Gentlemen,

Well, we have the first 4 of 11 playoffs under our belts in spite of a technology challenge that created quite a stir on Saturday afternoon.  More on that in a minute, but I know you’re anxious to read The Commish’s official report of the weekend activity in the quest for the HBST.

Carolina Panthers 27, Arizona Cardinals 16
We knew the Cardinals were going to be a little weak on offense, but this weak?  Granted they started their #3 QB, who had a 1-5 record going into the game.  Couple that with a starting RB rotation that featured each of the 4 RB’s with less than 100 yards rushing for the season, and a rugged Carolina D – and you have a recipe for 79 total yards of offense.

The Panthers did not have to be great on offense to win this one and they weren’t.  On to Seattle next weekend, where they will have to be great to beat the surging Seahawks and their 12th Man (is that Greg the Great, who has now relocated to Seattle??).

Buffalo Bill kicked off the season with a 50-point game and the early lead, thanks to a variance of 1.

Baltimore Ravens 30, Pittsburgh Steelers 17
In the best game of the day, the Ravens D was solid and forced Big Ben out of the pocket and out of luck several times.  Star RB Le’Veon Bell did not play, but that probably would not have mattered a whole lot, as Joe Flacco again had a masterful playoff appearance.  Terrible Towels were drenched with Steeler tears, as the Ravens head to Foxboro next weekend.

Buffalo Bill and newest participant JTB both earn 59 points with identical picks, while Greg the Great earns the first official goose-egg of the season.

Indianapolis Colts 26, Cincinnati Bungles 10
As predicted on Saturday morning, the Bagels got over-burnt by the Colts horseshoe Luck and limped back home with yet another playoff loss, extending Head Coach Marvin Lewis’ playoff loss streak to 6.  Bungle QB Andy Dalton’s uninspired play reminded one of Jay Cutler, but he did not have his top weapon, WR A.J. Green.  The Colts did not have to be impressive to win this game.  They will have to pick it up a few notches, as they head to Denver next weekend for a rematch of their Week 1 clash against the Broncos.

2015 Winner led the pack with 47 points, while Comeback Kid and JTB both got their first goose-eggs of the season.

Dallas Cowboys 24, Motown 20
In what was the best game of the weekend, Dallas QB Tony Romo finally found a way to win in the playoffs and not toss a critical 4th quarter pick.  The Lions looked impressive early on and held a 10-point lead at halftime, but the ‘Boys fought back and gave owner Jerry Jones (along with New Jersey Governor Chris Christie – who would have suited up if another Dallas lineman went out with an injury) a reason to smile.  Off to the frozen tundra next weekend to face the Pack.  Not sure Jerry will be smiling after that one…

2015 Winner again takes top point honors, along with Henrico FiveOh.

Current Standings
Buffalo Bill – 138 points
2015 Winner – 125
JTB – 109
Henrico FiveOh – 101
Ben the Butler – 88
Greg the Great – 70
Pete the Terp – 64
Comeback Kid (current Trophy holder) – 53

Sir Spam(alot)
As mentioned at the start, the weekend started out with some anxiety on the scores being submitted on time.  Come to find out, with The Commish’s new email address, those picks (all submitted on time, thanks everyone!) went into a Spam folder and were discovered just as the first game started.

We’re off to a good start.  More to come next weekend and an early reminder that along with your picks next weekend, you will have the opportunity to make your Super Bowl Bonus Pick (worth 100 points if you get it right – which has happened 25% of the time over the past 26 years).

Until then, I am

~~ The Commish