It’s a new season.
Start from scratch. Scrap the regular season. It’s playoff time.
OK, so maybe that does not work that way for those of us picking games. I tried. It is the playoffs — but the regular season counts.
For me, that’s not a good thing. I went 8-7-1 against the spread last week — two winning weeks in a row — to finish the regular season at 128-138-6. I went 13-3 straight up to finish 178-94-0. That’s solid.
I will say that I usually get hot in the playoffs, which gives me hope that I can get over .500 for the season. It will take some big-time picking to get there, but why not?
Here we go.
Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+)
The Chargers come into this game with an offense led by Justin Herbert, who has yet to win a playoff game. This is a big game for him. The Texans haven’t played as well as expected, especially C.J. Stroud. This makes this a big game for him, too. But the Chargers have the top-ranked scoring defense in the league, which will make this a challenge. I think their pass rush will be an issue against Stroud’s offensive line. Herbert will play well and find a way to win his first playoff game.
Pick: Chargers 27, Texans 20
Saturday, 8 p.m. ET (Amazon Prime)
The Ravens seem to be riding high heading into the playoffs, while the Steelers have lost four straight, including to the Ravens two weeks ago. The Steelers have struggled on offense lately, which is an issue against a high-scoring offense led by Lamar Jackson. But it’s tough playing a third game against a division opponent. I think the Steelers will hang around in this one. It’s close, but the Ravens take it.
Pick: Ravens 24, Steelers 19
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+)
The Broncos are the surprise team in these playoffs. They’ve gotten here behind a good defense that can rush the passer. That defense will be challenged by Josh Allen in a big way. Orchard Park, N.Y., is a tough place to make…
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