Re:
Maybe Case will be the next big name QB. Since my teams are out, I would really like to see the Vikes win a home Superbowl. Its a tall order, but its not out of the question.Alpe d'Huez said:Here are some early picks.
TEN@KC - The Titans barely made the playoffs and were more inconsistent than KC, who have quietly won 4 in a row. In KC, I just don't see them losing this game at home.
ATL@LAR - If there is one game I think could be an upset this weekend, it's this one. The Falcons, if they can just play four quarters, are as dangerous as any team left. I also think on defense they have the ability to stop the endless stream of screen passes the Rams like to throw. But the Rams also have Gurley, and Goff can throw deep. Still, experience counts, and I'll take the Falcons as my upset.
BUF@JAG - The Bills are riding high, and Jacksonville ended the season with two almost meaningless losses. But Jacksonville's defense is way more deep and dynamic than anything Buffalo can toss at them.
CAR@NO - Twice this season the Saints beat the Panthers (by 21, and 10), and I think they will again. They are my dark horse for the whole playoffs. Cam will have some big plays, but the Panther defense has not been playing great of late, and I think in the end the Saints will just overwhelm them in the Superdome.
I should also note the four teams with byes are likely to be favored next week, but if one team is ripe for an upset, it's Philly, without Wentz. Foles hasn't been consistent enough. He never really has, and likely won't be now. Minnesota will be very difficult to beat at home, no matter who goes there.
In the AFC I just don't see the Patriots losing, though they could to Pittsburgh maybe, but at home?
Another way I slice this is: Big name QB's tend to carry teams in big games and in the playoffs. That means Brady, Brees, Roethlesburger, and maybe Ryan. Cam can be dynamic, but I don't see him carrying the Panthers far enough. Smith is consistently good, rarely great. Goff too young, Bortles, Mariota, Taylor, Foles I don't see them carrying their teams more than a game. That leaves Case Keenum. Hmmm.