NFL playoff selection of Prisco to wild-card round: NFC chaos after upset; remain afc favorite

This is a new season.

Start from zero. End the regular season. It’s playoff time.

Okay, so maybe it doesn’t work that way for those of us who choose games. I tried. It’s the playoffs – but the regular season matters.

This is not a good thing for me. I went 8-7-1 against the spread last week – two consecutive winning weeks – to finish the regular season at 128-138-6. I went 13-3 straight to finish at 178-94-0. He is 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 to get there, but why not?

Here it is.

Saturday, 4:30 PM ET (CBS, paramount+,

The Chargers come into this game with an offense led by Justin Herbert that has yet to win a playoff game. This is a big game for him. The Texans have not performed as well as expected, especially CJ Stroud. This makes it a big game for him too. But the Chargers have the top-ranked scoring defense in the league, which will make it a challenge. I think his 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.

choose: Chargers 27, Texans 20

Saturday, 8pm ET (Amazon Prime)

The Ravens look to advance in the playoffs, while the Steelers have lost four in a row, including to the Ravens two weeks ago. The Steelers have struggled on offense recently, which has been an issue against a high-scoring attack led by Lamar Jackson. But playing a third game against a division rival is tough. I think the Steelers are going to be in it. It’s close, but the Ravens take it.

choose: Ravens 24, Steelers 19

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS, paramount+,

The Broncos are a surprise team in these playoffs. They get here behind a good defense that can rush the passer. That defense will be challenged in a big way by Josh Allen. Orchard Park, New York, is a tough place for Denver quarterback Bo Nix to make his first playoff start. He has been impressive this season, but it’s a tough question. The Bills take it, but the Denver defense will keep them in it.

choose: Bills 23, Broncos 16

Sunday, 4:30 PM ET (Fox, try fubo free)

Both quarterbacks have come down with injury problems. Jalen Hurts is in the concussion protocol, but is expected to play. Jordan Love has an elbow injury, but is expected to play. How sore will Hurts be after missing the final two weeks of the regular season and most of the games in Week 16? The Packers have played many good teams but have suffered losses, including to the Eagles. This week, I think love is the best of them. Troubled Special.

choose: Packers 23, Eagles 20

Sunday, 8pm ET (NBC, try fubo free)

This is the first playoff game for Washington’s rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who has been special this season. Tampa Bay’s defense is strong, so I expect Daniels to be successful throwing it. But the Bucs can score. They’ll also get some big games from Baker Mayfield and then Bucky Irving will have to close it out with some tough work late.

choose: Bucs 35, Commanders 30

Monday, 8 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN, try fubo free)

The Vikings didn’t play well in Sunday night’s loss to the Lions, costing them a chance to clinch the No. 1 seed. They now face a Rams team that rested several key players last week. Sam Darnold needs answers after a poor performance last week. The problem is that the Rams defensive front can get behind him. Matthew Stafford will be challenged by the Brian Flores defense, but I think he’ll play well enough to pull off the upset.

choose: Rams 28, Vikings 24