by Bob Gaughan, Buffalo Sports Page
Last Week 2-3 Yearly Record 54-39-2
Last Year Weekly Record 12-6-3, Overall Record 72-50-3
Mr. Over/Under: San Francisco-Green Bay Over 45
Since I provide my picks on a Thursday, many times I depend on a weather forecast that may not turn out to be as predicted, which was the case last week when Green Bay did not get the snow storm as predicted. This week, except for cold seasonal temps in Kansas City, current forecasts say weather should not affect either NFL game.
Last year home teams in the Conference Championship, New Orleans and KC, were both giving 3 points, and both teams lost. This year both home teams are giving 7.5 points
To me the outcome of the KC/Tenn game will depend on Time of Possession. If the Titans can run the ball effectively, they will control the clock and it should be a lower scoring game. If KC takes an early lead of 14 or more, and Tenn has to play catch up, KC will cover easily. If you can predict Time of Possession, good luck?
As for San Fran/Green Bay, I expect both teams to score at least 20 points. The O/U is 45, so with an additional TD or couple of additional fields goals I see this game going over. It could be a shoot out.
Man in Stripes: Kansas City -7 over Tennessee
Titans have been red hot this post season, wins at both the Pats, and Ravens is amazing, I think their luck runs out this Sunday.. This will be their 4th straight road game, (winning at Houston in week 17 to get into the post season). It’s been Derrick Henry running wild, an opportunistic defense, and just a little Ryan Tannehill (160 yards passing IN 2 GAMES!!!). The Chiefs slept-walked through the first quarter, but from there on it was lights out, and the video game that is Patty Mahomes and Co. took over!!!!! Too many weapons : Kelce, Williams, Hill, and ex-Bill, Sammy Watkins.. Andy Reid is beloved in the NFL, most everyone is rooting for him to win his first title. It won’t be easy, but the Chiefs defense is very under rated, and will load the box and contain Henry enough, and we win and cover this game in the 4th quarter.. KC 31 Tenn 17, no backdoors in Arrowhead. And a half a century later the Chiefs go back to the Super Bowl!!
Mono: DePaul plus the points over Butler
This is an intriguing Big East match-up considering both of these teams last games. DePaul went on the road and found themselves down 11 with 2 minutes to go. They fought all the way back to force overtime only to come up short 79-75. Butler played Seton Hall on the same day and blew a double-digit lead to lose just their second game of the year. DePaul is still fighting for their first Big East win after a very good non-conference showing. I’m expecting DePaul to be a nice underdog here. I expect them to put together a nice game on their home court and capture their first Big East win.
Brutal: San Francisco -7 over Green Bay
I think the Packers were lucky this year. I wasn’t impressed with them last week against a banged up Seattle team. Their 37-8 lost to the Niners earlier this year is what this team is all about. San Francisco will have the big home field advantage. The other side I’ve been a fan of San Fran all year. This team has been far more consistent all year. Niners are the best defense in football. They will shutdown Green Bay’s passing game that has one receiver in Devante Adams to throw to.
Bob Gaughan: Double Down: San Francisco -7 over Green Bay
Green Bay returns to the scene of the crime where they were wasted earlier this year. The San Francisco defensive line is a bad match-up for Green Bay. The Niners were able to shutdown the Packers running game and then put pressure on Rodgers. I believe that Green Bay maybe the weakest 13-3 team ever. I’ve never thought they have been as good as their record indicates. The Niners offense has been clicking of late. Niners use a trio of running backs and have a under-rated receiving group.
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