HOLBROOK NY- As we sit miserably in the freezing cold counting the days until pitchers and catchers report, we still have other topics to discuss. Here’s what we’ve got for today: Lions vs Buccaneers, Chiefs vs Bills, Sirianni/McCarthy, PGA Tour History.
Lions vs Buccaneers
Even when pre-season expectations were as high as ever for the Lions, who would’ve imagined the Lions and Bucs would be playing in the divisional round of the playoffs with a chance to go to the NFC title game? I certainly didn’t. The Lions have looked unstoppable offensively especially at home this year, it comes down to whether or not the defense can make enough stops. Baker Mayfield’s had an incredible year but let’s be honest about this team. They won the worst division in football, and drew the best match up possible against an Eagles team that mailed it in weeks ago. Goff and the Lions at home have dominated this year, I don’t expect this to be a very close game, give me the Lions to go to the NFC title game in San Francisco.
Chiefs vs Bills
This is shaping up to be maybe the game of the year. Incredibly, this will be Patrick Mahomes’ first road playoff game in his career. The Bills, despite countless injuries on defense, appear to be peaking at just the right time. If Josh Allen doesn’t turn the ball over, they win. But that’s a big IF.
It’s been a strange year for the Chiefs. This isn’t the typical offensive juggernaut we’re used to seeing. For much of the year, they’ve struggled on offense – especially with drops. I have a very hard time betting against maybe the best all-time QB in Mahomes, but I don’t think the KC woes are magically fixed after beating injury-riddled Miami in frigid conditions. I’ll take the Bills in a very close game to go to the AFC title – and probably get destroyed by Baltimore.
Sirianni/McCarthy
I’m stunned that neither Philadelphia or Dallas is moving on from their Head Coach. The Cowboys almost seem cursed at this point, so it may not matter who their HC is. After getting blown out at home by the #7 seed Packers, I’m shocked Jerry Jones didn’t jump at the chance to dump McCarthy and go after Belichick or Vrabel… As for Sirianni, something isn’t right in that locker room. The Eagles mailed it in after losing games to the Cardinals and Giants late in the season. I have no idea how that team started 10-1.
GOLF
Amateur Nick Dunlap leads after 3 rounds at the American Express Golf Thing. The 20-year-old sophomore from Alabama is trying to become the youngest amateur to ever win on the PGA Tour and the first since Phil Mickelson in 1991. Dunlap shot a -12 under par 60 on Saturday to give himself a 3 shot lead at -27 over Sam Burns in 2nd.
