That is NOT how you finish a season.
We still ended the year with a +17 in the W column and it’s tough to be too upset about that.
Let’s start this postseason!
Last Week = 4-12
Regular Season = 135-118-2
Las Vegas Raiders @ Cincinnati Bengals (-5)
Last Matchup = Cincinnati won 32-13 at home in Week 11
The Raiders have had a season. If we ignore ALL of the off-field situations there’s still something extremely glaring about this team; they have a -65 point differential. The next closest playoff team to them is Philadelphia at +59.
The Raiders outscored their opponents by an average of 5 points during their 10 wins, while being outscored by an average of 17 points in their 7 losses.
This is not a good harbinger for a fun Saturday for the silver and black.
And yet, I’m not convinced the Bengals are a slam dunk here. The Bengals are a middle-of-the-pack rushing team, and Las Vegas is about the same at stopping the run. Both teams can air it out, and both struggle against defending the pass.
I’m also worried about the Bengals riding too high off their win vs. Kansas City. And I’m intrigued by no one giving Las Vegas any attention in these playoffs.
The Pick = Las Vegas
New England Patriots @ Buffalo Bills (-4.5)
Last Matchup = Buffalo won 33-21 at New England in Week 15
It’s going to be 3 degrees in Buffalo on Saturday night. That’s not enough degrees.
This extreme weather should likely favor the Patriots and their run-heavy offense vs. the Bills’ air attack. However, it’s difficult to ignore the Patriots ending the season 1-3 and that Mac Jones looks like he’s imploded into the rookie wall.
The Patriots are missing their starting LT Isiah Wynn for the game, and defensive standout Matt Judon hasn’t recorded sack since December 6th.
Buffalo pantsed the Patriots in New England just three weeks ago. But it’s still Belichick in a bad weather game.
I don’t think the Patriots will win, but I think this is a three-point game.
The Pick = New England
Enjoy the Saturday festivities. We’ll be back tomorrow with Sunday and Monday’s games.
