NFL divisional playoff predictions

We were 2-2 last week, and now, we're on to the divisional round.

Today:

Minnesota @ San Francisco (4:30 kickoff, NBC):

The Vikings caught a lucky break in overtime at New Orleans when the real life Mr. Magoo, Al Riveron, refused to call pass interference on either side on the game winning touchdown catch by Kyle Rudolph. Bear in mind that the Vikings, if they reach the big game, have never won the Super Bowl, and that might be a mountain Kirk Cousins may not be ready to climb just yet.

Coming off the bye after winning the NFC West, San Francisco wants to return to the glory days of the 80's. It's been about 25 years since their last title. For quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, it's a chance to prove once and for all that New England made a tragic mistake dealing him away a couple of years back. After all the officiating gaffes this season, this game in particular bears close scrutiny. However, I don't think we'd need to worry about that today.

Pick: San Francisco.

Tennessee @ Baltimore (8, CBS):

It's been 20 years since the Titans were in the Super Bowl, and were just inches away from a title, only to lose to the then-St. Louis Rams. Mike Vrabel's club eliminated the Evil Empire, and will look to build on the momentum from that upset six days past. However, Lamar Jackson is not Tom Brady, and the Ravens, looking for their third title, are mostly young and hungry. A win here, and they'll likely see old friend Terrell Suggs and Kansas City in the title game.

The run game for each side is about even. Baltimore has Mark Ingram, Jr., son of the former Giants receiver. Tennessee has Derrick Henry. Both were star runners at Alabama, but the common threads end there. I can feel Chris Berman practicing his Keith Jackson impersonation in case Henry breaks off a big touchdown run.

As it stands, it will be a track meet. Ryan Tannehill, try to keep up.

Pick: Baltimore.

Sunday:

Houston @ Kansas City (CBS): Part 1 of the State Farm doubleheader sees Patrick Mahomes lead the Chiefs against the Texans. Houston won the first meeting, but that means the Chiefs have revenge on their minds. They say the Chiefs have a porous run defense. The offense balances that out. Houston stupidly gave up on Jadaveon Clowney (Seattle), but they do have JJ Watt back, which will help the defensive front. Personally, I'd like to see Watt on offense at the goal line, just for fun.

The bye week has allowed Mahomes plenty of time to heal from injury. That's bad news for Houston.

Pick: Kansas City.

Seattle @ Green Bay (Fox):

They're forecasting snow in Green Bay today, and the Packers have already put the call out for volunteers to clear Lambeau in time for the game tomorrow. When you're the only community owned franchise in the NFL, you can afford to do things like that.

With the win last week at Philadelphia, Seattle is now 8-1 on the road this season, so the weather doesn't bother them all that much. While Aaron Rodgers has found his big game mojo, all those commercials for State Farm the last few years have been too much of a distraction at the wrong time. If Russell Wilson wants to be distracted, all he has to do is play one of his wife Ciara's CD's.....! Clowney, I think, will introduce himself to Rodgers early and often.

What I think the league wants is a rubber match between Seattle and San Francisco. Wish granted.

Pick: Seattle.

Of course, I could be wrong.