NFL 2017 Wildcard round picks

It's that time of year again.  We have reached the NFL playoffs.  We often get some surprising results, as teams push themselves in the "one and done" situation.  This year, though, I think all of the favorites should advance.

Sat Jan 6
#5 Tennessee Titans at #4 Kansas City Chiefs:  Both AFC wildcard teams have a negative point differential, meaning their opponents have scored more than they have.  Tennessee made the playoffs due to a terrific 5-1 divisional record.  However, a 4-6 non-divisional record makes them a poor pick.  Kansas City has apparently overcome their midseason losing streak, as they won four of their last five games.  They haven't demonstrated the same intensity as they did at the beginning of the season, but their team is talented enough to beat the less-than-sterling Titans.  CHIEFS

#6 Atlanta Falcons at #3 Los Angeles Rams:  The defending NFC champion wants to return to the Super Bowl, but they have a couple of major obstacles in their way.  The first one is the Rams.  Already equipped with a strong defense, the development of Jared Goff has made the offense a force to fear as well.  These Rams may not be used to the postseason, but the Falcons are not exactly a postseason powerhouse, as they had gone 3-6 in the 2000's before last season.  Matt Ryan's accuracy has been a bit off this season, and their running game has not been effective.  The staunch Rams defense will take advantage of these deficiencies, and make it easy for young Goff to propel the team to victory.  RAMS

Sun Jan 7
#6 Buffalo Bills at #3 Jacksonville Jaguars:  The Jags are a great playoff team.  They have one of the toughest defenses in the conference.  Their offense has consistently been productive, despite weaknesses exposed during preseason.  The Jags have limited postseason exposure.  After reaching the playoffs in four of their first five seasons, they have played in a total of three playoff games since 1999.  The Bills, though, have played in ZERO playoff games since 1999, and have won only one playoff game since their last Super Bowl appearance, their fourth consecutive loss in 1994.  So playoff experience is not a consideration.  The bigger one -- the strength of the Jaguars defense.  JAGUARS

#5 Carolina Panthers at #4 New Orleans Saints:  It has been a long stated ideal in the NFL that it is extremely difficult to beat the same time three times in the same season.  That is the task facing the Saints, who swept Carolina in their regular season bouts.  However, I feel confident that the Saints can accomplish that task.  The primary reasons are the Saints offense, and the tendencies of Panthers QB Cam Newton.  The Saints offense is the second best in the league, trailing on the Los Angeles Rams.  The Panthers defense is good, but not good enough to stop the Saints.  By the second half, the Panthers will trail the Saints.  And that's where disaster will set in.  Cam Newton has a tendency to force plays when they are trying to come from behind.  Normally that might not be an issue, but the Saints have a decent defense this season, and they will make the Panthers pay for the careless play.  SAINTS