We’ve made it to the Elite Eight, or as I’m calling it, the Upset Slate. Here are my picks for the NFL playoffs’ divisional round:
49ers 26, Packers 24: The close finishes are too scary, until the 49ers emerge victorious, like this for a third straight time facing elimination. Aaron Rodgers falls to 0-4 in playoff games against them, done in again by the 49ers’ rushing attack, Deebo Samuel’s all-around dominance and Jimmy Garoppolo’s grit. Line: 49ers +6
Bengals 29, Titans 23: The Titans welcome back their lucky rabbit’s foot, Derrick Henry, fresh off a broken foot. The Bengals have so many weapons, however, and dispatch the No. 1 seed. Line: Bengals +3 1/2
Rams 33, Buccaneers 27: Tom Brady should turn his Super Bowl rings into brass knuckles to fend off Aaron Donald and the Rams’ pass rush. Cam Akers’ playoff comeback gives the Rams’ offense the boost needed to knock off the reigning champs. Line: Rams +3
Bills 34, Chiefs 31: Patrick Mahomes’ path to a third straight Super Bowl is blocked by the Bills’ red-hot defense. (Sentimental bias: My Uncle Bill passed away this week. He and my mom were raised in Buffalo. They did not invent the Bills Mafia’s table smash. He earned a PhD in Library Science at Cal. Hence, book these upsets!) Line: Bills +1 1/2
Last week: 5-1 straight up, 5-1 against the spread
Season: 155-120-1, straight up, 138-139-1 against the spread
