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- Jacob Rhee

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: Josh Allen throws at least one interception against the Broncos.

27 days ago, Denver’s vaunted defense got absolutely humiliated in front of its own fans. The Jaguars scored 34 points in a 32-minute span, did not commit a turnover, and coasted to the finish line. Vance Joseph’s unit has not faced a starting quarterback since. Giving these prideful Broncos almost a full month to stew on their worst showing is dangerous business; they’ve been patiently waiting for another earnest challenger to approach.

The reigning MVP certainly qualifies as such. Allen has now been pick-free in 11 of his 14 career playoff contests, and is the only remaining AFC signal-caller that’s gotten out of this round. It’s hard for me to envision No. 17 staying completely clean in this one, though. He’ll be attacking ultra-tight windows, and there’s bound to be a tipped ball that flutters into the wrong hands.

Bills Mafia better hope that Joe Brady concocted an A+ plan. If not, the conference championship game will take place in Colorado.

Prediction 2: Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet combine for 30+ rushing attempts.

This has happened exactly three times since the backs joined forces in 2023. I’d argue that the circumstances insist upon a fourth occurrence here.

Seattle’s most recent bracket appearance morphed into a deafening I’m-here-to-stay announcement from Brock Purdy. 348 total yards and four total touchdowns in his postseason debut. The Seahawks need to embark on marathon drives, and keep that man on the sideline for as long as possible. This ill-timed Sam Darnold injury makes establishing the run even more vital. Hand it off on early downs, and only go to the air when necessary.

There’s so much bad blood between these two franchises. The football world is in for an absolute treat.

Prediction 3: CJ Stroud finishes with a higher passer rating than Drake Maye.

We’ve arrived upon a fork-in-the-road moment for CJ Stroud. He’s earned a playoff victory in each of his first three professional campaigns, an extremely rare feat. Everyone can see the bursts of talent. This is the kind of matchup that will truly sway the public perception, however. Deliver the goods in a chilly Gillette Stadium, and Stroud shakes free from the notion that his rookie year was a fluke. A rough outing, and folks become fully convinced that he’s not the long-term answer in Houston.

I don’t envision either QB posting special numbers in these weather conditions, to be clear. But I’ve still got a seat reserved on CJ’s bandwagon, and he’ll vindicate me tomorrow.

That leads us to this…

Prediction 4: Houston defeats New England.

People picking the Texans to lose with any sort of confidence are far braver than me. Yes, Mike Vrabel has rings. Yes, Drake Maye is an MVP candidate. Yes, they’re home favorites. But it feels awfully cavalier to doubt DeMeco Ryans’ defense right now, so I just won’t. Plain and simple.

I think New England’s offensive line is about to be exposed as a serious weakness. Will Campbell did not look sharp at all on Sunday. Jared Wilson was worse. Morgan Moses - though he has mostly been fine - turns 35 in March. Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. are in town, if you haven’t heard. That reality should have Pats fans squirming.

This clash will be decided in the final three minutes. Ka’imi Fairbairn nails the winner, and pushes Houston a step closer to the Lombardi.

Prediction 5: Someone other than Matthew Stafford or Caleb Williams attempts a pass in the Rams-Bears game.

Ben Johnson undoubtedly knows that Los Angeles is going to score some points. Like, probably around 27 or 30. There’s not enough talent on Chicago’s defense to make this thing ugly. Thus, Caleb Williams and the boys need to come out swinging. Don’t rely on another miracle.

When Ben is hungry to seize the momentum, where does he turn? Trickery. It was the hallmark of his tenure in Detroit, and he still loves to reach into the vault. You can almost sense a wild design coming. The Rams might decide to get creative, as well. Perhaps Mike LaFleur forced a double pass onto the call sheet, after watching Johnson fling punches at his big brother for the past year. Humiliate my family? I’ll send you packing, and use your own signature flair to do it.

This is another incredibly fun matchup. I’m anticipating 200 minutes of chaos.

• Wild Card Round Results: 2-3

• Overall Season Picks Record: 38-57

• Current NFL Prize Pot: $570

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