yards. That’s as solid as a 1-2 punch a running back tandem can get. Mix that in with George Pickens finally coming into his own with over 1,100 receiving yards and 5 TDs, you can’t exactly call them an offensive juggernaut, but they’re nothing to sleep on. They’re also tough on the other side of the ball, however the steel curtain lost a crucial part with the injury TJ Watt suffered in week 18. That’s a tough loss for the D here, especially that late in a week 18 game, but I guess when you’re playing for the rest of your season you have to put it all on the line. It seems as if Watt will be able to make a return if the Steelers can get out of the Wild Card, but I don’t know how likely that’ll be.

Moving up to the Western New York Darlings, the Buffalo Bills are not a team I would want to face in the playoffs this year. The Bills got hot at the perfect time after a very slow start that made people myself included start asking questions about their operations. Josh Allen has been as valuable as a teammate as ever, finishing the regular season with over 4,300 yards and 29 TDs. However, Josh is still being Josh and is still making those mistakes at crucial times he always had. We would’ve thought that by now with 5 years under his belt he’d start to wise up but it doesn’t seem as much. I love Josh, I love the undying allegiance all my friends have that root for the Bills, but he needs to be smarter. While Josh has been making a substaintial difference with his legs, he’s also been putting that rocket arm to good use. Stefon Diggs finished the season yet again over 1,000 yards averaging nearly 70 yards a game with 6 targets despite all the drama that is surrounding him. Gabe Davis has also been noticeable in the fold, but he did suffer an injury Sunday night against Miami that leaves him questionable for the Wild Card. Buffalo finally figured themselves out a run game with James Cook this year so be on the lookout for him to be a difference maker not only in this game but all playoffs long. Buffalo’s D isn’t what it once was, but they’ve been doing more than a serviceable job all season long helping them not only win the division but finish up 11-6.

I do think the Bills win this game outright, however, the spread is set at 10 and I don’t think they will cover. I’m personally taking the Steelers +10 here and not touching the O/U, but I’d be remised to say that the Bills will be playing their best football when there are no expectations surrounding them which is exactly what we have here. I’m definitely rooting for a nice Bills run, them against the Ravens for the AFC will be a game for the ages.

Sunday Game 2: The Green Bay Packers @ The Dallas Cowboys

The Big Cheese made it to the dance, if you would’ve told me that in August I don’t think I would’ve believed you. Jordan Love really shocked me and the rest of the NFL faithful this year. While he didn’t have a super stellar season, he definitely looked like he belonged. I faded them week 1 against the Bears and was shown the truth real quick. The Packers have a decent amount of offensive weapons in their arsenal and they’re all being utilized. Starting with one of the best RB tandems in the league, Jones and Dillion, they will not hesitate to shove the ball down your throat. Jones being at the forefront of things this season with just over 650 yards on the ground this year, not only can he kill you rushing but can also do some damage in the receiving game as well. His biggest advisory though, is staying healthy which this year he definitely struggled with. Receiving wise, the trio of Watson, Doubs and Reed really keep you guessing since there’s really not a clean cut number one. You lock down Doubs, you’re still worrying about the other two and Love does a great job at distributing the rock. Sprinkle in the rookie TE Tucker Craft who’s been another favorite target of Love’s and the Packers really might have the chance to shock the world here. They’re 4-1 in their last 5 against America’s team so keep that in the back of your mind despite the fact that the playoffs are a whole different beast.

How about dem Cowboys?? Well, what about them? I’ll tell you, they’re frauds, straight up. Have they been playing like frauds? No, not exactly, but you and I both know how this is all going to work out for them. Credit where credit is due, Dak is having himself a great year, 4,500 yards in the air and 36 touchdowns it definitely looks like he’s turned over a new leaf. That, or their stud WR Ceedee Lamb finally decided to play football to the best of his ability and I definitely think that’s the main reason for the success. Ceedee has the most receptions in the NFL at 135 catches for 1750 yards this year and it’s nothing short of impressive. He’s definitely (finally) coming into his own playing as every fantasy owner always wished year after year. He’s accompanied by Brandin Cooks who hasn’t been as prevalent, but in the event that Lamb is locked down which I’m guessing he will be, Cooks serves as a great second look. Pollard had somewhat of a quiet year, at least comparatively speaking, he did break 1k rushing but I feel as if he didn’t take the next step most thought he would. Dallas definitely has the defensive edge in this game, but I do think this bout will be among the higher scoring ones of the weekend.

Get ready for what I want to say will be my first incorrect prediction of this blog, the Packers will upset the Cowboys. I think it’s perfect here, and while first timers rarely show up in the playoffs historically, I think this could serve as a different narrative. Like I said, they’re frauds and even if they do bounce the Cheeseheads, they won’t be making it past the divisional round.

Sunday Game 3: Los Angeles Rams @ Detroit Lions

Matty Staff returns home in a playoff matchup we never thought we’d see. We’ll get to the Lions and their great season shortly, but how about the Rams man. No one and I mean no one saw this coming. Credit to Mcvay and the squad for this run they’re on. Stafford had a decent year after battling some injuries, but honestly after suffering what could’ve been a career ending injury last year I’m just happy he’s doing what he’s doing. This has really been the story of the rookies, Kyren Williams and Puka Nacua. Both lower round draft picks coming out of absolutely no where being the difference maker in the LA offense all season long. Williams finished the year 1,100 total yards and 12 TDs proving to be a threat both on the ground and in the air. Puka finished up with just under 1,500 yards and 6 TDs but every single outing he’s had you know he’s there. Not to mention was the darling of the 2023 Fantasy Football season. Kupp is definitely in the mix but not quite what he was during his triple crown season. After spending some time on the IR this year, Kupp finished up with just under 750 yards and 5 TDs. Despite his regular season stats, you know he’s still going to be a force to be reckoned with during the post season. On the other side of the ball, LA’s D has been getting it done as expected. Again, not quite what they were once upon a time, but they do still have the scariest man in the NFL with Aaron Donald.

Now I don’t want to take anything away from Sunny Days in Detroit, I’m sure Pasq is going to be all over this game (probably not here on the blog, but definitely on our Youtube channel, be sure to check that out). Hats off to the Lions, we knew this was going to happen but I’m sure it still feels surreal for them. The first home playoff game since 1991 is sure to not disappoint. Goff has been the star of the show proving to be the 2nd best QB in the NFL statistically speaking this season. I’ve always been a Goff guy, even back in the LA days, and I’m very happy to see him flourishing with a team that deserves it. His number one target in St Brown has also had himself a fantastic year. Finishing with over 1,500 yards, he’s still very obviously playing with that chip on his shoulder and I’m sure it’ll never go away. Detroit may have the best running back tandem in the league with Gibbs and Montgomery. With Gibbs finishing just under 1K and Montgomery just over 1k, the even work load does wonders for them. 23 TDs between the two of them, it’s safe to say they’re going to be a force to be reckoned with come Sunday. Mix in a little bit of Sam Laporta who seems to be good to go for Sunday and the Lions are going to slice and dice with all different forms of offense. The downside to the Lions this year has been their defense. That being said, some key players made their return from injury and they do look new and improved so we shall see.

While this script is good enough for Hollywood, I’m sorry to say the buck stops there. I’m going to hammer, and I mean HAMMER the Lions here. If you think for a second that Detroit isn’t going to be getting up for their first home playoff game in over 25 years, in the words of Judas Priest “You Got Another Thing Coming”.

Monday Night Finale: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ The Philadelphia Eagles

Another team who was completely written off back in August makes it to the dance with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. All I have to say is, good for Baker Mayfield. I understand that a lot of people think he did this all to himself but I have always been a Baker supporter and I’m so happy to see him not only flourishing, but leading a team to the playoffs (even if they play in the worst division in football). Baker threw for just over 4k yards this year with a 64% completion rate, he didn’t set the world on fire but for a guy who’s been given the shit end of the stick time and time again that’s more than you can ask for. Catching his passes is none other than the Bucs 1-2 punch of Evans and Goodwin, still kicking together after all these years. Both WRs eclipsed the 1k mark this year and have 15 combined touchdowns. The real story of this offense though has been the emergence of Rachaad White who came as advertised. Finishing 10 yards shy of the 1k mark with 6 TDs, its only going to get better for this kid so who knows maybe they’re building something up in Tampa. Put this offense along with a solid D lead by Lavonte David, Devin White, and YaYa Diaby (sick name) and we’re going to a see a team that in the right place at the right time could pull some magic and upset the birds.

Speaking of the Birds, what the fuck is going on down on Broad Street? In the words of Neil Young, “It’s better to burn out than to fade away” but in the case of the Eagles I think it would just be best to win a god damn football game. AJ Brown isn’t happy, Swift has been non-existent, their coach is a jerkoff, and Jalen Hurts may be hurt? This isn’t looking good for them but that being said they are due so we shall see.

I’m sorry, I should’ve wrote more about Philly but I’m tired and the Rangers are getting murdered so let’s just be honest here, they’re winning this football game and I’ll be able to blog about a new and improved Eagles team during next week’s blog. Like I said, I’m taking Eagles Money Line, perhaps honestly maybe even the spread with it only being -3 and that’s been hitting all season long.

And that’s all she wrote folks, first blog of 2024 in the books here’s to many more. Those are my picks and break down of the games to come this weekend. If you want more (or if you’re cool and just want to support the boys) be sure to tune into our live preview show tomorrow night on the Youtube channel. What’s that? You don’t know where to find it? No worries, it’s going to be right here. Be sure to tune in to catch Pasq, Myself, and the rest of the boys break everything down and have a good time. We’ve been working pretty hard on that show, Pasq in particular so be sure to show it some love. I’ll be sure to write about these god forsaken Rangers at some point in the coming days and like I said I’m planning on doing preview blogs for the remaining rounds of the playoffs so I’ll see ya when I see ya.