Wild Card Picks

Russell Wilson looks to improve his 

6-2 playoff record

Kansas City (-3) @ Houston - The last time Kansas City won a playoff game was in Houston but it was against the Houston Oilers in 1993.  Still, Andy Reid has won a number of playoff games with the Philadelphia Eagles and Alex Smith has thrown 9 touchdowns and 0 interception in his last 3 playoff start with the 49ers.

Fun fact: The only player on @HoustonTexans active roster that has a playoff TD on his resume? @JJWatt with a pick six in 2011 postseason

— trey wingo (@wingoz) January 8, 2016

Houston has won its only playoff game in its franchise history against Kanasas City in 2011.  JJ Watt is also getting his cast removed.  Still, the Texans resume of wins is not as impressive as Kansas City.  Alex Smith is marginally better than Brian Hoyer.  Plus the Texans have injury issues with their offensive lines.  

Pittsburgh @ Cincinnati (+3) - Ben Roethlisberger may be a better quarterback than AJ McCarron.  Still, the Bengals do have the better defense.  Pittsburgh has also been inconsistent on the road as indicated by their week 16 against loss against the Ravens.   The Steelers will also be without running backs Leveon Bell and Deangelo Williams; the running game could play an even bigger factor in a cold weather game.

Seattle (-4.5) @ Minnesotta - The Vikings were 13-3 against the spread this season but this one feels like a loss like the last time that they face Seattle.  Marshawn Lynch may be out but Thomas Rawls returns who was pretty good in Lynch's absence.  Even if this becomes a game of who runs the ball better, Adrian Peterson goes against the number one rushing defense that held Peterson to less than 20 yards rushing in their last meeting.  Plus Russell Wilson is capable of making big plays both in the air and on the ground.

Green Bay @ Washington (-1) -  Washington is technically the better team as of late while the Packers have struggled going into the postseason.  Aaron Rodgers may be the better QB than Kirk Cousins but Washington has a better offensive line and better targets including Jordan Reed, Pierre Garcon, and Randall Cobb.  Rodgers was also the 2nd most sacked quarterback this season and it may have a lot to do with the loss of Jordy Nelson for the season. The Packers top target in Randall Cobb has only had one game with more than 100 yards.   Cousins is still an unproven quarterback but looks to improve upon his 6-2 as he's thrown for 23 touchdowns and 3 interceptions since week 8.  Both teams have solid defenses and average running games.  We will have to see if Washington will like that.