Brandon Jackson

Raiders @ Bengals

The Raiders have been a good story. They have overcome great adversity just to make the playoffs. But this is football, not Disney (the game is on NBC not ESPN for you smart asses.)

Derek Carr has been great this season, and Maxx Crosby is a problem of the edge for Las Vegas. But I don’t believe they have enough to stop the Bengals’ offense on Saturday. Joe Burrow has left earth and been replaced with an alien since Christmas, and Ja’marr Chase and Tee Higgins have been unstoppable right along with him. Oh, and they have one of the most talented running backs I have ever personally seen in Joe Mixon.

The game will be close, because Cincinnati has never been here before with these guys. But Joe Burrow is no stranger to big games, and playing well in those games.

Prediction: Bengals

Patriots @ Bills

This game will be decided entirely based on what form of Josh Allen we get. If we get Super Saiyan Josh Allen like the last time these teams played, the Bills will win. If we get Krillin Josh Allen like we did against Jacksonville, the Bills will lose.

If it’s close in the 4th quarter, I would have to lean towards the Patriots, just because I believe in Bill Belichick so much. I am not a Mac Jones believer, but he can do enough to win.

The game is supposed to be freezing, and that’s better for the team that will commit to running the ball 40 times in order to win. That team is the Patriots.

Prediction: Patriots

Eagles @ Buccaneers

Good job by the Eagles to make the playoffs, because I thought they were a dumpster fire to start the season. They lost to the Giants in November. But, they found a way to get it together.

But let’s get serious, this is Tom Brady. And he’s not losing to the Eagles in the first round, I don’t care who he has around him.

Prediction: Tom Brady

49ers @ Cowboys

I truly believe in my heart the Niners win this game. But if Trent Williams and Elijah Mitchell are injured, it may give me a little bit of hesitation. And I also don’t believe in Jimmy Garoppolo.

But this is the Cowboys we are talking about.

Anything can happen with this team. I would not be surprised if they lose by 20, win by 20, win by 40, lose by 1, or win by 2. It’s all in play. Their running backs are not healthy. The defense is very good, but it is big play dependent. Can Tyron Smith be healthy enough to contain Nick Bosa. There’s so many variables here.

I’m not a Kyle Shanahan fan, but he has proved that he is a very capable coach when it matters. That’s much more than I can say about Mike McCarthy. So with that being said, I have to go with my gut.

Prediction: 49ers

Cardinals @ Rams

Kyler Murray and the offense has not looked the same without DeAndre Hopkins. The Cardinals have limped into the playoffs. The Rams have won 5 of their last 6, but those wins haven’t exactly inspired confidence.

This game will come down to quarterback play. Who can make more plays.

I believe Matthew Stafford will make more plays, simply because he has the better weapons. He has Cooper Kupp, who has transformed into a bonafide number 1 receiver. Kyler is throwing to a bunch of guys who profile as number 2 or 3 receivers.

Kyler will get some good experience playing in the playoffs for the first time, but Stafford will get his first playoff victory.

Prediction: Rams

Did I forget something? It feels like I did, but I can’t quite put a finger on it. It’s almost like whatever I forgot must not be important, or the answer was so obvious I didn’t even need to think about mentioning it.

By the way, can anyone tell me if there will be something exciting to watch Sunday night? Oh Euphoria, that’s right!

Anyway, have a fun football weekend.