Like the commanders in Washington, I was getting heated by the end.
Last week he went 3-0-1 with against the spread picks and 3-1 with straight-up picks. This brings my ATS season record to 132-143-7 and my straight-up record to 184-98-0.
Why did it take so long to turn things around?
First, I like choosing dogs. And the Dogs didn’t cover as much late in the season. They did so over the weekend. The only favorites covered were the Kansas City Chiefs with our number, but a late safety gave some Texans supporters the win.
So I’m sticking to that plan. Returning to the Dogs this weekend for the championship game.
Sunday, 3pm ET (Stream on Fox, fubo)
The Commanders were a surprise team that made it to the Final Four. They got here by defeating the top-seeded Lions on the road last week. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels was special in that game. He made the Lions’ defense shine. But this is an even bigger challenge.
After defeating the Rams last week, the Eagles got used to Vic Fangio’s system, which will challenge Daniels, and continued to play well on defense down the stretch. The Eagles often play zone, which could be a good thing as Daniels shreds man coverage against blitzes. He will have to be patient here, which will put more pressure on the offensive line. They have to block game-breaking defensive tackle Jalen Carter.
NFL Playoff Contenders: Predict the winner of Bills vs. Chiefs AFC Championship and Commanders vs. Eagles NFC Title Game
John Breech
Running back Saquon Barkley will once again be key to Philadelphia’s offense. He rushed for 2,000 yards this season and put up big numbers in the playoffs. In two games against the Commanders this season, Barkley had 296 rushing yards and four touchdowns. They couldn’t stop him.
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts suffered a knee injury in last week’s win against the Rams that could affect his ability to read the zone. If that happens, the way Washington defends Berkeley may change.
This game will focus on Daniels and his ability to make plays against Fangio’s defense. It will be fun to watch Kliff Kingsbury call plays. I think Daniels is playing well. In fact, I think the leaders will pull off the upset. Daniels becomes the first rookie quarterback to lead a team to the Super Bowl.
Picks: Commanders 27, Eagles 26
Buffalo Bills vs. Kansas City Chiefs (-2)
Sunday, 6:30pm ET (Streaming on CBS, Paramount+)
This is all about Patrick Mahomes vs. Josh Allen. The two QBs have met three times in the playoffs, with Mahomes winning all three times. However, their stats are similar, with Mahomes having eight touchdowns and zero touchdowns, and Allen having seven and one touchdown.
The Chiefs beat the Bills earlier this season, but what’s at stake in this game for the Bills is a failure in the playoffs. They’ll be hearing all week about “13 seconds” and Tyler Bass’ missed game-tying field goal in last year’s loss. How do they get through it?
This team looks different than previous years. Built for the playoffs. They haven’t turned it over and Allen is playing his best football, even if the numbers aren’t that gaudy.
Mahomes also hasn’t put up big numbers this year, but he’s been playing more recently as the offense has gotten healthier. It’s also the playoffs. I know the ball will go to Travis Kelce, who was great last week.
That should be the focus of the Bills defense. Even though it looks like a classic Mahomes vs. Allen battle on paper, both teams want to run the ball and that will be key in this game.
Allen has the better feet of the two, giving the Bills a slight advantage. But Mahomes can move if needed.
The Chiefs have a huge advantage playing at home and have a psychological advantage in the playoffs as well. That’s usually important. But like I said, this Bills team is different. Allen is different.
It’s his time. If Allen gets this group to the Super Bowl, the Bills won’t have to hear about “13 seconds” anymore.
Pick: Bills 24, Chiefs 23
