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 51 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 for the 2^nd time in a row.

Right now, the trophy resides on the fireplace mantle of Pete the Terp’s home in the northern suburbs of Baltimore.  Without his beloved Ravens in the playoffs, he is a good choice to win his 2^nd trophy.  2 participants are looking for their first trophy victory.  3 are looking for trophy #7.  Who will win this year?  We’re not telling at this point, but let’s get to the eagerly awaited predictions from the desk of The Commish:

#5 Oakland Raiders (12-4) @ #4 Houston Texans (9-7)

The weekend’s premier QB matchup in the playoff opener.  Oakland QB Connor Cook (who?) is making his very first NFL start, while 3^rd stringer Brock Osweiler (he of the $72MM contract) is filling in for his injured sub.  Obviously, a (MVP candidate Derek) Carr ride is what the Raiders had planned for.  I guess this will be a defensive game and we all get a chance to watch All-Pro LB Kahlil Mack do his thing and see Jadaveon Clowney reek havoc.  These 2 teams met earlier this year at Mile High Stadium 2 – in Mexico City.  The Raiders are looking to win their first road playoff game since 1980.  Key Matchup – Brock Osweiler vs. himself.  Without Carr, it’s gonna be tough for the Raiders.  Will the Texans score more points in this year’s Wild Card game in Houston than a year ago (registering a nice, fat goose-egg)?

Smell an upset, but also smell the Texas BBQ

Texans 23, Raiders 16

#6 Detroit Red Wings Lions (9-7) @ #3 Seattle Seahawks (10-5-1)

Sorry for the typo – didn’t know Detroit had another sports franchise that made the playoffs other than the hockey guys.  Get your earplugs ready for this snowy one at CenturyLink Field.  To say the Lions have struggled a bit is an understatement – they have lost their last 8 playoff games, their last road playoff victory was 60 years ago and they are the first team since 1970 to make the playoffs while losing their last 3 games in their conference.  Their QB – Matthew Stafford (he of the gifted arm) is 5-45 all-time vs. teams with a winning record (compared to Seattle QB Russell Wilson, who is 26-16), but carved out 8 (yep, 8) 4^th quarter comebacks this year.  Seattle on the other hand is peaking, despite losing the heart and soul their D a few weeks ago.  They should win, but you just never know how they will.  How much gum does Pete Carroll chew during a game?

Just like General (Richard?) Sherman’s march to Atlanta in the Civil War

Seahawks 29, Lions 23 (sorry about that pick on the final drive)

#6 Miami Dolphins (10-6) @ #3 Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5)

Did you know – Dolphin RB Jay Ajayi led the league in rushing and ran all over the Steelers (for the first of his 3 200+ yard rushing games) earlier this year?  Did you know – Steeler RB Le’Veon Bell led the league in scrimmage yards (despite missing the first 2 games of the season)?  Did you know – Big Ben has lost 4 of his last 5 playoff starts?  Another backup QB in this one – Miami’s Matt Moore filling in for injured Ryan Tannehill.  At least he has started an NFL game, but this is his first playoff start.

And finally, Did you know?  With their first Wild Card home win since 2003 (over da Browns, 36-33)

Steelers 27, Dolphins 17

#5 New York Football (as if anyone remembers the baseball version) Giants (11-5) @ The North Pole

Kickoff temperature will be a balmy 14 in Green Bay, with winds gusting up to 20 mph.  The sofa and warm fire sound a little better.  Around Thanksgiving several weeks ago, the Pack was 4-6 and the Cheeseheads were going crazy (even recommending some beheadings).  QB Aaron Rodgers told them to settle down and all we need to do is run the table (without a running game).  Which they did over the last 6 weeks of the season.  Giants QB Eli Manning has a better post-season record (2-0) in GB than Mr. Rodgers (2-2).  The Giants D is awfully hot despite the weather forecast, but Mr. Rodgers is hotter (it might take kryptonite to cool him off).

Hello, Big D – Here we come!  Cheeseheads survive another week

Packers 30, Giants 23

No upsets this weekend – which will be the first time since 2012.  Be sure to check out our site for up to the minute scores and points for each Participant!  My Wild Card weekend summary will be forthcoming early next week.

Good luck to all Participants!!

~~ The Commish