NFL wild- card picks: Brady looking like old playoff self
Let's see: Tom Brady and his six Super Bowl rings versus a 7- 9 division winner. Need we say more?
Well, yes. Washington's NFC East triumph is nothing to scoff at despite the losing record. A franchise in turmoil because of off- field issues, that released the supposed building block at quarterback late in the season, has been somewhat revitalized by the work of coach Ron Rivera. The defence is aggressive and anchored by rookie Chase Young, the second pick in the 2020 draft. The starting QB, Alex Smith, has been as inspirational as any NFL player, capping a comeback from a severe injury that almost cost him a leg.
“You talk about a proven winner, he's the epitome of that,” Eagles coach Doug Pederson says of Smith. “What he's overcome in his career on and off
the football field and what he's come through and to see him out there playing now, I've been so happy for him.”
It's downright uplifting. Still, it's pretty much a mismatch.
Brady has shown yet again how overwhelmingly responsible he was for all those championships in New England. His Buccaneers had not sailed into the post- season since 2007. He has been in his usual January form for a month — rare form, indeed, for a 43- year- old quarterback.
And there's more. Brady has more weapons in support on offence than since that same 2007 season with the Patriots. Tampa Bay's defence is solid enough and could give Smith more fits than Washington's impressive rush gives Brady.
Tampa Bay, No. 8 in the AP Pro32' s final season rankings, is an eight- point favourite over No. 16 Washington. And for those still involved in knockout pools, we'd advise taking the Bucs. Pick: Bucs 26- 16
SATURDAY
No. 10 Indianapolis (+ 7) at No. 3 Buffalo
There are some who believe Buffalo is the biggest threat to top- seeded Kansas City in the AFC, which is stronger overall than the NFC. We're not quite sure of that, but if Josh Allen truly has matured into an MVPlevel player, he'll do more than Philip Rivers will here in what might be the Colts QB's last game. Pick: Colts 30- 20
No. 11 L. A. Rams (+ 5) at No. 5 Seattle
When teams play for a third time, there are not many secrets they can bring to the field. That means Seattle, with its resurgent defence, awakened running game and just enough Russell Wilson, should have enough for the Rams. L. A. has no clue if QB Jared Goff can go, and the Rams won't win this game on the ground. They will need a huge game from their formidable defence. Pick: Seahawks 21- 17
SUNDAY
No. 7 Baltimore (- 3 1⁄ 2)
at No. 9 Tennessee
Now here are two teams capable of running over, through and around each other. Baltimore does so with its running backs, led by rookie J. K. Dobbins, and quarterback Lamar Jackson, who has been sensational lately. But he's also bombed in both of his post- season starts. Derrick Henry has been historically good, rushing for more than 2,000 yards.
Pick: Ravens 30- 27
No. 14 Chicago (+ 9) at No. 4 New Orleans
Like Rivers, this could be Drew
Brees' final game of a superb career. Having Alvin Kamara back from the COVID- 19 list would be the tonic he needs to keep playing this month. No, we don't expect Kamara to score six touchdowns on this defence. But we don't expect the Bears to move the ball much against the New Orleans D.
Best bet: Saints 24- 10
No. 12 Cleveland (+ 5) at No. 6 Pittsburgh
NBC and the NFL love the idea of having this bitter rivalry conclude wild- card weekend in prime time. The problem: Cleveland, in the post- season for the first time since 2002, still is in the midst of a coronavirus outbreak and won't have coach Kevin Stefanski or standout guard Joel Bitonio. Pick: Steelers, 22- 20
RECORD
Last week: Straight up ( 12- 4), against spread ( 6- 9)
Season: Straight up ( 169- 85- 1), against spread ( 124- 113- 8)