This weekend we have another football extravaganza. It gets much more interesting with the recent catastrophes put behind us. Cincinnati may not be moving on, but Vontaze Burfict left his imprint on the Steelers by laying out Big Ben, Antonio Brown, and Le’Veon Bell. Meanwhile, Minnesota’s FG kicker Blair Walsh visited the 1st grades that sent him letters of support after his miss. I wonder what their parents would have told him.
But I digress.
Saturday, Jan. 16
AFC Div. Game 1: Kansas City Chiefs vs. New England Patriots, 1:35 p.m., CBS
NFC Div. Game 1: Arizona Cardinals vs. Green Bay Packers, 5:15 p.m., NBC
Sunday, Jan. 17
NFC Div. Round Game 2: Carolina Panthers vs. Seattle Seahawks, 10:05 a.m., FOX
AFC Div. Round Game 2: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Denver Broncos, 1:40 p.m., CBS
KC and NE. This is yet another shot for Young Sir Alex to put his stamp on another playoff run. He famously bootlegged his way to an epic win over the Saints, and score 41 points only to lose to the Colts a couple years ago. Would love to see Alex Squeak this one out.
KC 35 – NE 31
Cards and Packers? This will likely be the biggest snoozer as AZ crushes Aaron Rodgers and Co. Green Bay has been shakey all year, and this one is no different. AZ at home will not be denied.
AZ 41 – GB 17
Sunday’s fare includes Carolina vs Seattle. This one looks like the best matchup of the weekend. Seattle is on fire, but dodged a huge bullet in Minnesota last week. They likely come out very focussed. I think Carolina finally gets past someone in a low-scoring affair.
Carolina 20 – Sea 16
Pittsburgh and Denver? This one is a quandary. Pittsburgh is banged-up and battered after their epic confrontation in Cincy last week. Denver is coming off the triumphant return of Peyton Manning handing off the ball a few times to seal their last win, so this one is iffy depending on Big Ben’s status. I find it hard to think he’ll miss this. Another low scoring one though.
Pitts 21 – Denver 16
What do you guys think?
Forty Niners Forever 
Hmmmm, I’m a believer in playoff experience going a long way so that will be influencing a couple of my picks.
NE 21-17
AZ 31-17
Seattle 26-23
Denver 16-10
They all have a decent amount of playoff time so that may not be as big a factor as you might think.
The only one I’m real iffy on though is Seattle. I haven’t seen enough of Carolina to know if they are as good as perceived.
Jesus, saw some mock drafts that have us taking Paxton Lynch.
I think we need a WR like Laquon Treadwell. Or that Doctson kids from Ole Miss. in the 2nd.
Too early for mock drafts, they change month to month.
I hope Carolina wins and wins big!!
Doubt we draft Lynch now that we have Kelly. Although his last name could be enticing to him. lqtm.
I think Kelly makes Lynch a bigger possibility.
RGIII coming to the Niners? That’s on Skeeb’s blog. Holy BLEEP! How many coaches will walk the plank?
That new Ram logo doesn’t impress anyone. Fans in LA want the bright yellow not the dull gold color.
They should go back to teh dark blue and white.
Yeah but in LA being bright and garish is a plus. Bad taste is celebrated in LA.
I love how you all just fall in line so quickly.
V falls in the bathroom and can’t get up! “HELP” he cries out, where’s Joe Montana?
Chip Douglas Hiring.
Unca_chuck: Cool hiring but man he’s not going to draft my guy.
Flavor: I would accept anyone so I guess he’s better than anyone.
Irish Kevin: I’m just glad they hired someone.
Nipper: I’m with anything you guys say.
Reno: I’ll back anyone who wears our colors and will refuse to complain.
Rob: I’m thrilled we just have a coach.
Luker: We didn’t get who we wanted but that’s all right Go Niners!
Winder: What line am I suppose to be in and who am I suppose to follow?
NJ49er: I don’t really care lets just get this season started.
12th Man: I really can’t form an opinion so what ever these guys say I’m with them.
Flying V: Joe! Bill! Eddie! Why isn’t it 1988? All we need to do is go back in time!
Fucking V can’t even spell ‘chiefs’.
Just don’t get locked in the bathroom again, V. Piss in the yard.
I heard on the radio from a Philly scribe that Kelly’s people skills make Harbs look like Monty Hall…
John don’t know why you and Nip got caught in the spam filter but I released them.
Ouch!
Thanks Chuck.
KC should be in much better shape this game. That fumble was a killer. Still and all, down one score.
KC got barbecued.
The Patriots again….bleh.
Palmer missed an easy TD there. He looks bad.
Packers are winning with their 3rd and4th string WRs.
Palmer lucks out wildly on that TD.
Wow. Aaaaaaron bounces that one. Weird ass game.