This should be a spectacular matchup with the vaunted 49ers defense versus the prolific Patrick Mahomes and the KC Chiefs offense. Ma-homes looks unstoppable. Can SF defensive coordinator Robert Saleh and his defense stop Mahomes and that electric Chiefs offense? The Niners have led the NFL in scoring defense in the postseason at 15 ppg, while the Chiefs are 8th in the postseason giving up 27.5 ppg.

But Patrick Mahomes is used to outscoring people. The Niners want to keep Mahomes off the field with their old school running game approach. Raheem Mostert rushed for 772 yards in the regular season along with 8 TDs, Tevin Coleman rushed for 544 yards and 6 TDs and Matt Breida rushed for 623 yards and 1 TD.

Another intriguing matchup is the tight ends. KC’s Travis Kelce caught 97 passes this season for 1,229 yards and 5 TDs. In the postseason he’s caught 13 passes for 164 yards and 3 TDs.

His counterpart, George Kittle, is just as much of a stud. Kittle caught 85 passes for 1,053 yards and 5 TDs. In the postseason he’s only caught 4 passes but has been stellar in blocking for Mostert, who has rushed for 278 yards and 4 TDs. Mostert ran for 220 yards and 4 TDs in the Niners 37-20 conference championship victory over the Packers. KIttle is a phenomenal blocker.

Mahomes completed 23 of 35 passes for 294 yards, 3 TDs and 0 ints against the Titans in a 35-24 Chiefs victory. He also ran for an extraordinary 27 yard touchdown right before halftime at KC that seemed to break the Titans spirit. They just couldn’t come close to even neutralizing Mahomes. The week before, the Texans got lit up by Mahomes. Mahomes is 46-of-70 in the postseason, 66%, for 615 yards, 8 TDs and 0 ints. He’s a supreme force of nature on the football field.

The Niners posted 12 interceptions on the season, 3 of which they took back to duh house. Richard Sherman leads the team with 3 ints, one for a house call. He’s also got 2 in the playoffs. I read some really hilarious comments by Sherman in USA Today Sports yesterday. He’s mellowed out and seems content now in San Francisco. He was asked if he took satisfaction that the Seattle Seahawks, the team that dumped him as he rehabbed from a torn Achilles tendon, lost in the NFC divisional playoffs, and Sherman said, “My petty factor is pretty up there, but I honestly didn’t feel it in that game.”

Also, according to Jarrett Bell of USA Today, a top flight NFL writer, Sherman was asked about defensive coordinator Robert Saleh’s grueling pregame ritual of running stadium stairs. Sherman said, “It’s unique, him running those stairs before the game and still having enough energy to scream and run and the stuff that he does. I’m not sure how he does it, but I’m pretty sure he takes some kind of energy drink.”

Sherman has really come around as a 49er. He’s always been colorful, but he’s a lot nicer now. Maybe not on the field, but in the media, he’s a lot better guy. That’s good to see because he is a heckuva football player..

In the regular season, the Chiefs allowed 19.2 per game, 7th in the league, while the Niners were 8th at 19.4. The Niners led the league in rushing defense. The Chiefs gave up 3,543 passing yards and an 80.8 quarterback rating (with 158.3 being perfect) while the NIners gave up 2,707 yards passing and an 83 quarterback rating.

Jimmy Garappolo had a solid year under center for the NIners, but he’s the underdog quarterback in the big game. Garappolo completed 329-of-476 passes, 69.1%, for 3,978 yards, 27 TDs but 13 interceptions. In the postseason he’s completed 17 of 27 passes, 63%, for 208 yards, 1 TD and 1 int. He’s not had to throw much because the running game has been so stellar.

One more factor is team speed on both sides. Kelce is fast, but Tyreek Hill of the Chiefs may be the fastest guy in the league. He caught 58 passes for 860 yards and 7 TDs. Sammy Watkins, an electric veteran, caught 52 passes for 673 yards and 3 TDs, and the former Georgia great Mecole Hardman has caught 26 passes for 538 yards and 6 TDs, to go along with a kick return for a 104 yard TD. A 60 yard dash race between Hill and Hardman would make for must see TV.

The Niners have weapons of their own on the perimeter. Deebo Samuel, the great one from the University of South Carolina, has caught 57 passes for 802 yards and 5 TDs. Another great veteran for the Niners, opposite Watkins of the Chiefs, is Emmanuel Sanders, who caught 36 passes for 502 yards and 3 TDs. Kendrick Bourne has added 30 receptions for 358 yards and 5 TDs.

So it’s quite a matchup of talent on both sides of the ball. Here are details of the game along with prediction.

Super Bowl LIV

San Francisco 49ers (15-3) vs. Kansas City Chiefs (14-4)

Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL. (just north of South Beach), 64,767

5:30 PM CT, kickoff.

Pregame: FOX, 1-5:30 PM CT

FOX broadcasting

Joe, Troy, EA, Chris Myers, Mike Pereira (Rules Analyst), Dean Blandino (Rules Analyst). Mike and Dean are fantastic as is the crew calling the game.

Pregame: Host Curt Menefee, Terry, Howie, Jimmy, Mike, Gronk, Christina Pink. Should be a flamboyant pregame show.

Lead Laundry, Bill Vinovich. Threw the least amount of flags in the NFL this season, but his crew forgot to throw a flag for pass interference last year in the NFC Conference Championship game that kept the New Orleans Saints out of Super Bowl 53. He and his crew will be watched closely, at least by White’s World.

Chiefs by 1 1/2

Over Under: 54

The Decision

It is really hard to go against Patrick Mahomes. The guy is the best quarterback in the NFL. At the same time, I trust Robert Saleh and the Niners defense to put up a heckuva resistance. While Mahomes is unstoppable, I like the NIners to do enough on defense, run the ball well and do enough in the passing game to get over the top and pull off the slight upset and hoist the Lombardi Trophy. I’ll take the over in this one, too.

49ers 31, Chiefs 28

MVP: Richard Sherman

College Football Regular Season: 256-82, 76%

Bowls: 24-12, 3-0 in playoff

NFL Playoffs record: 4-6

Need to capture the Big One.

This fatal tragedy that happened on Sunday when a helicopter flying near Los Angeles crashed killing Kobe Bryant and 8 other people, was not all about Kobe Bryant. It is extremely sad and heartbreaking that a 41 year old accomplished basketball player, who seems to have become a better person, lost his life. But it was also incredibly tragic and sad that his 13 year old daughter, Gianna, 56 year old John Altobelli, a highly successful junior college baseball coach, his wife, Kerri, 46, and their daughter, Alyssa, 13, lost their lives along with 38 year old Christina Mauser, a top assistant on Bryant’s travel basketball team that Gianna was a star on, pilot Ara Zobayan, 50, Sarah and Payton Chester, 45 and 13 respectively, mother and daughter also had their lives cut short.

There was a lot of outpouring of sympathy for Bryant, but there were 8 other victims who deserve just as much sympathy and for the losses to their families. The question I don’t have the answer to that may be answered in the next week is why were they flying in those conditions with intense fog, enough for the LAPD to ground all their helicopters that day? Either it was a pilot error, or Bryant made the pilot fly the copter. I lean more to the second explanation.

Kobe Bryant seemed to have gotten his act together, but the incident in 2003 where he raped a woman in Colorado was still a mark on his life. He seemed to become a good father and a better husband, but there was still an arrogance about him that was always pervasive. That’s why I would gather that he forced his pilot to fly that day against the pilot’s better judgment. That may not ever be discovered or revealed, but Bryant was a tyrant on the court, which did make him highly successful and allowed him to win 5 NBA Championships, and also a bit of a tyrannical person. It cost him dearly along with 8 other innocent people if he did in fact order his pilot to fly last Sunday. Maybe it was pilot error, but one would think a responsible pilot would not want to fly in those conditions. The guy could have been wanting to please Bryant. Maybe that’ll be discovered in the near future

What was kind of unreal too was Tiger Woods’ response to Amanda Bulianis of CBS Sports’ question after his final round at the Farmers last Sunday about what he thought about Kobe Bryant as a player, but moreso as a man, a husband and father. Woods just talked about what a great competitor Bryant was and just talked only about his basketball game. There was not a word about Bryant as a person. It was kind of an unbelievably bad response.

On the other hand, world No.1 Brooks Keopka was asked about him in Saudi Arabia where Koepka is getting ready to compete in the Saudi International, and Keopka said he was brought to tears, and was devastated for the 8 other people who lost their lives in the crash. It was so polar opposite of what Woods said. Richard Simmons, the famous Birmingham author in his book the True Measure of A Man, talks about humility and empathy as key characteristics of a true, mature man. Keopka showed a lot of sensitivity and showed how much better of good person he is than Tiger Woods, who can’t seem to grow up and become a good person. He can say all he wants in the media and charm them and all the fans, but he’s still a questionable person. He’s still got a long way to go.

So a really sad day Sunday. Sorry for all the victims and their families. Pretty difficult thing to take for the people involved, but unfortunately and sadly that can happen in life. It can be unfair. You just need to enjoy every day and be careful in your decisions. That decision Sunday by Bryant or his pilot was a fatal one. Very tragic.

Predictions for this week

Winner at Waste Management

This is an excellent field with Justin Thomas, Jon Rahm , defending champion Rickie Fowler, the controversial and obnoxious Bryson DeChambeau, 2 time back to back winner Hideki Matsuyama (2016, ‘17), Brandt Snedeker, who finished tied for 3rd last week at Torrey where he’s won twice , and the now No.51 Jordan Spieth, who’s stock has dropped precipitously, all playing.

The 16th hole which houses 16,000 people in a Coliseum like setup is a spectacle. People loud, drunk and enjoying themselves make for an interesting 161 yard par 3. A good shot is cheered loudly and a bad shot is booed intensely. There’s a lot of commentary. Some of it probably over the line. But it’s fun for spectators and viewers though it can get too rowdy and the hole itself is nothing great. It’s all about the crowd.

TPC Scottsdale is a nice setup. No. 11 with water down the entire left side is a tough one, 483 yard par 4. And now the 17th, a driveable 336 yard par 4 has the Coliseum setup also which should also be wild. 18 is a 434 yard par 4 with water down the entire left side. Will be nice theater on the 72nd hole on Super Bowl Sunday.

The PGA has instituted a slow play policy that will go into effect at the RBC Heritage the week after the Masters in mid April. Players will be assessed a 1 stroke penalty for 2 excessive times in a tournament not just a round. Any player who takes more than 120 seconds (2 minutes) to play a single shot will be assessed. And there will be an observation list that players will go on and off of based on a 10 tournament rolling period and will be subject to 60 second averages per shot. Bryson DeChambeau probably got the ball rolling on this after last year’s debacle at the Northern Trust in the Fed Ex Playoffs when he took 2 minutes to hit an 8 foot putt. He was irate and whining about it afterwards, but it was without a doubt his fault. The guy is just a lightning rod for controversy and is a pretty unbearable guy. Very good move by the PGA Tour.

Something that was horrifically bad last Sunday at the Farmers Insurance Open was Jon Rahm’s decision at 18, trailing leader Mark Leishman by 2 shots heading into the, to not check the leaderboard to know where he stood, thinking he only needed a birdie to tie Leishman and send the tournament into a playoff. I’ve never heard of such stupidity. Leishman definitely earned the title making over 150 feet of putts on Sunday and leading the field in strokes gained putting averaging over 8 strokes gained putting on the field. That’s a wow. But it’s just mind blowing that Rahm didn’t check the leaderboard when he arrived at 18. There have been several brain dead moves on the tour with some of these present players, but that may be as bad as it gets.

I’ll take the 41 year old from Bagdad, Florida as my winner this week. He finished tied 6th last week at Torrey and had a T-4 at the WM last year. Give me the quirky and colorful….

Bubba Watson

Weather perfect in Phoenix, sunny highs in the high 60’s low 70’s all 4 days wind 5-8, no problem.

TV: Thursday-Friday, Golf Channel 2-6 PM CT. Saturday-Sunday, 12-1:45 PM CT Golf, 2-5 PM CBS.

Saudi International winner

There are several big names playing at Royal Greens Golf Course in King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia, that’s a mouthful, including World No.1 Brooks Koepka who tore a tendon in his knee in the fall, had surgery, fell on it again later in the fall and hasn’t played much. An amazing thing besides Keopka owning 4 major championships, 2 U.S. Opens and 2 PGAs, is last year he finished tied for 2nd with DJ and Xander Schauffele at the Masters behind Tiger, he won the PGA at Bethpage Black, he finished 2nd to Gary Woodland at the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, and he finished tied for 4th at the Open Championship at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, which Irishman Shane Lowry won. That is some seriously impressive stuff. I would take Keopka any day in most tournaments but he’s a little rusty. Dustin Johnson is another I’d take a lot, except in majors, but he’s been hurt too and is rusty. Mickelson is in it too. Little tired of his act. Lowry is playing as is the annoying Sergio Garcia. Patrick Reed is also in the field. I’ll take a haymaker and go with the 35 year old from Dusseldorf, Germany.

Martin Kaymer

TV: Thursday-Friday. 2 AM-8:30 AM CT Golf Channel. Saturday-Sunday, 3:30-8 AM CT Golf Channel.

Super Bowl preview/prediction coming up Friday.

Sleepers

I’ve got 2 this week.

The 29 year old from Daytona Beach, FL. by way of the University of Alabama. He tied for 4th at the Amex last week and tied 13th at Torrey last year.

Bud Cauley, 5’7”, 150 more of a scatback.

The other one is a 6’3”, 235 linebacker looking player, who tied with Cauley for 4th and tied Cauley for 13th at Torrey last year. I’ll also take the 26 year old from Vienna, Austria by way of the University of Georgia.

Seth Straka

Torrey Pines South Course: 7,765 yards, Par 72. North Course, Thursday-Saturday, 7,258, Par 72. San Diego, CA.

Defending champion: Justin Rose, shot 267, -21, to win it by 2 shots over Adam Scott.

Last week’s winner at the American Express in La Quinta, CA. Andrew Landry. Shot 262, -26 to win by 2 over Abraham Ancer.

FedEx Cup top 5

1. Justin Thomas, 1,162 points-won the CJ Cup at Nine Bridges in Korea in October and the Sentry Tournament of Champions in Maui Jan. 2nd-5th.

2. Brendon Todd, 1,041 points, won the Bermuda Championship Oct. 31st-Nov. 3rd and the Mayakoba Classic in Playa De Carmen, Mexico Nov. 14-17th.

3. Sebastian Munoz, 904 points, won the Sanderson Farms Championship in Sept.

4. Lanto Griffin, 887-Won the Houston Open in October

5. Cameron Smith, 740, won the Sony Open 2 weeks ago.

Majors this season:

The 5th Major, The Players Championship, March 12th-15th, TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra, FL. NBC, Golf Channel, defending champion Rory. Also player of the year with 3 victories last season. The RBC Canadian in June, and the Tour Championship in late August. Fed Ex Cup winner.

The Masters, April 9th-12th, ESPN, CBS, Tiger Woods defending.

The PGA Championship, May 14th-17th, TPC Harding Park, San Francisco, CA. CBS, Brooks Koepka (won at Bethpage Black)

The U.S. Open, June 18th-21st, Winged Foot GC, Mamaroneck, NY. FOX, Gary Woodland (Pebble Beach)

The Open Championship, July 16th-19th, Royal St. George’s GC, Sandwich, Kent, England, GC, NBC, Shane Lowry (Royal Portrush Golf Club, Portrush, Northern Ireland)

Also The 43rd Ryder Cup, Sept. 25th-27th, Whistling Straits, Straits Course, Haven, Wisconsin. 7,790 yards, Par 72. Defending Europe-Won the 42nd Cup with a 17 1/2 to 10 1/2 victory over the US Team at Le Golf National in Guyancourt, France, just outside Paris.

This year’s American Captain: Steve Stricker

European Captain: Padraig Harrington

TV: Golf Channel, NBC, should be epic.

Storylines this week

Tiger Woods shoots for his 83rd PGA victory which would break a tie with Sam Snead for most of all time. Quite a feat. The way he’s playing, he’s got a very good shot this week. That 18 footer he sank in the Presidents Cup to seal his victory over Abraham Ancer was phenomenal. He was walking to shake Ancer’s hand when the ball was 3 feet from the hole on No.16 and won 3 and 2. Pretty spectacular. He was 3-0 in the Presidents Cup and captained the American team to a huge comeback victory. Jack Nicklaus had 73 victories, Ben Hogan had 64 and Arnie had 62.

He’s also shooting for his 9th title at Torrey Pines. He’s won the Farmers 7 times (‘99, ‘03, ‘05, ‘06, ‘07, ‘08, ‘13). He also won the 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey with an 18 hole playoff victory over Rocco Mediate on a Monday. He played other worldly golf that weekend. He’s back. Jack’s 18 majors is still in the balance as Tiger is in spectacular shape and homing his game for the majors. That’s what he told Golf Channel, that he wants to win this week like every week, but that he’s really getting his game tuned up for April.

Jack turned 80 yesterday. 18 majors including the 1986 Masters in what was one of the greatest sports events of all time. Maybe the most memorable. He finished in the top 3 in majors 46 times. Wow. He completed 3 career Grand Slams. He won the Masters in 1963, ‘65, ‘66, ‘72,’75, and ‘86. 6 Masters. He win the U.S. in ‘62, ‘67, ‘72, ‘80. 4 U.S. Opens. He won the Open Championship in ‘66, ‘70, and ‘78. 3 times. He won the PGA Championship in ‘63, ‘71, ‘73, ‘75, and ‘80. 5 times. 18 Majors.

He’s still going strong and has forged an amazing legacy with his play and his golf courses all over the world. Quite a guy.

Torrey Pines South Course

Rees Jones did a redesign on the South Course and lengthened the course more than 500 yards for the 2021 U.S. Open. That’ll be a classic.

Jones added fairway bunkers throughout the course, narrowed fairways to intimidate the long hitters. Tightly mowed areas were added or expanded around the greens on the 7th, 9th and 15th. Holes lengthened. The 10th went from 415 to 454.

Hole 9 is 614 yards long, par 5, hole 13 is also 614 yards, par 5. Hole 16 is a 223 yard par 3. Bunkers on both sides. The strategy is to par it and move on. No. 17 is a 442 par 4. Fairway bunker right and canyon, Pacific on the left. Small green protecting the front of the green. In 2008, Tiger sank a phenomenal bunker shot on this hole for birdie when he was playing on a broken leg. No. 18 570 yards, Par 5. The big hitters on Sunday will be using their fairway woods or long irons to try to clear the pond in front in 2 and play for an eagle. Many dramatic moments on this hole. Tiger’s 15 foot birdie putt in the 2008 Open that sent the tournament into an 18 hole playoff is the most memorable.

Winner

I’m going to take the 44 year old from Cypress, California. He’s won here 8 times along with 8 times at Firestone, 5 times at Augusta National and 5 times at Muirfield Village, Jack’s tourney, the Memorial. I like this to be number 9 on the South Course. Give me Eldrick.

Tiger Woods

Patrick Mahomes put on a beyond phenomenal performance against the Tennessee Titans Sunday in the KC Chiefs 35-24 victory at Arrowhead Stadium in KC.

Mahomes was 23 of 35 for 294 yards, 3 TDs and 0 ints and finished with a 120.4 rating, which is outstanding. 158.3 is perfect and anything above 120 is elite. He also had one of the greatest TD runs by a quarterback you’ll ever see, I’d call it the play of the year. With the Titans leading 17-14 and time running out in the first half, it looked as if the Chiefs might settle for a field goal and tie the game going into the half. But Mahomes dropped back to pass, saw a running lane on the left side of the field, broke a couple of tackles, tight roped the sideline and basically carried a cornerback into the endzone. It was phenomenal, spectacular and memorable all rolled into one. He connected with Tyreek HIll for 2 TD passes and Sammy Watkins for another, a beautiful 60 yarder that sealed the victory for the Chiefs. Watkins caught 7 passes for 114 yards along with his TD. Hill caught 5 passes for 67 yards and 2 TDs.

And the Chiefs defense locked down on Derrick Henry. After rushing for over a buck 80 in his first 2 playoff games against New England and Baltimore respectively, Henry only rushed for 69 yards on 19 carries against the Chiefs. He did score a TD in the first half when he was having some success. The Chiefs shut him down in the second half. Frank Clark, Tyrann Mathieu and Reggie Ragland had their way with the Titans offense in the second half.

49ers 37, Packers 20

The story for the Niners was their running game and specifically Raheem Mostert, who rushed for 220 yards on 29 carries and cashed in 4 TDs. The 27 year old 5th year player from Purdue who has been with 6 NFL teams, was outstanding with his power and 4.4 speed. It was fantastic to watch.

Niners quarterback Jimmy Garopolo threw just 8 passes completing 6 of them for 69 yards. Pretty much a throwback gameplan by the 49ers. The San Francisco defense got pressure on Aaron Rodgers all afternoon led by their great defensive end Nick Bosa. They’ve got a dominating defensive front. Rodguhs completed 31 of 39 passes for 326 yards with 2 TDs but also 2 ints, one by Emmanuel Moseley and the other by Richard Sherman. It was just the 49ers day.

Super Bowl 54

Miami and Hard Rock Stadium will be the host for Super Bowl LIV on Sunday, February 2nd with kickoff at approximately 5:30 PM CT on FOX. Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews and Chris Myers will handle the broadcast.

It’s a matchup of a superb offense versus a superb defense. Can the Niners have a shot at somewhat slowing down the great Mahomes, who to me is the best quarterback in the NFL right now. The guy looks unstoppable. But 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is an exceptional defensive coach and will have his gameplan and troops ready for battle. I like Saleh to be a head coach in the near future. I’m kind of surprised the guy didn’t get a job after this regular season. He looks like a guy you would want running your football team. He’s got a great coaching look about him and he’s built like a Thoroughbred. Very impressive guy and you can tell what kind of coach he is by the way his defense attacks, gets to the quarterback and creates turnovers. It’ll be a great chess match between KC Coach Andy Reid and Saleh. The Chiefs are presently 1 point favorites so Vegas is seeing this as a tight contest. I agree with that assessment.

Australian Open predictions

The 108th edition of the Australian Open commenced yesterday in Melbourne and it should be an electric 2 weeks. The men’s singles still has the dominant Big Three of Djokovic, Nadal and Federer. Novak is going for major 17 and he’s won the Australian 7 times. He’s closing in on Rafa’s dominance at Roland Garros and Roger’s dominance at Wimbledon. Rafa’s dominance at the French may never be matched though in any other major by a single player. Rafa has won the French Open 12 times and counting. He’s only won once at the Australian in 2009. Roger has won 8 times at Wimbledon though he lost to Novak last year in the final. He has actually won 6 Australian championships. The 38 year old Swede has the all time majors record at 20. Rafa is 1 back at 19 and Novak is 4 back at 16. Rafa is 33 and Djoker is 32. So very interesting race for the majors crown going on with the Big Three. This is historic stuff that these guys are doing. Can one of them emerge once again. Here are my predictions.

I’ve got Rafa in a very difficult match with Nick Kyrgios of Australia in the fourth round. They are archrivals much like the Packers and Bears. They don’t like each other. Rafa doesn’t like the way Kyrgios acts and Kyrgios wants what Rafa has, so it’s quite a heated rivalry and good theater when they face off.

Rafa holds a slight 4-3 advantage over Kyrgios.

I like Rafa to emerge from that in a 5 setter, 4-6, 7-5, 7-5, 3-6, 9-7. It may be the match of the tournament along with the final.

Here are the rest of my predictions for the men.

Men’s Semifinals

No.1 Rafa over No.4 Danill Medvedev (Russia)

6-4, 7-5, 3-6, 6-3

No.2 Novak Djokovic over No.3 Roger Federer

6-4, 7-5, 6-3

Final

Give me Rafa in a classic.

Nadal over Djokovic 5-7, 7-6 (7-5), 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (9-7)

The final will be broadcast by ESPN, Sunday, February 2nd, from 2:30 AM CT-5:30 AM CT. A better idea may be to watch the Encore Coverage on ESPN2 Sunday, 2-2 ,from 7 AM-11 AMCT if you don’t have Church.

Women

Women’s Tennis, Men’s Golf and horse racing are the toughest sports to predict in all of sports. You just don’t know which of the women will show up for 7 rounds of tennis. Here’s what I got.

Semifinals

No.1 Ashleigh Barty (Australia) over No.8 Serena

6-4, 6-7 (3-7), 6-3

No.21 Amanda Anisimova (USA) over No.4 Simona Halep (Romania)

7-5, 6-7 (4-7) 7-6 (7-5)

Anisimova is 18 and a rising star. She reached the 4th round of the Australian last year and the semis of the French last year. Her father and coach, Konstantin Anisimov, suddenly and tragically passed away last August of a heart attack at the age of 52. It was shocking and upsetting for the American whose father and mother are of Russian descent. She is back though and looks to be strong again. That’s tough for an 18 year old to take, but in an article by the New York Post on Anisimova, she has handled it as well as can be expected. I expect her to play well.

Final

Anisimova over Barty 6-4, 5-7, 7-5

I like the young, rising American to make a statement in Melbourne and capture the first of what could be several majors. She’s a talent.

The women’s final will be broadcast by ESPN Saturday, February 1st at 2:30 AM-5:30 AM CT and the Encore Coverage is on ESPN2 Saturday, 2-1, from 7 AM-11 AM CT.

Should be a thrilling week. ESPN2 and the Tennis Channel will have many hours of coverage in the next 2 weeks. There has been rain in Australia lately which has helped alleviate the continent from horrific and tragic fires that have struck. The air quality has been pretty good in Melbourne this week so far. Last week it was not and the tournament’s status was questionable.

Hopeful that they can extinguish the fires for the continent’s sake. The fires have claimed 28 lives and destroyed millions of acres of land. Hopes and prayers are that Australia can get through this and return to normal as they clean up the destruction of land and housing. Tournament is going well as of now.

It’s come down to 4 teams competing for the coveted Lombardi Trophy awarded to the Super Bowl 54 Champion to be played at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami 2 weeks from today, February 2nd, with kickoff at 5:30 PM CT on FOX.

The Cinderella Tennessee Titans invade raucous Arrowhead Stadium to square off with the explosive Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in the afternoon matinee, while ARodg and the Green Bay Packers lock horns with the defensive, running game minded San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium In Santa Clara, CA. in the nightcap. ARodg said last week after the Packers 28-23 victory over the Seattle Seahawks that he was going to “drink a Scotch and enjoy the victory.” We’ll see if he’ll enjoy a Scotch after the game tonight on the left coast.

Last week: 2-2

Overall: 3-5

2:05 PM CT today

AFC Championship Game

Tennessee Titans (11-7) @ Kansas City Chiefs (13-4)

Arrowhead Stadium, KC (76,416)

CBS

Jim, Tony, Trace, Jay Feely

Whistle: Tony Corrente

Chiefs by 7

Patrick Mahomes completed 23 of 35 passes for 321 yards 5 TDs and 0 ints last Sunday in a 51-31 Divisional Round victory over the Houston Texans. After trailing 24-0 in what was looking like a shocking upset, the Chiefs reeled off 41 consecutive points destroying the Texans defense. Their great tight end Travis Kelsey caught 10 passes for 134 yards and 3 touchdowns. He looks uncoverable most of the time. They’ve got weapons all over the field and a defense that is 11th in scoring defense giving up 11.6 points per game. So they seem to have it all.

I’ve been thinking Chiefs all week. Still I wanted to look into it further.

I read some extremely enlightening pieces on Derrick Henry and the Chiefs run defense that made me think a lot harder about this prediction.

First by Cynthia Frelund of NFL Network Analytics. She’s an expert at it and you can tell by the way she writes. She noted that Derrick Henry has amassed 729 of his 1,917 regular season and playoff yards when 8 or more defenders are in the box or basically on the line of scrimmage homed in on stopping the run. It’s the most yards earned against stacked boxes by 400 over second place Sony Michel of the Patriots. Henry has 13 rushing TDs against defenses keying on him, 5 more than second place Dalvin Cook (8). Henry averages 5.4 yards per attempt versus stacked boxes, 3rd most in the NFL behind only Raheem Mostert of the 49ers (6.2) and Lamar Jackson (5.9). Against the Chiefs in week 10, Derrick faced a stacked box on only 4 of his rushing attempts, and he earned 75 yards and 2 touchdowns on those plays, one of which was a 68 yard house call, in a 35-32 Titans victory at home. Derrick rushed for 188 yards on 32 carries in that game.

Over the regular season and the playoffs, according to Cynthia, no defense has allowed a higher-per-carry average to opposing running backs when they stack the box than the Chiefs at 4.7 yards per carry. They didn’t fare any better in overall run defense allowing 4.9 yards per carry, fourth most in the NFL. They were the 26th ranked defense out of the 32 NFL teams against the run. So Cynthia’s stats are revealing.

Another column, this one by Mark Inabinett of AL.com, quotes Chiefs defensive end Frank Clark saying of Derrick, “He’s not hard to hit. Honestly, he should be running harder at his weight and his size. I don’t see no difficulty in tackling him.”

Pretty confident statements by Clark. In his last 6 regular season games, Derrick rushed for 896 yards and 10 TDs on 139 carries, 6.7 yards per carry. He won the rushing crown on the final Sunday of the season as he ran for 212 yards against the Houston Texans and finished with 1,540 yards and 16 TDs for 2019. And in the playoffs he’s cranked it up even more rushing for 182 yards on 34 carries and a TD against the No.8 rushing defense and No.1 scoring defense in the NFL, the New England Patriots. Last week he rushed for 195 yards in a 28-12 victory over the Baltimore Ravens, which ranked 7th in the league in rushing defense. KC is 26th.

It’s going to be 19 degrees at kickoff in KC today. 21 at 3 PM, 20 at 4 PM and 18 at 5 PM. As John Madden used to say, it’s “good hittin weather.”

That’s the way Derrick Henry likes it. I picked against the Titans in the Wild Card and Divisional Rounds and paid for it. I’m NOT doubting the Titans this time. The Titans pull off a major upset in Arrowhead.

Tennessee 28, Kansas City 24

5:40 PM CT today

NFC Championship Game

Green Bay Packers (14-3) @ San Francisco 49ers (14-3)

Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA., 68,500

FOX

Joe, Troy, EA, Chris Myers, MIke Pereira (Rules analyst)

Lead Aladdin, John Hussey

Niners by 7 1/2

49ers defensive end Nick Bosa had 9 sackes in the regular season, Arik Armsted posted 10 and DeForest Buckner added 7 1/2. According to Cynthia Frelund again, over the regular season and the playoffs, ARodg had the 4th lowest completion percentage among qualified quarterbacks when under pressure at 37.8%. When under pressure in the regular season and the playoffs, Rodguhs held on to the ball for an average of 3.8 seconds, the longest in the NFL. The 49ers had the 5th best scoring defense in the NFL at 18.8 while the Packers were 9th at 19.8. These are both outstanding defenses, but I like the 49ers defense to get to Rodgers and force him into bad throws, maybe not interceptions, though Richard Sherman may come up with one, but maybe just be off the mark. The 49ers are a very complete team. Jimmy Garapolo and the offense runs the ball well and passes pretty efficiently. Tight end George Kittle is a warrior much like Rob Gronkowski was for the Patriots. And wide receiver Deebo Samuel has become a star. Deebo was a star at South Carolina, and he’s becoming one in the National Football League. The running game is a 3 horse group that can break a defense down with their physicality.

I like ARodg and the Packers to keep it close for most of the game, but I like the 49ers to prevail slightly at the end and win it with their defense and their running game, much like the Titans’ blueprint.

San Francisco 27, Green Bay 24

What a talent matchup in the 6th edition of the College Football Playoff National Championship game.

No.1 LSU (14-0)

On one side you have Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Joe Burrow, who has thrown 55 touchdowns, 3 short of the single season record set by Colt Brennan of Hawaii in 2006, which Burrow will try to break tonight. Burrow has also completed 77.6% of his passes, a single season record so far besting second place Colt McCoy of Texas from 2008. McCoy completed 76.7% of his passes. Joe will need to complete 28 of 39 passes, as a ballpark figure, to keep the record. Burrow is also on pace to set the single season quarterback efficiency mark set by the Crimson Tide’s Tua Tagovailao last season. Joe is at 204.60 while Tua’s mark in 2018 was 199.44. The college football passer rating has no “caps” as opposed to the NFL, which has “caps” on its numbers. For example, the NFL’s caps for completion percentage for each game are 30% (low end) and 77.5% (high end). A passer who completes 90% of his passes still gets the same score as one who completes 77% of his passes, that would be 77.5%. A perfect passer rating in the NFL for a game is 158.3. For this season, Russell Wilson led all quarterbacks in passer rating for all 16 games at 106.3. Kirk Cousins had a passer rating of 107.4 in 15 games started, while Drew Brees had a 116.3 rating in 11 games started and the Titans Ryan Tannehill (what a victory Saturday Night at Baltimore) had a 117.5 rating in 10 games started.

In college those “caps” are not applicable. The rating is computed by number of passes attempted, number of passes completed, number of yards passing, number of passing TDs and number of passes intercepted.

The NCAA formula is yards+touchdowns-interceptions+completions divided by attempts. All of that to say that Joe Burrow was the runaway Heisman Trophy winner for many reasons, that being one of them. Joe also threw 7 touchdown passes against Oklahoma in the semifinal game tying the record for most touchdowns thrown in a bowl game. The record was set by Central Michigan’s Cooper Rush who did it in the 2014 Bahamas Bowl Joe threw all those TDs in one half and ran for another to set the bowl game record for most touchdowns in a single bowl game.

Joe has completed 371-of-478 passes (77.6%) for 5,208 yards, 55 TDs against only 6 ints. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU’s star running back, only had 2 carries against Oklahoma due to a leg injury in a 63-28 victory, but the 2 week break has worked wonders for LSU’s RB who has rushed for 1,304 yards and 16 TDs this season while hauling in 50 passes for 399 yards. LSU’s bevy of receivers starts with Biletnikoff Award winner Ja’Marr Chase (78-1,559, 18 TDs) and Justin Jefferson (102-1,434, 18 TDs). Throw in Terrace Marshall (43-625, 12) and tight end Thaddeus Moss (42-534, 2 TDs) and the arsenal is phenomenal. The LSU offensive line is outstanding. The Bengal Tigers averaged 48.9 points per game, which led the country.

Defense has been a concern for the Bayou Bengal Tigers as they got gashed for a while, but the defense is still giving up only 21.7 points per game, 27th nationally. After giving up 402 rushing yards and 37 points to Ole Miss in game 10, the Bengal Tigers really improved and played pretty well defensively at the end of the season winning 56-20 over Arkansas, 50-7 over A&M, 37-10 over Georgia, and 63-28 over OU. The Oklahoma game was already decided when the Sooners scored a couple of late TDs. Safety Grant Delpit being healthy has helped the cause. Linebacker Jacob Phillips has led the Bayou Tigers with 105 tackles. Linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson has the teams in sacks with 6 1/2, and safety Jacoby Stevens added 5. Linebacker Michael Divinity, who has been struggling with personal issues and has been on and off the team this season, is back for the title game. That should help the Tigers defense even more. The awesome freshman cornerback Derek Stingley, who is the grandson of late New England Patriots wide receiver Darrell Stingley, who was paralyzed in 1978 on a hit by the Oakland Raiders safety Jack Tatum, who never apologized for it and never met with Stingley. The only time Tatum ever tried to get in touch with Stingley was for promoting his book and Stingley declined to meet with him. Darrell Stingley was a class act, and a champion of a person and a superb football player. He passed away in 2007 from complications of his paralysis. Derek remembers him well, and his father, Derek Sr., tells him every time he goes out on the field to “protect yourself.” But Derek Jr. also says you can’t worry about that when you’re out there and he plays like it. Derek has 6 interceptions this season. The other cornerback, Kary Vincent, has 4. They both will have their hands full guarding Tee Higgins and Justyn Ross respectively. It’s pick your poison with those 2. More on those 2 below.

No.3 Clemson (14-0)

On the other side, you have the great sophomore quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who is 25-0 as a starter at Clemson. Lawrence entered the picture as the starter in the 4th game of the 2018 season, his freshman year, and won 11 games in a row including a 44-16 national championship victory over Alabama. Lawrence started off shaky this season, but shook that off and hasn’t thrown an interception since Oct. 19th, that’s 201 consecutive passes and 7 games. He is 250-of-370, 67%, for 3,431 yards, 36 TDs and 8 ints.. Against Ohio State, he used his underrated wheels too. He rushed for 107 yards including a spectacular 67 yard touchdown run in a 29-23 Clemson victory. Ohio State had just committed a targeting foul on Lawrence and that fired him and his team up as Lawrence’s TD run led the Upstate Tigers back from a 16-0 first half deficit to prevail over the Buckeyes, which had five red zone scoring opportunities and only converted one TD out of those chances.

Running back Travis Etienne is also a sensational football player. He has rushed for 1,536 yards, averaging 8 yards per carry, and has scored 18 times on the ground. He also caught and ran for a 53 yard TD against Ohio State, another pivotal play in that semifinal game. Tee Higgins has caught 56 passes for 1,115 yards and 13 TDs, while Justyn Ross has posted 61 receptions for 789 yards and 8 TDs. Amari Rogers is another game breaker with 28 receptions for 418 yards and 4 TDs. And Rogers is also a weapon in the punt return game. On defense, Clemson leads the nation in scoring defense giving up only 11.5 points per game. It starts with linebacker Isaiah Simmons, who has posted 97 tackles on the season, with 6 sacks and 3 interceptions. Safety Tanner Muse leads the defense with 4 ints, and corners Derion Kendrick and A.J. Terrell each have 2 ints. This is a stellar secondary though they haven’t been tested by an offense like this, so they’ll need to buckle up, as Avery said.

Final decision

Dabo Swinney and Clemson have been to the College Football Playoff 5 straight years and have won 2 out of the last 3 national championships. They’ve become a pillar in college football along with the Crimson Tide. I wouldn’t say they’ve overtaken Alabama, but they’re right there on Mount Rushmore with the Crimson Tide and its a 2 team mountain right now. Dabo is a superior motivator and he’s used the us against the world motivational tactic all season to charge up his team. He says his team has been disrespected by the media and the country, which could be true. Clemson has won 29 games in a row. That’s remarkable no matter how easy your schedule is, and they’ve certainly played some excellent teams in that stretch including the Crimson Tide and Ohio State.

But Coach O is also a master motivator. Joe and the boys would run through Fort Knox for O. He’s become a stellar college football coach. He’s a master recruiter, he made the best hire in football, college or pro, by hiring passing game coordinator Joe Brady after the 2018 season, and he keeps his team charged up for 60 minutes and always has them ready to compete.

Clemson goes for 3 out of 4 and LSU tries to win its third national championship in New Orleans. They also won it under Nick Saban in 2003 and Les Miles in 2007.

I’m expecting a spectacular football game.

But give me O, Joe and the Bengal Tigers to capture the national championship in NOLA.

O was Born on the Bayou and he’ll hoist that trophy down on the Bayou.

LSU 38, Clemson 35

Tonight, 7 CT

Mercedes-Benz Superdome, N’Ahlins, 74,295

ESPN

Chris, Kirk, Maria, Tom

Laundry, Pac-12, Lead Aladdin, Chris Coyte

LSU by 5 1/2

Bowl record: 23-12

Overall, 278-94, 75%

Week 2 of the National Football League playoffs is upon us. The Divisional Round is even better than last weekend with the teams that received byes (the 49ers, the Ravens, the Chiefs and the Packers) squaring off with the teams that were so impressive in wild card weekend. Record was 1-3, which I’m still steaming about as the Brady pick 6, the missed offensive PI against the Saints in OT and Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz being knocked out of the game with a concussion by Clowney, didn’t help the cause. But have to take the lickin’, as what happened to my man, the late J.C. Conzelman, who, when he got walloped by McElwain’s country boy tough guy, Greg Scott in our 7th grade football game, started kickin him and Scott said, “What’s wrong can’t take a lickin?” So I need to take the lickin and regroup.

Here’s a look at this weekend’s elite matchups as the quest for Super Bowl LIIII (54) and a trip to Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Sunday, February 2nd at 5:30 PM CT on FOX is in the balance. It’s win or you’re done. So the intensity is high, the play on the field is outstanding and there is an electric feel in January in the National Football League. It’s a thrilling month of football.

Saturday

Minnesota Vikings (11-6) @ San Francisco 49ers (13-3)

Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, Caly, 75,000

3:35 PM CT

NBC

Al, Cris, Michele

Lead Launderer, Walt Anderson, 24th season.

Be ready for some yella. Anderson threw the most flags per game (18.8) of any ref in the National Football League during the regular season. So here we go again with these NFL refs. The last 3 years they have become way too much a part of the games. They don’t let the players play, and that needs to change. Anderson always has controversy in his games, so expect something here. The NFL has also failed to overturn clear pass interference penalties both on defense AND on offense. The reffing in the NFL is substandard right now. Maybe the NFL is aware of this and the refs will do a better job this weekend. Hoping that’s the case. These refs are starting to get on my last nerve. They’re talked about too much. They need to call the game and just stay out of the limelight. That’s reserved for the players and the coaches. Need to change this trend of officials being celebrities and the rules expert on the networks always siding with the refs’ calls. They’re all former officials and are biased. Mike Pereira and Dean Blandino on FOX are good, but the others take the refs side even when the refs blow it. Need Roger Goodell and the NFL leadership to get improvement from these refs. Hopefully this weekend they won’t try and ruin the games and let these outstanding teams and super players decide the games.

49ers by 7

I like a close game here. Even though the Vikings got a very fortunate break against the Saints last Sunday, Kirk Cousins did complete a phenomenally clutch 46 yard pass to Adam Thielen to set up the Vikings first and goal at the Saints 4. Dalvin Cook is a terrific running back, Cousins is playing well and Thielen and tight end Kyle Rudolph are awesome players. The Vikings defense is pretty tough, too. But I’m going to take the Niners at home because they are such a well rounded team. I’ll take Jimmy Garoppolo (69% completion percentage, 3,978 yards, 27 TDs but 13 ints) and the Niners to just hold off the Vikings.

San Francisco 30, Minnesota 27

Tennessee Titans (10-7) @ Baltimore Ravens (14-2)

M&T Bank Stadium, 71,008

7:15 PM CT

CBS

Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts, Evan Washburn

Vogue, Bill Vinovich, lead cleaner

Ravens by 10

Lamar Jackson has authored a phenomenal season, I will admit. He’s completed 66% of his passes (265-of-401) for 3,127 yards, 36 TDs and 6 ints) . He’s also rushed for 1,206 yards and 7 TDs. So he’s been spectacular in the “Regular” season. This is a whole different deal though. His last game at Louisville against Mississippi State a couple of years back in the Gator Bowl, he threw 4 interceptions and his Cardinals team lost the game as the clear favorite when Dan Mullen had just left State and they had an interim coach. Mike Leach is State’s coach now, which is fantastic with him and Lane in Mississippi. Can’t wait for SEC Media Days. That’ll be spectacular entertainment with Leach, Kiff, S and O among others. The SEC made some upgrades in their coaching with the Kiffin and Leach hires. I’ll have more on that in the future, but my point is, Jackson has to prove it in the postseason before I can believe he’s as great as everybody says he is. I like Derrick Henry, who rushed for 182 yards against the Patriots last week, wow, and 1,540 yards this season and fellow former Crimson Tide inside linebacker RaShaan Evans, who now plays that position for the Titans, and the Titan defense to give the Ravens everything they want. The game’s at Baltimore though and it’ll be windy, winds at 15 gusting to 20, and those fans give the Ravens a heckuva home field advantage. So I’ll take the Ravens, but I like the Titans to take it to the wire. More of a defensive battle with some high quality defenses in this game and the windy conditions with some rain. Balmy temperature for Baltimore at 59 degrees at kickoff. What’s the deal with the weather this weekend? Extreme conditions, hopefully nobody will have a problem with severe. I’ll take the Ravens barely. Like a Justin Tucker field goal to win it for the Ravens

Baltimore 17, Tennessee 14

Sunday

Houston Texans (11-6) @ Kansas City Chiefs (12-4)

Arrowhead Stadium, 76,416

2:05 PM CT

CBS

Jim, Tony, Trace

Lead ref, Shawn Hochuli

Doesn’t have the artillery his dad, Ed, had. Ed Hochuli just retired after last season and he always liked to show off his guns with tight shirts much like Big 12 ref Mike Defee does in college. Little too much self promotion from those 2 refs, as Laura Ingraham said to LeBron, “Shut up and dribble.” The refs should “Shut up and call the game.” Hopefully the younger Hochuli will call a good game.

KC by 10

DeShaun Watson put on his Harry Houdini hat again last week in I would say the play of the season in the NFL when, on 3rd and 10 in overtime and the Texans about to punt it back to the BIlls with the scored tied at 19, Watson looked dead to rights as a defender came in from the right and crushed him and a defender came from the left and behind and hit him just as violently, amazingly, Watson bounced off both tacklers, rolled to his right and found wide receiver Taiwan Jones, who caught the ball in the flat and took it 34 yards to the Buffalo 10. The Texans kicked the field goal and won it 22-19. Patrick Mahomes is a superb quarterback, no doubt. He completed 66% of his passes, 319-of-484, for 4,031 yards, 26 TDs against only 5 ints, but I can’t go against DeShaun and the Texans. According to Dabo Swinney and Texans Coach Bill O’Brien, Watson is the closest thing ever to Michael Jordan in sports. I would say Tom Brady and Joe Montana have a pretty good arguement with that, but DeShaun’s a great one, and I like him to lead his team to the upset in one of the most raucous stadiums in football. Like New Orleans and Seattle, Arrowhead will register over 3.0 on the Richter Scale. That’s a small earthquake. It’s amazingly loud there. But give me DeShaun, DeAndre “Newk” Hopkins, the phenomenal wide receiver, the spectacular and tough as a B-52 J.J. Watt, who’s come back in 2 months from a torn pectoral muscle, which was considered impossible by any stretch of the imagination and had a key sack that led to the Texans comeback victory last Saturday, and the Texans to prevail. 37 and winds gusting to 17 during the game, so give me DeShaun making a few more plays than Ma-homes in maybe a little bit lower scoring game than expected due to the windy conditions.

Texans 27, Chiefs 24

Seattle Seahawks (12-5) @ Green Bay Packers (13-3)

Lambeau Field, 81,441

5:40 PM CT

FOX

Joe, Troy, EA, Chris Myers

Aladdin Chief Operating Officer, Clete Blakeman

Packers by 5

“Breakin the Law, breakin the Law” hasn’t been as prolific this season at 36 years old, but he doesn’t seem to have as much weaponry on the perimeter. ARodg has still completed 62% of his passes (353-of-569) for 4,002 yards, 26 TDs and only 4 ints. So still some excellent numbers though he hasn’t looked as sensational as usual. Still believe in him. Russell Wilson was terrific against the Eagles last Sunday, but the Packers defense with OLBs Za’Darius Smith (13 1/2 sacks -112 yards, 18 1/2 TFLs) and Preston Smith (12 sacks -88 yards, 12 1/2 TFLs) are going to cause Wilson some problems. The weather is cold with the temperature at kickoff in the low 20’s and that’ll affect the Seahawks a lot more than it will the Packers. The Seahawks are 0-8 at Lambeau Field since 1999. So give me the Pack to move on to the NFC Championship game where they’ll play at SF.

Green Bay 28, Seattle 20

Monday

CFB National Championship Game sponsored by “Have you tried this, what’s it called Dr. Pepper?”

No.1 LSU (14-0) vs. No.3 Clemson (14-0)

An expected game for the ages.

Preview and Prediction on Monday.

Have a great weekend.

The electricity of the NFL playoffs starts today with the Houston Texans hosting the Buffalo Bills in the first game followed by the New England Patriots hosting Derrick Henry and the Tennessee Titans. Tomorrow the New Orleans Superdome will be rockin as their Saints square off with the Minnesota Vikings. The finale takes place at Lincoln Financial Field in Philly as the Philadelphia Eagles square off with Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks. The San Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers (Don’t mess with my discount) get a bye this week and await the NFC winners tomorrow, while Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens and Patrick Mahomes (This is my homie, Patrick Ma-homes) and the KC Chiefs await the winners in the AFC today.

Here’s a look at this weekend’s compelling action.

Today

AFC Wild Card Games

Buffalo Bills (10-6) @ Houston Texans (10-6)

NRG Stadium, 72,220

3:35 PM CT

ESPN and ABC

Tess, Boog, Lisa Salters

Lead ref, Tony Corrente

Houston by 2 1/2

The Bills have the second best scoring defense in the League allowing only 16.2 points per game. The Texans are 19th at 24.1. The good news for the Texans is defensive end J.J .Watt, who has been injured for the last 2 months, is going to play today. How much he can play and how effective he’ll be is a big question mark. Watt is one of the best and most impactful players in the NFL, but he suffered a torn pectoral muscle that was supposed to sideline him for 3 or 4 months, so it might be tougher for him to get to Bills quarterback Josh Allen, who’s pretty mobile. Deshaun Watson completed 333-of-495 passes, 67%, for 3,852 yards, 26 TDs against 12 interceptions. It’s mostly good with Deshaun, but there can be ints. Carlos Hyde has rushed for 1,070 yards and 6 TDs. He’s been an excellent addition to the team after star running back Lamar Miller went out before the season with an injury that derailed his entire year. The great DeAndre “Newk” Hopkins has caught 104 passes for 1,165 yards and 7 TDs. He’s quite a weapon. Two of their other key receivers, Kenny Stills and Will Fuller, are game time decisions to play. I think Stills will play but not sure about Fuller. My man, inside linebacker Zach Cunningham, From? Pinson Valley HIgh School and Vanderbilt University, is a tackling machine. Zach is tied for 6th in the league with 142 tackles. Seattle’s Bobby Wagner leads the league with 159.

Buffalo’s Josh Allen has completed 271 of 461 passes, 59%, for 3,089 yards, 20 TDs and 9 ints. Devin Singletary has rushed for 775 yards and 2 TDs, and John Brown leads the Bills in receiving with 72 catches for 1,060 and 6 TDs. The Bills have 3 players on defense with 100 tackles or better, Tremaine Edmunds (115), Jordan Poyer (104) and Matt Milano (100). Tre’Davious White, from LSU, has 6 interceptions on the season.

Decision

It’s hard to pick against this Bills defense, but I’ll take Deshaun to make a few more plays than Josh Allen and the Bills offense. Like the Texans to move on to the Divisional Round.

Houston 24, Buffalo 21

Tonight

Tennessee Titans (9-7) vs New England Patriots (12-4)

Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA. 68,756

7:15 CT

CBS

Jim, Tony, Trace

Lead Whistle, John Hussey

Patriots by 4 1/2

Derrick Henry won the rushing title last Sunday against the Texans and finished a spectacular season with 1,540 yards and 16 TDs. Ryan Tannehill (70% completion rate, 22 TDs, 6 ints) has done a super job for the Titans. Tom Brady’s passer rating of 88.0 was his lowest since 2006 (87.3). A perfect rating is 158.3. His 60% completion rate is his lowest since 2013. The Patriots are getting it done with defense for the most part with the best scoring defense in the league (14.1) and best total defense. The secondary is superb. The Patriots have never won the Super Bowl when they played the first weekend of the playoffs, but I do not EVER count out Belichick, Brady and the Patriots. I love the Titans, but I gotta go with the home team and 6 time Super Bowl champions. You never count out the Pats.

Patriots 24, Titans 17

Sunday

NFC Wild Card Games

Minnesota Vikings (10-6) @New Orleans Saints (13-3)

Mercedes-Benz Superdome, 73,432

12:05 PM CT

FOX

Joe, Troy, EA, Chris Myers

Suds and Duds lead launderer (for those who catch a smoke while washing clothes), Carl Cheffers

Saints by 7 1/2

Drew Brees is on a tear in his last 5 games throwing 16 TDs against 0 ints. For the season, Breesy is completing 74% of his passes for 27 TDs and 4 ints. He broke Peyton Manning’s record for career Touchdown passes of 539 against the Indianapolis Colts on Dec. 16th in a game in which he completed 29 of 30 passes. He now stands at 547 and the great Brady is now second at 541. Sorry Peyton. That’s quite a compelling competition brewing as both QBs will most likely come back next season and hope to make deep runs this postseason. On the other side, Kirk Cousins has really struggled down the stretch. The Saints defense is a little concerning at times, but their offense never is. Michael Thomas set the receptions record for a season last Sunday against Carolina. The great Thomas has caught 149 passes for 1,725 yards and 9 TDs.

Decision

With all that intel on the Saints and the fact that their playing in the Richter Scale rocking Superdome, that convinces me the Saints will move on.

Saints 35, Vikings 24

Matinee Nightcap

Seattle Seahawks (11-5) @ Philadelphia Eagles (9-7)

Lincoln Financial Field, 69,796

3:40 PM CT

NBC

Al, Cris, Michele, Heather Cox

Phil’s Coin and Laundry lead launderer, Shawn Smith

Seattle by 1 1/2

Give me Carson Wentz and the Eagles at the Linc over Russell Wilson and the Seahawks in a slight upset.

Eagles 27, Seahawks 24

This is how the situation with Dylan Moses stands. I updated this on the column last night, but you may not have seen it. As you may know by now, Dylan’s father, a lawyer in Louisiana, wants something similar from Alabama to :”the loss of value” insurance policy that he bought for his son in the spring of 2019. Presently, Edward Moses Jr. and Alabama are in negotiations to get a favorable policy for Dylan. I understand that from the Moses’ family’s perspective and I believe S and the Crimson Tide will do everything to protect Dylan so he can play for the Crimson Tide in 2020. Dylan plans on making his announcement on the last day to declare for the draft, January 20th.

****Update****Dylan has decided he IS coming back to Tuscaloosa.

Tua decides Monday and guys like Jerry Jeudy, Najee Harris, DeVonta Smith and left tackle Jedrick Willis will also be deciding in the next week and a half or so. These guys are all high quality players, so it wouldn’t be surprising if they all went out for the draft. Henry Ruggs III is of course another. We’ll see what Henry wants to do as well. Will keep you posted on each player’s decision. The great right tackle Alex Leatherwood will be returning for his senior season. That’s a great decision by Alex. He decided he can improve as a player and increase his value for the 2021 draft and win a championship. So interesting happenings in Tuscaloosa with a very fine bowl victory over Michigan and a lot of momentum going into the offseason conditioning program with the great Scott Cochran and then the spring game will be here pretty soon, and it will be an interesting one as the team regroups and sets it sights on regaining the Alabama factor.

Want to mention the Rose Bowl from New Year’s Day. Picked Wisconsin and Bama Golf liked Oregon. Oregon took advantage of 4 Wisconsin turnovers and prevailed 28-27. It was a frustrating one for yours truly, but super pick by my man, Bama. I’m never that excited when Bama goes against me because he’s a knowledgeable one now. All my commenters, Bama, Walt, Spike Me Up, Mr Fun, Brownie, JBC and EHS ‘80 and others all know what they’re talking about and I greatly appreciate their contributions to the blog. Hope in 2020 some others of you will also be interested in joining the fun. It’s been a blast with the guys and looking forward to a terrific 2020 with my guys, all of you, and an awesome decade.

Here’s a look at today’s games.

Yesterday, 2-0

Overall: 20-12

Tennessee pulled it out last night. It didn’t seem like they were going to win, but they rallied late to score a pair of TDs with a successful onsides kick, which is amazing because the refs usually take successful ones away, and emerged victorious, 23-22. The season ended strong for the Vols. Excellent start for 2020. Jeremy Pruitt is brining the Big Orange back.

Cincy was impressive in the Birmingham Bowl. The weather really hurt the crowd. Didn’t know what the final attendance figure was, but with the rain and lightning it was not the ideal day for football. Still the stadium looked great. The endzones had very nice Birmingham logos on them. So it was still a good event for the city.

Today

All times Central

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Ohio (6-6) vs. Nevada (7-5)

Albertsons Stadium, Boise, 36,387

2:30 PM

ESPN

Anish Shroff, John Congemi, Kris Budden

Yella, Billy “D.” Williams

Ohio by 8 1/2

Give me the Fightin Frankie Solich’s and the Bobcats. They’re solid.

Ohio 34, Nevada 24

Saturday

Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl

Southern Miss (7-5) vs. Tulane (6-6)

Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, TX. 50,000

10:30 AM

ESPN

Chris Cotter, Mark Herzlich, Kelsey Riggs

Whistles, Pac-12, Kevin Mar

Tulane by 7

I’ve watched the Green Wave a good bit this season and I liked what I saw from them. Like the Wave to get the job done in FW.

Tulane 31, Southern Miss 23

Monday

Lending Tree Bowl

Louisiana (10-3) vs. Miami-Ohi (8-5)

Ladd- Peebles Stadium, “Goin Mobile,” AL. 40,000

6:30 PM

ESPN

Dave Lamont, Chiz, Lauren Sisler

UL by 14

Like Louisiana, but seeing a close game in the Port City.

Louisiana 30, Miami (OH) 28

Tomorrow

Wild Card predictions for the National Football League as the Playoffs crank up.

Here’s an awesome throwback video from Jimmy Buffett and Alan Jackson. Heard that, fellas.

Awesome second half effort by the Crimson Tide in their 35-16 victory over Michigan.

Jerry Jeudy, in his last game in a Crimson Tide uniform most likely, caught 6 passes for 204 yards with a TD. DeVonta Smith had 3 receptions and a TD. Miller Forrestall, the hard working tight end, also caught a TD. Najee Harris was spectacular rushing for 136 yards and 2 TDs. Talk about a player that boosted his professional stock this season. Mac Jones was awesome going 16-for-25 for 327 yards, 3 TDs and 0 ints.

The defense got 6 tackles for loss and 3 sacks. Safety Xavier McKinney led the defense with 10 tackles. McKinney had a super game. Linebackers Shane Lee land Christian Harris added 9 tackles apiece. Lee had a sack and a TFL and Harris added 2 TFLs. Those guys are both freshmen. With those 2 and the great Dylan Moses returning and with some other young talent, linebacker should be a position of strength next season. Josh Jobe and Shyheim Carter each had an int. ***Update Dylan Moses’ return to Alabama is in limbo right now, as his father, an attorney, is checking into a loss of value” insurance policy that he will try to negotiate with the university. So that’s not a done deal for Dylan’s return. Will keep you posted.

Overall, a terrific effort by the team. There will be several juniors making their decisions soon on whether or not they’ll go out for the NFL draft. Tua will announce his decision this coming Monday, 1-6-20. Najee, Jeudy, DeVonta, Jedrick Willis, Alex Leatherwood, who has now announced he IS returning for his senior season, among others will also be making decisions. It’ll be an interesting time and a little nerve wrecking for Crimson Tide fans. All the guys listed above seem ready for the next level with the training they’ve gotten under S and their supreme ability. Henry Ruggs III is another. I’ve heard there’s a chance he’ll come back. Whatever the players decide is OK with me. They have given a lot and have been treated well in return, but I know they want to make a good living doing this, so I wouldn’t begrudge them for going. They deserve a shot in the National Football League if they choose that direction. Tua is a 50-50 proposition in my opinion. Wish I could give you more definitive answer. I think he wants to go the next level, but he knows he could really get his stock back up to the No.1 status that it was if he came back to Tuscaloosa and played another year. So that could be potentially exciting. Mac Jones is a pretty formidable quarterback as well. Taulia needs some work, but he’s talented. The incoming freshman, Bryce Young, the 3rd ranked player in the country according to Rivals and a big time 5 star, is a real stud, so there are some excellent possibilities if Tua decided to go out for the draft. It would be exciting if Tua decides to come back, but the cupboard would still be in pretty good shape even if he didn’t. Tua really likes playing at Alabama so that is a plus for him coming back. He’s also an amazingly nice young man who’s got high character, so that’s good for coming back. Jerry, DeVonta and Najee might be hard to keep, but we’ll see. Should be an exciting time with another top flight recruiting class coming in, and some really fine players in place on the team. This upcoming sophomore class is exceptional. Will get a better read on the team in the spring game, but the potential is there for another championship. That’s always the case in Tuscaloosa.

Auburn

That was a tough loss for the Tigers. Minnesota and Coach P.J. Fleck played and coached an awesome game respectively. Tough for the Tigers to lose that momentum they got from the Iron Bowl victory. Sorry for Derrick Brown, Marlon Davidson and the seniors. I really don’t blame Gus for this loss, the credit mostly goes toFleck who lost his offensive coordinator for the game after he took another head coaching job. He’s quite a coach. The running back Mohmed Ibrahim rushed for 140 yards and a TD. Tyler Johnson is a spectacular receiver as he caught 12 passes for 204 yards and 2 TDs. Quarterback Tanner Morgan was 19-of-29 for 278 and 2 TDs. The Minnesota defensive line dominated the AU offensive line. Bo Nix was always under duress. It was a tough way for the Tigers to finish the season. The recruiting class is very good and the talent returning on offense led by Bo Nix and wide receivers Seth Williams and Anthony Scwartz is pretty solid. There will be linemen on both sides of the ball who will need to be replaced. Auburn had a tough schedule this year. I did blame Gus for the Florida and LSU losses, not really the Georgia loss as much I guess, but maybe that one too, but not as much here. I think it was all about how well Minnesota played. P.J. Fleck is a supremely talented coach.

Yesterday: 2-2

Overall: 18-12

Today

Ticketsmarter Birmingham Bowl

No. 21 Cincinnati (10-3) vs. Boston College (6-6)

Legion Field

2 PM CT

ESPN

Cincy by 7 1/2

Like the Bearcats to take care of business in an unfortunately sloppy game at the Old Gray Lady.

Cincinnati 17, Boston College 7

Taxslayer Gator Bowl

Tennessee (7-5) vs Indiana (8-4)

TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville, FL

6 PM CT

ESPN

Vols by 3 1/2

Like Jeremy Pruitt and his Vols to keep the momentum going and matriculating into the 2020 season. Quarterback Jarrett Guarantano finishes off a very fine season starting at the latter part of the season and leads his team to their 8th victory in 2019. Pruitt has a lot of talent returning and has the 9th best 2020 class in the country according to Rivals. Things are looking very bright in Knoxvegas.

Tennessee 28, Indiana 24