NFL Divisional round: Picks, predictions and more

Jacksonville Jaguars at Pittsburgh Steelers (-7.5)

In Week 5, the Jaguars (110-6) blew out the Steelers (13-3) at Heinz Field, winning 30-9. Plenty of Jacksonville fans believe that could happen again based on the fact it happened once, forgetting that Blake Bortles threw for 95 yards, and that Ben Roethlisberger tossed five interceptions.

In other words, that ain’t happening again.

The Jaguars have an incredible defense led by the corner duo of A.J. Bouye and Jalen Ramsey, but the run has been available against it all year. Pittsburgh will pound the ball with Le’Veon Bell to set up the play-action pass. It won’t be pretty, but it will be more than enough against a Bortles-led offense that unless Leonard Fournette has a career day, is dead on arrival.

Pick: Pittsburgh 22, Jacksonville 16

New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings (-5)

This is the best game of the weekend, and might be the best game we see thoughout the playoffs. The Saints (11-5) and Vikings (12-4) are both tremendous in their own rights, with New Orleans featuring a dynamic offense and Minnesota displaying a punishing defense.

However, they can both play on the other side of the ball as well, making this such an intriguing matchup. In fact, the bout of Case Keenum and his charges against the Saints’ defense might very well be the difference.

In a game that is a coin-flip, I took the better quarterback and the veteran head coach.

Pick: New Orleans 24, Minnesota 23

Last Week: 3-1
Season: 169-91