OK, Participants – hopefully you have checked your Spam email and found an earlier communication from me to remind you that the fun is about to begin!  I also texted as many of you as I had cell numbers for in an attempt to verify that you’re good to go for the playoffs.

Strap on your comfy pants, grab a bite (or 2), get a few cold one’s out of the refrigerator (more on the frig in a bit) and let’s get ready for some football!!  The NFL playoffs that culminate in Super Bowl 50 start this weekend.  And – the teams that were in the first 2 Super Bowls (not called that at the time) are both in the playoffs.

Right now, the trophy resides on the fireplace mantle of Greg the Great’s home in the northern suburbs of Seattle (smart move there – get to root for the Seahawks instead of da’ 6-10 Bears).  3 participants are looking for their first trophy victory.  4 are looking for trophy #7.  One is vacationing in Latin America.  Who will win this year?  We’re not telling at this point, but let’s get to the eagerly awaited for predictions from the desk of The Commish:

#5 Kansas City Chiefs (11-5) @ #4 Houston Texans (9-7)

Winners of their last 10, the KC bunch is prepping for #11 in a row.  All this without the league’s premier RB, Jamaal Charles, who went down for the year with a knee injury.  And down in Houston, it took some help on the final Sunday of the regular season to win the hapless AFC South.  All this without their top RB, Arian Foster, who went down for the year with a knee injury (didn’t I just say that?).  A defensive slugfest in the works in a low (JJ) Wattage game.

Upset city for Kansas City

Chiefs 13, Texans 10

#6 Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6) @ #3 Cincinnati Bengals (12-4)

What would the playoffs be like without the Steelers?  It took some help on the final Sunday of the regular season to make the playoffs (didn’t I just say that?), in large part thanks to the Bumbling Bills victory over the NY Jets.  All this without their top RBs, Le’Veon Bell and DeAngelo Williams, who went down for the year with a knee injury (didn’t I just say that?).  Meanwhile, the Bungles may have finally made believers out of their fan base.  But time will tell and let’s see if QB Any Dalton can pull one out – but he’s not playing either – so the burden falls on AJ McCarron.  Big Ben set a league record for passing yards per game (over 325) and WR Antonio Brown is unstoppable.  However, the once-feared Steeler D is not any longer.  A shootout in the works.

Holy touchdowns, Batman!

Steelers 38, Bungles 35

#6 Seattle Seahawks (10-6) @ The North Pole

Yep, the wind chill in this night game will make the famous Lambeau playoff game vs. the Cowboys seem like the Hula Bowl.  Bud Grant is smiling from somewhere.  Da’ Seahawks made a late run behind dynamic QB Russell Wilson (who played his college ball at Wisconsin).  Beast Mode will not be on display (recovering from surgery).  The Vikes depend on the conservative Teddy Bridgewater, who hails from Louisville, KY.  This will be the “upset” of the weekend, as the furthest any kickoff will go is just past the 50 yard line.  No FG’s further than an Extra Point.  The frozen remains of Pete Carroll’s gum (from southern CA) will be shipped back west after it is separated from his frozen teeth.

The Iceman Cometh

Vikes 19, IceHawks 17

#5 Green Bay Packers (10-6) @ #4 Washington Redskins (9-7)

At least the Redskins aren’t playing against the Seahawks, as they have 3 of their last 4 playoff appearances.  QB Kirk Cousins set a league record for efficiency in home games this year.  Packer QB Aaron Rodgers had his worst year.  Injuries have ripped at both teams hearts (and playbooks), but both managed to find a way to make it to the post-season.  Don’t look for either team to make a deep run in the playoffs, especially the Packers.

One and Done

Redskins 27, Packin’ It In 20

Be sure to check out our site for up to the minute scores and points for each Participant!  My weekend summary will be forthcoming early next week.  Good Luck (not Andrew and the hapless Colts) to all Participants!!

~ The Commish