Championship Sunday Picks

 We are down to the final four in the NFL as we get set up for Championship Sunday. The NFC Championship Game and AFC Championship Game both feature the four best teams in the NFL. What is interesting is that three of the four teams were in the Championship games last year (SF, KC, and Cincy), which is very hard to accomplish. We also have a rematch in the AFC Title Game with the Chiefs hosting the Bengals for the second straight year (First time since NE/Balt in 2011-2012). Philly and San Francisco have been on a collision source for over a month now, so the NFC game should be really good. Before I break down the games and give picks, I always like the rank the best/juiciest/most intriguing Super Bowl matchups based on the four teams left. Here is how I would rank the matchups:

1) Kansas City vs Philadelphia: The Andy Reid Bowl

2) Kansas City vs San Francisco: The rematch from Super Bowl LIV after the 2019 season

3) Cincinnati vs San Francisco: The third matchup for these teams in the Super Bowl (XVI and XXIII)

4) Cincinnati vs Philadelphia: Not a lot of history here, but you could build up the battle between Joe Burrow and Jalen Hurts

Now, let's get to the picks for Championship Sunday...

Final 2022 Regular Season Overall Record: 137-119-16

Last Week's Playoff Record: 2-2

Overall Playoff Record: 4-6

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

NFC Championship Game 

(2) San Francisco at (1) Philadelphia

A Case for the 49ers: The Niners have the best defense in the league and the best of the final four teams. They have not played the Eagles this year, and it feels like Philly might not be ready for what the 49ers bring to the table. This is the second straight year the Niners have made a NFC Championship, so they have the experience and have been there before. The moment won't be too big for them. Even if Brock Purdy struggles, we know that they have so many weapons (Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, Brandon Aiyuk) that it can help them get by. I also give the edge in coaching to Kyle Shanahan. They haven't lost since October 23rd, and it would surprise no one if they went into Philly and beat the Eagles.

A Case for the Eagles: They also can lay claim to the title of best team in the NFC all year long. Yes, they faltered a little bit down the stretch, but they completely dominated the Giants in the Divisional Round, and that could have gotten them back on track. They are at home, and that Philly crowd will be fired up with the chance to see the Eagles go back to the Super Bowl. Their run game is dominating with Jalen Hurst at the controls, and their pass rush could be the deciding factor in the game. You could see the Eagles pass rushers take over the game, and putting the end to the Brock Purdy story.

Prediction: PHILADELPHIA (-2) over San Francisco: I think this is a great game between the true two best teams in the NFC. This will be a slugfest, but I'm think the Eagles win the game with their pass rush and the homefield advantage making the difference. Philly heads to their fourth Super Bowl in franchise history and the second Super Bowl appearance in six seasons.

Final Score: Eagles-24 49ers-17

AFC Championship Game

(3) Cincinnati at (1) Kansas City

A Case for the Bengals: The Bengals looked dominating in their win over Buffalo in Orchard Park in the Divisional Round. They completely destroyed the Bills. We know they are not scared of the Chiefs. They have won three in a row over KC and that includes last year's stunning win in Arrowhead in the AFC Championship Game. Joe Burrow has put himself in that top tier of franchise QBs, and it looks like it might be his time to get a Super Bowl and create his legacy. The Bengals haven't lost since Halloween, and they have a chip on their shoulder from being overlooked with all the neutral game site involving the Bills and the Chiefs. They know they can beat the Chiefs and in Arrowhead, so that will not be an issue for them. They have been here before and the pressure won't overwhelm them. Plus, there is a lot of questions regarding Pat Mahomes' ankle after he injured it last week against the Jags. If he is limited at all, then the Bengals could really take advantage.

A Case for the Chiefs: How can you bet against or go against Pat Mahomes? He suffered a high-ankle sprain on Saturday in the Divisional Round win over the Jaguars, but he finished the game and threw a TD pass to seal the victory. He practiced all week, looked good on it, and is expected to be full go for the game on Sunday. I think he will play well and the ankle won't be a factor. I know Mahomes and the Chiefs have lost three in a row to the Bengals, but I can't see them losing a fourth straight time to them. Think about it: Are the Chiefs really going to lose back-to-back AFC Championship Games at home to the Bengals? I can't see it happening. Mahomes will do enough to find a way to help the Chiefs win. Plus, the Chiefs have plenty of motivation after being an underdog at home for most of the week, and the Bengals calling Arrowhead Stadium: "Burrowood Stadium." They hear the chatter, and they will use that in their effort against the Bengals. 

Prediction: KANSAS CITY (PICK) over Cincinnati: The Chiefs blew last year's AFC Championship Game at home to the Bengals, but they get revenge this year and punch their ticket to Super Bowl LVII, their third Super Bowl appearance in four seasons. 

Final Score: Chiefs-28 Bengals-23

2022 Divisional Playoff Picks

 The Wild Card round was a great weekend of football. I really wasn't expecting much out of the weekend, but I was wrong. On Saturday, Seattle-SF was a good game until late in the 3rd quarter, then the Niners pulled away. Jacksonville made an historic comeback down 27-0 to knock off the Chargers 31-30. Sunday saw the Bills get taken to the limit by the Dolphins and escape with a 34-31 win. The Giants went into Minnesota and upset the Vikings 31-24, and on Sunday night the Bengals barely survived the Ravens 24-17. Monday night was a bit of a dud with the Cowboys blowing out the Buccaneers, but overall the weekend was great. Now, the Divisional weekend is upon us and the two #1 seeds in the AFC and NFC get into the action with Kansas City and Philadelphia hosting games on Saturday. It should set up to be another great weekend of playoff football. Here are the picks for the 2022 Divisional Playoffs....

Final 2022 Regular Season Overall Record: 137-119-16

Last Week's Playoff Record: 2-4

Overall Playoff Record: 2-4

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

AFC Divisional Playoff

(4) Jacksonville at (1) Kansas City

A Case for the Jaguars: The Jags are really playing with nothing to lose after pulling off the stunning upset last week over the Chargers. A year after having the #1 overall pick, the Jags won the AFC South at 9-8, and won a home playoff game. They have exceeded expectations this year, and now they can just go out there in Arrowhead on Saturday and see what happens. Maybe Doug Pederson can outwit Andy Reid? Maybe Trevor Lawrence can out duel Pat Mahomes? Maybe the Chiefs try to get a little too cut like they always do and the Jaguars make them pay. 

A Case for the Chiefs: They are the #1 seed for a reason. Pat Mahomes was lights out once again this year, and he will probably win the MVP award. We know how tough they are at home, and I can't see them losing back-to-back home playoff games after they lost the AFC Championship at home last year to Cincy. They smoked Jacksonville in the regular season in Arrowhead, and I just can't see a scenario in which the Chiefs don't come out and take care of business at home in this spot on Saturday. 

Prediction: KANSAS CITY (-9) over Jacksonville: KC comes out and gets an early lead on Jacksonville and cruises to their 5th straight AFC Championship Game.

Final Score: Chiefs-30 Jaguars-20: 

NFC Divisional Playoff

(6) NY Giants at (1) Philadelphia 

A Case for the Giants: The G-Men are well-coached with Brian Daboll at the helm, and that was proved last week in their win over Minnesota. Daniel Jones was tremendous in that game, and you can expect Daboll to once again craft a gameplan to utilize Jones and Saquon Barkley like he has all season long-especially against a division opponent. The Giants are always playing with house money since no one saw them getting to the playoffs and actually winning a playoff game this year. All the pressure is on the Eagles, and the Giants can take advantage of that. Maybe Jalen Hurts is more banged up with that shoulder than the Eagles are letting on. The Giants have that "Dangerous 2011" feel to them this year as well.

A Case for the Eagles: They were the best team in the NFC all year long. They dominated the Giants in the first matchup in the Meadowlands. Although the game was close in Week 18, I don't put too much stock into that game. Also, the crowd in Philly will be electric on Saturday night-especially with their rival Giants coming to town for a playoff game. I think the Eagles will be rested and ready. I also think the Eagles defense will provide a significant challenge to the Giants offense, and that could be the real difference in this game. 

Prediction: PHILADELPHIA (-7) over NY Giants: The Eagles will win the game on Saturday night in Philly, but I think the Giants will keep it close for while. They will make the Eagles sweat a little bit in this one, but ultimately Philly gets by their rival and advances to the NFC Championship for the first time since 2017.

Final Score: Eagles-28 Giants 20

AFC Divisional Playoff

(3) Cincinnati at (2) Buffalo

A Case for the Bengals: The Bengals are legitimate Super Bowl contenders all year, and they have be kind of forgotten in the AFC with the Chiefs and the Bills. This team feels a little disrespected, and I can see them using this as extra motivation this week on the road in Buffalo. It feels a little like "Us against the World" mentality with the Bengals. I also think the Bengals will have a chip on their shoulder because they felt like they might have won that game in Cincy in Week 17 before Damar Hamlin got injured. I can see the Bengals coming out, matching the emotions of the Bills and their crowd, and putting together a terrific performance. 

A Case for the Bills: It has felt like it was going to be the Bills year before the whole thing happened to Damar Hamlin, and now they have Cincy coming to Buffalo with a trip to the AFC Championship Game on the line. They got by Miami, but I could see that reinvigorating the Bills and perhaps they come back and play lights out against the Bengals at home. The emotion of Damar Hamlin will still be there, and I see the Bills cleaning up their mistakes from last week, and playing well in front of the home crowd in Orchard Park.

Prediction: Cincinnati (+6) over BUFFALO: It feels like this matchup was supposed to happen after their Week 17 MNF game that got cancelled due to the Damar Hamlin injury. I think this a really good game that goes back and forth, and I think Buffalo wins it on a late field goal and sends them to their third straight AFC Championship Game. 

Final Score: Bills-27 Bengals-24

NFC Divisional Playoff

(5) Dallas at (2) San Francisco

A Case for the Cowboys: They looked so dominating on Monday night in their win over the Bucs in Tampa. Dak Prescott had a great game, and when their offense is on, they are hard to stop. They won 12 games this season for a reason. When is Brock Purdy story going to go badly for SF? I can see this being the week where the Cowboys defense forces Purdy into mistakes, and he has a bad game. Also, Dallas is due to advance past the Divisional Round. They haven't been to a NFC Championship Game since 1995. They have had some heartbreak in the Divisional Round in recent years, and at some point they are going to breakthrough and get back to Championship Sunday. This could be their time.

A Case for the 49ers: They are the best team in the NFC and they proved it once again last week in their win over Seattle in the Wild Card game. Seattle hung tough for almost three quarters, then the Niners turned it on and just blew them out of the water. They are the better team in this game, and you would expect their defense to be able to give Dak Prescott fits. You also have to worry about the Cowboys kicker, Brett Maher, after he missed FOUR extra points in the playoff win over Tampa.  I also favor Kyle Shanahan over Mike McCarthy in the coaching matchup and it is not even close. Also, be careful putting too much stock in Dallas' win over Tampa Bay in Round 1. That Bucs team was 8-9 and pretty bad all year. The Niners are certainly a different level of opponent. 

Prediction: Dallas (+4) over SAN FRANCISCO: This is a classic matchup between two storied franchises. This is a throwback to my childhood and the rivalry between these two teams in the 1990s. I am look for an upset this week, so I'm going to go with Dallas here. I think they spoil the 49ers playoff run and advance to their first NFC Championship since 1995.

Final Score: Cowboys-23 49ers-20 

2022 Wild Card Weekend Picks

The 2022 NFL Playoffs begin this weekend with the Wild Card round. This is a great weekend of football for the NFL fan. A doubleheader on Saturday, a tripleheader on Sunday, and a Monday night game. This year, the matchups are not the greatest, but it should be a fun three days of playoff action as the chase for the Lombardi Trophy begins....

Last Week's Record: 8-8-0

Final 2022 Regular Season Overall Record: 137-119-16

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS) 

NFC Wild Card Game

(7) Seattle at (2) San Francisco 

A Case for the Seahawks: The Seahawks are playing with house money. No one thought they would be a playoff team this year, and they went 9-8 and somehow made it. Anything beyond that would be gravy. They are a big underdog heading into San Francisco, and they got swept by the Niners in the regular season. All the pressure is on the Niners. The Seahawks can come into this game and play fast and loose. Plus, are we due for the classic stink game by Brock Purdy? If that happens, then maybe Seattle pulls off the big upset.

A Case for the 49ers: They are one of the four best teams in the entire NFL. They are a legitimate Super Bowl contender. They dominated the Seahawks in the regular season and won both games convincingly. They have the best defense in the league and riding a 10-game win streak. Brock Purdy is playing really well, and that whole storyline might be the biggest story that no one is paying attention to in the playoffs. He doesn't have to do much except get the ball to Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, and Deebo Samuel. As long as Purdy doesn't make mistakes, they will be fine.

Prediction: Seattle (+10) over SAN FRANCISCO: The Seahawks will keep it closer than the last time they met over a month ago, but the 49ers will be in control most of the game and cruise to a solid victory and advance to the Divisional Round.

Final Score: 49ers-23 Seahawks-14

AFC Wild Card Game

(5) LA Chargers at (4) Jacksonville

A Case for the Chargers: They are the better team, and they are more talented in a lot of spots across the board. This is Justin Herbert's first appearance in the playoffs, and this could be the beginning of his moment. I don't think that Jacksonville is a tough place to play, so going on the road shouldn't be too much of an issue. Justin Herbert was banged up in that Week 3 loss to the Jags, so you could throw that game out of the window from a Chargers perspective. They have that "dark horse" factor and you could see this team making a run here in these playoffs.

A Case for the Jaguars: They are a surprise team and no one expected them to win their division this year. They have Doug Pederson and his playoff experience to lean on. You have to give the coaching edge to Pederson in this game over Brandon Staley. Trevor Lawrence has been playing really well, and this could be the start of his run with his first playoff appearance. They did beat the Chargers in Week 3, so they have the confidence that they can beat this team. They are also playing with house money because everyone is picking the Chargers to beat them this weekend.

Prediction: LA Chargers (-2) over JACKSONVILLE: The Chargers are making their first playoff appearance since 2018, and they will advance to the Divisional Round with a solid victory on the road in Jacksonville on Saturday night. 

Final Score: Chargers-27 Jaguars-17

AFC Wild Card Game

(7) Miami at (2) Buffalo

A Case for the Dolphins: No one truly believes the Dolphins are going to go into Buffalo and knock off the Bills, so they certainly have the underdog angle convered. Tua is out and it looks like Skyler Thompson is going to start for them, so they are definitely playing with house money. Maybe they can keep it close long enough to give the Bills a scare and then pull off the upset.

A Case for the Bills: From the moment this season started, it has been about if the Bills can finally win that elusive Super Bowl. Their whole season has built up to this moment. They also have the emotional angle of winning for Damar Hamlin, who is thankfully recovering from his scary cardiac arrest two weeks ago. They can ride that emotion in front of their home crowd and overwhelm the Dolphins, who are down to their third-string QB. This could be the year for the Bills. 

Prediction: BUFFALO (-12) over Miami: The Bills have no trouble disposing of the Dolphins and advancing to the Divisional Round for the third year in a row.

Final Score: Bills-30 Dolphins-14

NFC Wild Card Game

(6) NY Giants at (3) Minnesota

A Case for the Giants: The Giants played the Vikings really close in Week 16 on Christmas Eve in Minnesota. They lost on a last second field goal, so you know they can hang with the Vikings. Also, Brian Daboll has done such a great job with this team this year. Turning this team around in one year and getting them to the playoffs is such a huge accomplishment. You know the Giants will be prepared and ready to go in this game. Also, how confident can anyone be with the Vikings? They might be the shakiest 13 win team in recent memory.

A Case for the Vikings: They are at home and that crowd and those fans will be a big factor. They will be ready to go for the Vikings. You have to think that they will use the motivation of a lot of people picking the Giants to upset them as a way to get them fired up and not take the Giants lightly at all. They have won so many close games this year, so I could see them winning another close one here late in dramatic fashion. 

Prediction: MINNESOTA (-3) over NY Giants: As tempting as it is to take the Giants, I think the Vikings win a close game at home and get their first playoff win since 2019.

Final Score: Vikings-27 Giants-20

AFC Wild Card Game

(6) Baltimore at (3) Cincinnati

A Case for the Ravens: The Ravens are always tough in the playoffs. They are a tough out for any team that is playing. They will be prepared and come to play-no matter who is at QB. If Lamar Jackson is out, which seems likely, then no one is going to give them a chance, and that will give them extra motivation. They beat Cincy earlier in the season, and they probably didn't show a lot in their Week 18 loss knowing that they were without Jackson and Tyler Huntley at QB, and they would be probably be playing the Bengals in the Wild Card round again. I like the way the Ravens defense has played the second half of the year. That defense can keep this game close. Tyler Huntley can also keep the game close enough for their defense. All the pressure will be on the the Bengals-which could be a factor. 

A Case for the Bengals: They got to the Super Bowl last year, so they have playoff experience with this group. At one point, they were 4-4, and they finished 12-4 (including the the postponed Bills game from Week 17), so they have won eight straight and won the AFC North. With Lamar Jackson most likely being out, then this game becomes a lot easier for the Bengals. They will be at home and in primetime on Sunday Night Football. Also, everyone is talking about how the Bills and Chiefs are on a collision course for the AFC Title, but people are forgetting about the Bengals. This team is good enough to make another run. 

Prediction: Baltimore (+9) over CINCINNATI: Without Lamar Jackson, then Tyler Huntley can at least keep this game close to the 4th quarter. Jackson probably won't play, so you can see a scenario in which the Ravens defense and Huntley can keep this game close.The Bengals will win the game and advance to the Divisional Round for the second straight year and set the stage for a trip to Buffalo, but it won't be as easy as everyone predicts. 

Final Score: Bengals-26 Ravens-18

NFC Wild Card Game

(5) Dallas at (4) Tampa Bay

A Case for the Cowboys: They are one of the best teams in the NFC, and a legitimate Super Bowl contender. They are the better team than the Bucs, and I think that they can actually do some damage in these playoffs. Also, Dallas is due for a long run. They haven't been to a NFC Championship Game since 1996. They were upset last year at home in the Wild Card round, and I think they are long past due to exceed expectations. They can win this game and be the team that no one wants to play in the NFC the next two rounds. I like their defense in this matchup with the Bucs, and I can see their offense just doing enough to win the game. Plus, the Cowboys fans will travel and be well-represented in Tampa. 

A Case for the Buccaneers: They have Tom Brady as their QB, and no matter what has happened in the regular season, they still have Brady, Throw in the fact that they are a home underdog with TOM BRADY as their QB. The Bucs got into playoffs by winning the NFC South at 8-9. They have been a disappointment on offense all year long, but you can just see Brady getting hot in this game and picking apart the Cowboys. Dak Prescott has been shaky the last month of the season, and you can envision a scenario in which he collapses in this game. Also, everyone is picking Dallas, which makes you think that Brady and the Bucs will hear that all week leading up to the game, and then pull off the upset. 

Prediction: Dallas (-3) over TAMPA BAY: No one wants to see this Bucs team advance and it is more fun to see Dallas move on to the next round. I think Dallas is the better team, so I'll take the Cowboys to advance to the Divisional Round.

Final Score: Cowboys-24 Buccaneers-20

Broncos-Chargers and Week 18 Picks

 Before I get to the picks for Week 18, the situation that occurred with Bills Safety Damar Hamlin on Monday night was the scariest incident I have seen in a NFL game. During the 1st quarter of the Bills-Bengals game, Hamlin tackled Tee Higgins, stood up, then collapsed. Team doctors and training staff rushed to the field and began working on Hamlin. He had to receive CPR and was revived on the field before being taken away in an ambulance to a local trauma hospital. Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest on the field. I have never seen something so scary in a game, and you could tell right away that something was seriously wrong. The game was suspended and as of today there is no makeup date. There is doubt that they will even make up the game. As of Friday, Hamlin has made some significant progress, there has been positive news, it looks like his brain function is progressing, but he is still in critical condition and in ICU. The games and results take a back seat to the condition of Hamlin, and this moment put a lot of things in perspective. The NFL will continue with Week 18 as scheduled, and the games will go on. The Buffalo-Cincinnati game will not be rescheduled and they will complete the seeding in the AFC based on winning percentage. With that said, it is hard to move past what happened to Hamlin. Hopefully, he will make a full recovery and live a prosperous life from this event. Prayers for Damar.

Onto the picks for Week 18....

Last Week's Record: 8-7-0

Overall Record: 129-111-16

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

The Broncos host the Chargers in Week 18. LA is going to playoffs and they can end up as either the 6 seed or the 5 seed. If Cincy wins over Baltimore earlier in the day, then the Chargers will know that they are locked into the 5 seed, and they might rest their starters. Who knows what they will do? As for the Broncos, they finish out their disappointing season, and look ahead to 2023. The Broncos need a win to avoid going 0-6 in the AFC West this year. They have a lot of players who will not play due to injury, so it seems like it will be difficult for them to win this game, but who knows what the motivation will be for the Chargers.

Prediction: Chargers (-3) over DENVER

Final Score: Chargers-24 Broncos-17

LAS VEGAS (+10) over Kansas City: This game is on Saturday as part of the Week 18 doubleheader. KC is still looking to lock up the #1 seed. I think they will beat the Raiders here, but Vegas has played them tough the last few years. Look for a close KC win.

Tennessee (+7) over JACKSONVILLE: The Jags and Titans face off with the AFC South on the line on Saturday night. The Jags are 8-8 after a 2-6 start. The Titans were 7-3 at one point, but have lost five straight games. Look for the Jags to win and clinch the South, but I think it is closer than people expect it to be.

Tampa Bay (+7) over ATLANTA: The Bucs clinched the NFC South last week. At 8-8, they have nothing to play for in this game. Apparently, the Bucs will still play Tom Brady and the starters. I have no idea how this game will play out.

BUFFALO (-7) over New England: It is hard to figure out how the Bills will play on Sunday at home against the Pats. The Bills still need the game for seeding. If the Patriots win, then they will clinch a playoff berth. The Bills will be very emotional for this game. They did get a lot of good news on Damar Hamlin's condition, so maybe that puts them at ease, and they come out and blow the Patriots out of the building. 

Minnesota (-2) over CHICAGO: The Vikings are still playing this game for seeding, so they have some motivation-especially after getting killed by the Packers last week. The Bears are resting Justin Fields and looking to 2023. I think the Vikings play hard and end their regular season on a high note. 

Baltimore (+7) over CINCINNATI: The Bengals clinch the AFC North as a result of winning percentage. The crazy thing about this game is that if the Ravens win the game, and Baltimore and Cincy are slated to play in the Wild Card round, then there will be a coin flip to determine home field. I don't see it happening because I think Cincy wins the game. It looks like Lamar Jackson will be out for Baltimore again. I can see the Ravens playing tough but the Bengals prevailing. 

INDIANAPOLIS (-3) over Houston: The Texans will lose and lock up the #1 pick in the NFL Draft, and the Colts will be looking to hire a new head coach for 2023.

MIAMI (-2) over Jets: Miami can get into the playoffs with a win and a Patriots loss. It seems feasible, but the problem is that the Dolphins are down to their third-string QB Skyler Thompson. Both Tua Tagovailoa and Teddy Bridgewater are hurt and out for this game, so the Dolphins playoff fate rests on Thompson. The Jets are 7-9, and lost five in a row and out of playoff contention. They are starting Joe Flacco this week. I'm going to go with Miami and it might be enough to get them in the playoffs.

NEW ORLEANS (-3) over Carolina: This game means nothing for both teams. New Orleans will probably be searching for new QB next year, and Carolina will be searching for a new head coach. 

Giants (+14) over PHILADELPHIA: The Eagles need to win the game to secure the #1 seed in the NFC and a bye in the first round. The Giants have nothing to play for and are locked into the #6 seed either way. I think the Eagles will win the game, but maybe the Giants will keep it closer and within two touchdowns. 

PITTSBURGH (-3) over Cleveland: The Steelers have made a remarkable turnaround this season. At one point, they were 2-6. Now, they are 8-8 and a win over the Browns and losses by Miami and the Pats, will get them into the playoffs. I think they will win the game, but I think they will fall just short of the playoffs. 

SAN FRANCISCO (-12) over Arizona: The 49ers can still get the #2 seed in the playoffs, so they have some motivation to win the game. The Cardinals are playing out the string. I would expect the Nines to take care of business.

Rams (+7) over SEATTLE: Seattle needs a win at home over the Rams and Detroit to beat Green Bay to make the playoffs. I think they will beat the Rams and finish 9-8 on the season, but they will fall short of the playoffs due to Green Bay winning later that night. I could see the Rams giving the Seahawks a tough game to end the season here too. 

Dallas (-3) over WASHINGTON: Dallas could still win the NFC East if they beat Washington and the Giants beat Philly. The Cowboys will be playing at the same time as the Eagles, so it will be interesting to see how they play this game out if the Eagles are winning big over the Giants. 

GREEN BAY (-4) over Detroit: All Green Bay has to do on Sunday night is win and they are in the playoffs. This team was 4-8 at the end of November. They have won four in a row and are one win away from making the playoffs. I think the Lions will play them tough. Remember: If the Seahawks lose earlier in the day, then the Lions can make the playoffs with a win over the Packers. I hope that this game is a "win and in" game for the Lions and the Packers. I still think the Packers will win the game and clinch the #7 seed in the playoffs. 

Based on my predictions and picks, I have the following playoff field for the NFC and AFC:

NFC

1-Philly

7-Green Bay at 2-San Francisco

6- NY Giants at 3-Minnesota

5-Dallas at 4-Tampa Bay

AFC

1-Kansas City

7-Miami at 2-Buffalo

6-Baltimore at 3-Cincinnati

5-LA Chargers at 4-Jacksonville 

If I was going to try to predict the NFL Playoff Schedule, I would think it might look like this:

Saturday

4:30pm- LA Chargers at Jacksonville (NBC)

8:00pm- Baltimore at Cincinnati (FOX)

Sunday

1:00pm- Miami at Buffalo (CBS)

4:30pm- Green Bay at San Francisco (FOX)

8:00pm- NY Giants at Minnesota (NBC)

Monday

8:00pm- Dallas at Tampa Bay (ESPN)