We’re down to 8 in the running for SB51 accolades, having just concluded the 4 Wild Card games.  And – as predicted in my earlier message to you – the home team won all 4 games.  Those of you who heeded my predictions were richly rewarded.  For those of you who didn’t, well – they’re your points…  Beyond the 1^st 3 quarters of the last weekend game, there was not a lot of excitement

Houston Texans 27, Oakland Raiders 14
So, the QB matchup was not much to write home about.  The highlight seemed to be the ever-present shots of JJ Watt in street clothes on the sidelines cheering on his teammates.  Surprised he didn’t do a bunch of 40-yard gassers at halftime…  The Houston D (best in the AFC) was too much for Oakland 3^rd string QB Connor Cook.  Texan QB Brock Osweiler failed to self-destruct, but he gets a golden opportunity next weekend.  This was the 4^th time in the last 6 years that the (yawn) Texans hosted a Wild Card game at home.  The environment just isn’t conducive for a lot of excitement.  Nonetheless, the Texans are advancing, while the Raiders are driving Carr-less back to Oakland.  A 4-way (no, not a Skyline Chili offering) tie for first with a couple of complimentary goose-eggs.

Seattle Seahawks 26, Detroit Lions 6
Thomas Rawls is in Beast Mode 2.  Talk about a great environment for the home team and the 12^th Man.  The Lions never seemed to get on track and ended the night with essentially no rushing yards.  Beast Mode 2 was close to 200.  Seahawk QB Wilson played his usual game, which is trouble for the opposing team.  2 great shots of Seattle Head Coach Pete Carroll starting a new piece of gum.  Yes, Seattle WR Paul Richardson did make a very nice catch.  Catch of the Year?  Maybe…  I’m still seeing OBJ’s 2-fingered TD grab a couple of years ago, however.  Ben the Butler takes the honors in this one.

Pittsburgh Steelers 30, Miami Dolphins (now available in a frozen variety) 12
This one was over before I got the cushion warmed.  Antonio Brown was unstoppable in the 1^st quarter.  Then they turn the focus to RB Le’Veon Bell, who goes for close to 200 yards.  I think he had 12 straight carries, all for big gains.  The Fins are floating (ice does not sink) back to Miami with several big chucks missing from their dorsal.  Greg the Great has a variance of 1 (had the Dolphins gone for one late in the game instead of messing up a 2-point try, it would have been his second “perfect game”).

Green Bay Packers 38, New York Football Giants 13
Somewhere during the 1^st quarter you would have thought the Giants could actually win this one.  Up 6-0 with their D making havoc out of the Packers, plus the injury to Green Bay star WR Jordy Nelson, seemed to be the magical recipe for Cheesehead Hell.  Then Aaron Rodgers decided to start playing.  Enough of being sacked.  Just be patient and dissect the Giant D for 4 TD passes.  I think he had 45 seconds before making a first down toss in the 4^th quarter.  It seemed like 2 different games.  JTB takes the honors.

So, here is where we stand after the Wild Card Games (which represent only 13% of all points amassed in the HSBT playoffs):

• 2017 Winner – 144 points (I think he’s serious about making a run for trophy #7)
• Pete the Terp – 124 (nice start in his trophy defense; everyone needs to catch his new profile pic on the website – he calls it the “Hewesman pose”)
• Ben the Butler – 117 (you can always count on him for a strong start)
• Comeback Kid – 105 (it’s been a while, but I hear some rumblings…)
• Buffalo Bill – 102 (that darn goose-egg)
• Greg the Great – 94 (soaking up another Seahawk home playoff victory)
• HenricoFiveOh – 93 (is he distracted with that recent, new addition to the household?)
• JTB – 84 (all he can do is go up…)

We set a HSBT record on Saturday with a 4-way tie for most points in a game.  Too bad the number was a lame 32…

Look for my “expert” analysis of the upcoming weekend games and don’t forget to submit your scores and BONUS SUPER BOWL PICK before the action begins Saturday afternoon.

Until then, I remain

~~ The Commish