SantaFeToday.com Santa Fe’s Hometown News
By Arnie Leshin
Las Vegas Raiders at Cincinnati Bengals —
Home field is a good place for the surprising AFC South champion Bengals, but after a long drought, they lack playoff experience that the Raiders have, so let’s go with the former Oakland residents, 24-14.
New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills —Playing a first round game on the road is new for playing is new for the Bill Belichick Pats, who split with AFC East champion Buffalo during the season, but the Bills at home get an edge, 27-21.
Philadelphia Eagles at Tampa Bay Buccaneers — The floundering Eagles have little chance to contain ageless Bucs quarterback Tom Brady, and it doesn’t help hitting the road, so it’s NFC South and reigning champion Tampa Bay to advance, 33-20.
San Francisco 49ers at Dallas Cowboys — NFC East champion Dallas looms as the consensus choice off of its overall play, but the Niners can’t be taken lightly, playing across the country won’t help if they plan to cool off the Cowboys, who should move on via a 28-18 victory.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Kansas City Chiefs — Well, if could be big Ben Roethisberger’s finale or an startling upset over the Super Bowl runners-up would keep him out there, but KC is tough at home and should be too tough to get past in a 27-7 win for the Chiefs.
Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams — Cards were playing well until midway though the season, and if they don’t bounce back, it would be the Rams moving on 30-20.
That’s it, LESHIN’S SELECTIONS, a lot of fun and the usual guessing game. Go ahead, pick-em and don’t bet your house.
