There is nothing quite like the playoffs. Sudden death. Lose and you’re out. One drop...one miss...one slip...can make or break an entire season. With that said...here are some thoughts and predictions for week one.

Rams at Panthers

Are the Panthers REALLY in the playoffs? Really?

Rams win the most lopsided match-up of the weekend in a laugher.

Packers at Bears

This will be the third time in a month that the oldest rivalry in the NFL will be renewed. Anything can (and usually does) happen when these two classic franchises face off.

I’m taking Chicago at home for the overtime win on a blocked field goal attmept by the Bears that then gets fumbled by the Packers and returned by the Bears for a touchdown.

Bills at Jaguars

Probably the best game of Wildcard Weekend. The Bills have not had the best luck in recent years on the road in the playoffs...but the Chiefs helped to remedy that by playing a lot of terrible football and eliminating themselves from post-season play.

Lots of offense. Josh Allen as a sentimental favorite. I’m taking Buffalo over Jacksonville in a high-scoring-but-close-at-the-end game.

49ers at Eagles

Hate ‘em both. Who cares.

Niners...just because I hate Philly a little more.

Chargers at Patriots

I have absolutely no idea how to pick his game. Experience goes to the Chargers. But I love Vrabel as a coach...the Patriots are at home...and Drake Maye just seems to have that hard-to-describe “it” factor.

Chargers to cover...but Pats to win outright.

Texans at Steelers

Houson just rattled off nine consecutive wins to end the season...and have one of the toughest defenses in the league. Meanwhile...Pittsburgh TOTALLY backed into the playoff picture by virtue of a rookie kicker missing a chip shot field goal as time expired on the final play of the regular season.

Give me the Texans by 23 (there will be a safety in there somewhere)