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I know that it is now officially the playoffs of the “Super Wild Card”. Besides, I won’t call you that. (I prefer “Super Duper.”)
But what I will do, along with the MDS, is to choose the six games that will be played this weekend.
Before that, we need to resolve some loose ends of the regular season.
For Week 17, I went 14-2 and MDS went 13-3. He wins the regular season contest, 167-91 to 164-94.
Against the spread, I went 96-1 and MDS was 8-7-1. For the year, I am at 120-126-10 and he at 104-142-10.
We’ll reset everything to 0-0 and give 13 postseason games a chance. He is the choice for the first six of them.
Colts (+6.5) on accounts
Take from MDS: Indianapolis has a strong defense, but I think Josh Allen has a lot of weapons to choose from for the Colts to eliminate him. Philip Rivers may play well, but in the end Allen and the Bills will make enough big moves to receive a game in the divisional playoff round for the first time in 27 years.
Choice of MDS: Accounts 28, Colts 24.
Florio’s review: The Colts need to speed up the running game and use the full 40 seconds of the game clock whenever possible, keeping Bills quarterback Josh Allen on the sideline for as long as possible. Bills need to get Allen up, releasing him as a runner – as they did last year in the playoffs – and trusting that he won’t be reckless with the ball, as he was last year.
Florio’s choice: Bills 34, Colts 20.
Rams (+3.5) on Seahawks
Take from MDS: The Rams defense should play well against Russell Wilson, but I’m not sure I can trust the Rams’ attack, regardless of whether Jared Goff or John Wolford is the quarterback. I like Seattle to win a game played with few goals.
Choice of MDS: Seahawks 16, Rams 13.
Florio’s review: Russell Wilson is going too deep in his career to shoot a chance to increase his legacy in a team that will very likely be led by John Wolford.
Florio’s choice: Seahawks 24, Rams 21.
Buccaneers (-8.5) in Washington
Take from MDS: This is a game more disputed than people think, since the defense of Washington combines well with the attack of Tampa Bay. But in the end I think that Tom Brady makes a great move, Alex Smith falls short and the Buccaneers advance.
Choice of MDS: Buccaneers 20, Washington 14.
Florio’s review: The key to preventing Tom Brady is to press him in the middle. Even so, the opponent needs to score points. Washington won’t be able to score enough – unless Chase Young has several touchdowns on his own.
Florio’s choice: Buccaneers 31, Washington 14.
Ravens (-3.5) on Titans
Take from MDS: The Ravens are coming in force at the right time, and the Titans’ defense is highly suspect. I think Lamar Jackson will make a great game, as he will win his first victory in the playoff.
Choice of MDS: Ravens 31, Titans 30.
Florio’s review: The Ravens have won five in a row indeed playoff games. That’s the best way to turn the page in the narrative that they can’t win in the playoffs.
Florio’s choice: Ravens 27, Titans 21.
Bears (+10.5) on Saints
Take from MDS: Santos has the best defense that Mitchell Trubisky has faced this season, and I don’t think he will be up to the challenge. New Orleans will win comfortably.
Choice of MDS: Santos 27, Bears 20.
Florio’s review: Another distressing post-season exit may be approaching for the Saints. But not on Sunday.
Florio’s choice: Santos 30, bears 20
Browns (+6) at Steelers
Take from MDS: Browns barely won last week, when they had everything to play and the Steelers had nothing to play. This week, the Steelers show that they are the best team.
Choice of MDS: Steelers 30, Browns 17.
Florio’s review: We are about to discover how valuable a good coach is, based on the absence of the Cleveland head coach.
Choosing florio: Steelers 27, Browns 17.