Welcome to Glass Slipper! As though I needed another reason to root against Jesse Minter; please enjoy the show.

- Jacob Rhee

**NOTICE: Glass Slipper will arrive on Sunday and Tuesday this week.

I unexpectedly extended my college football picks into the postseason, because I felt like handing out more prizes. Let’s do the same with the NFL. The rules haven’t changed; each time a prediction is wrong, it costs me $10 in rewards. I’ll make five picks for each of the four rounds of the playoffs. You’re getting 20 extra chances to inflate the Prize Pot. Keep on rooting against me!

Prediction 1: Jarrett Stidham completes at least seven of his first ten pass attempts against the Patriots.

Allow me to be clear. I do not think Stidham is going to perform well. But I’ve also watched Sean Payton coach football for my entire life, and am fully aware of his management style. That 15-play opening script is going to be chock-full of the simplest throws in existence. Swing passes, screens, drags. A slant on third down, perhaps. Our friend Jarrett will connect on a few, and bring some false hope to that home crowd. I can already envision Tony Romo getting suckered in, and expressing his approval by producing a noise that no human has ever made.

Because the hype train for Stidham has reached such a puzzlingly-high speed this past week, I ducked into the film room. Am I missing something? Is his tape better than I remembered? A last-ditch attempt to understand this public excitement led me all the way back to his time at Baylor, and I didn’t find anything that swayed my skepticism whatsoever. He’s serviceable. A 5.5/10. Maybe the 45th-best quarterback in the league. On some possessions, you wonder if Jarrett could blossom in a friendly system. Other drives have you remembering exactly why both New England and Denver used a top-15 pick on a signal-caller after giving him a look.

Despite my lack of confidence in the guy taking the snaps, I actually still think the Broncos have a legitimate chance here. Vance Joseph’s unit is that special; 13 points could be enough on any given day. Stidham is staring at a golden chance to author one of the greatest stories in modern sports history. Back up that tough talk, sir.

Prediction 2: TreVeyon Henderson records 50+ yards from scrimmage.

Henderson has not been a factor. His moment is coming.

In my opinion, speed is essentially your only chance when facing Denver’s defense. Jonathan Taylor, Wan’Dale Robinson, Terry McLaurin, James Cook, and Khalil Shakir enjoyed individual success in their matchups with the Broncos. Every single one of those dudes ran a 4.44 or faster at the combine.

Rhamondre Stevenson has been fantastic lately, but TreVeyon is the superior option in this one. I trust Josh McDaniels to feed his gifted rookie.

Prediction 3: Matthew Stafford finishes with more than zero rushing yards against the Seahawks.

No, this isn’t an attempt to sneak a non-bold prediction into the mix. While the Detroit version of Stafford would tuck it on occasion, he ultimately abandoned that aspect of his game. Including the playoffs, Matthew has logged positive rushing yardage in just six of 19 contests this season.

At least twice a month, Matthew declines a gaping scramble lane in order to let a dangerous throw rip. Quite honestly, it’s the only qualm I have about the way he currently operates. Take the profit with your legs, slide early, and jog back to the huddle with a nice gain. Aaron Rodgers - who is five years older - picked up 20 yards on a third-down jog in Week 18. If that man has enough juice left to do it, so do you.

All hands on deck for the Rams. I think their superstar QB turns back the clock, and finally utilizes what is left of his mobility.

Prediction 4: Jaxon Smith-Njigba tallies 9+ receptions.

There isn’t a corner on this planet that can hang with Jaxon. Not even close. He’s a consensus top-four wide receiver at this point, and I couldn’t be prouder. That ridiculous toe-drag score in his collegiate debut feels like it was yesterday.

The Seahawks were up 7-0 with great field position when Sam Darnold first touched the football in the Divisional round. In other words, I’m not ready to completely disregard the notion that he struggles in high-leverage moments. Show me you can deliver when your absolute best is required.

I’d have Sam target Smith-Njigba relentlessly on Seattle’s opening series. Establish that connection early, and then start moving No. 11 all over the formation. Force each Los Angeles defender to think about him.

I sense a big showing from my precious Buckeye prince. The Rams better be striding into the building with a brilliant plan.

Prediction 5: Los Angeles and Seattle are tied at some point during the fourth quarter.

Here we go. The top scoring offense in the league against the top scoring defense in the league. Sean McVay against Mike Macdonald. Klint Kubiak against Chris Shula. Soon-to-be MVP Matthew Stafford is on one sideline. Soon-to-be Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith-Njigba is on the other. Puka Nacua against Devon Witherspoon. Charles Cross against Jared Verse. Division rivals, stepping into the arena for a spot in the Super Bowl. What more could you possibly ask for?

These squads are going to trade haymakers tonight. Kick back and enjoy it.

• Divisional Round Results: 1-4

• Overall Season Picks Record: 39-61

• Current NFL Prize Pot: $610

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