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I know it’s officially the “Super Wild Card” playoff games right now. Other than to call it that, I would not call it that. (I prefer “Super Duper.”)
But what I will do with MDS is make a choice for the six games to be played this weekend.
Before that, we need to conclude some loose ends of the regular season.
For Week 17 I was 14-2 and MDS 13-3. He wins the regular season game, 167-91 to 164-94.
Against the spread, I went 96-1 and MDS was 8-7-1. For the year I am at 120-126-10 and he is 104-142-10.
We will put everything at 0-0 and whirl 13 post-season games. He is the choice for the first six of them.
Colts (+6.5) by Bills
MDS take: Indianapolis has a strong defense, but I just think Josh Allen has too many guns to pick out for the Colts to shut him down. Philip Rivers may play well, but in the end, Allen and the Bills will produce big enough plays to host a playoff game in the division round for the first time in 27 years.
MDS’s choice: Bills 28, Colts 24.
Florio takes: The Colts need to turn the running game around and take the full 40 seconds of the game clock as often as possible, keeping Bills fullback Josh Allen on the sidelines for as long as possible. The substitutes have to chase Allen up and release him as a runner – like last year in the play-offs – and trust that he will not be reckless with the ball like last year.
Florio’s choice: Bills 34, Colts 20.
Frame (+3.5) by Seahawks
MDS take: The Rams defense should play well against Russell Wilson, but I’m not sure if I can trust the Rams offense, regardless of whether Jared Goff or John Wolford are in the quarterfinals. I like Seattle to win a close, low points ladder.
MDS’s choice: Seahawks 16, Frame 13.
Florio takes: Russell Wilson gets too deep in his career to give a chance to improve his legacy in a team that will most likely be led by John Wolford.
Florio’s choice: Seahawks 24, Frame 21.
Buccaneers (-8.5) in Washington
MDS take: It’s a tighter game than people think, as Washington’s defense is in line with Tampa Bay’s offense. In the end, I think Tom Brady plays a great piece, Alex Smith falls short and the Buccaneers penetrate.
MDS’s choice: Buccaneers 20, Washington 14.
Florio takes: The key to stopping Tom Brady is to push him in the middle. Even then, the opponent must score points. Washington will not be able to score enough unless Chase Young has on his own multiple attacks.
Florio’s choice: Buccaneers 31, Washington 14.
Ravens (-3.5) by Titans
MDS take: The Ravens arrive strong at the right time, and the defense of the Titans is very suspicious. I think Lamar Jackson will have a great game as he achieves his first playoff victory.
MDS’s choice: Ravens 31, Titans 30.
Florio takes: The Ravens have won all five straight de facto playoffs. This is the best way to flip the narrative that they can not win in the playoffs.
Florio’s choice: Ravens 27, Titans 21.
Bere (+10.5) by Saints
MDS take: The Saints have the best defense Mitchell Trubisky has faced this season, and I don’t think he’s going to take on the challenge. New Orleans will win comfortably.
MDS’s choice: Saints 27, Bere 20.
Florio takes: Another complicated exit of the post-season could threaten the Saints. But not on Sunday.
Florio’s choice: Saints 30, Bere 20.
Bruines (+6) by Steelers
MDS take: The Browns barely won last week, when they had everything to play for and the Steelers had nothing to play for. This week, the Steelers show that they are the better team.
MDS’s choice: Steelers 30, Browns 17.
Florio takes: We’re about to find out how valuable a good coach is, based on the absence of Cleveland’s head coach.
Florio’s choice: Steelers 27, Bruines 17.