NFL Divisional Playoff Picks

Sit down. You’re not going anywhere. Two NFL playoff doubleheaders should make you plenty cozy as you plunk your heiner in the recliner.

Let’s start with Saturday.

First, we get the Atlanta Falcons (11-6) playing the Philadelphia Eagles (13-3) at 4:35 p.m. ET on NBC. The Eagles are the NFC’s top seed, but accomplished much of that with the injured Carson Wentz at quarterback. The question: Can Nick Foles get the job done? The answer? No. Pick: Falcons.

We then move to the Tennessee Titans (10-7) against the New England Patriots (13-3) at 8:15 p.m. on CBS. The Titans came from 18 points down on the road to beat the Kansas City Chiefs, but that should eat up their allotment of miracles. The Patriots have beaten the Titans six straight times. Pick: Patriots.

Sunday brings the Jacksonville Jaguars (11-6) at Pittsburgh Steelers (13-3) at 1:05 p.m. on CBS. The Steelers well remember losing to the Jags in a game where Ben Roethlisberger threw five interceptions. Won’t happen again unless the Steelers are too focused on what could be ahead – another shot at the Patriots. Pick: Steelers.

The late game matches the New Orleans Saints (12-5) against the Minnesota Vikings (13-3) at 4:40 p.m. on Fox. The Vikings are very sound defensively. The Saints bring a strong running game and quarterback Drew Brees. Pick: Saints.

Need a little college hoop in your life? Saturday gives us a Big 12 meeting of No. 16 TCU and No. 9 Oklahoma at 1 p.m. on ESPNU. You have to see the Sooners’ Trae Young drive and score.

Immediately following, at 3 p.m. on ESPNU, is a fine ACC matchup of No. 18 Miami and No. 19 Clemson.

Stay comfortable. Don’t move too much. You might miss something.
 
 
Post By: Larry Weisman, a longtime sportswriter for USA TODAY, blogs for Twistity.com. Follow him on Twitter @MrLarryWeisman