The playoffs require a higher level of performance. We didn’t provide it.
Last week, Simms and I went 3-3 each in the straight-up picks. He had a 3-3 record against the spread; I was 2-4.
I still hold a one-game straight up lead. I’m 192-86. He’s 191-87.
Against the spread, I’m now 151-121-6 and he’s 140-132-6.
We disagree on none of the divisional straight-up winners. Against the spread, we differ on only one of the outcomes.
The full slate of our divisional picks appears below.
Texans at Chiefs (-8.5)
Houston kept it close in Week 16. They might keep it close again. But the Chiefs are too close to history to stumble now.
Florio: Chiefs, 30-20.
Simms: Chiefs, 27-17.
Commanders at Lions (-9.5)
If the Commanders keep it close, they can win. Chris doesn’t think they’ll keep it close; I do. Ultimately, we both see Detroit advancing.
Florio: Lions, 27-24.
Simms: Lions, 34-21.
Rams at Eagles (-6)
The Eagles’ offense looked sluggish last week. This week, they should ride Saquon Barkley, especially since he riddled the L.A. defense for 255 yards during the regular season.
Florio: Eagles, 27-20.
Simms: Eagles, 37-17.
Ravens (-1.5) at Bills
Can the Buffalo offense keep pace with Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry? Yes, but we like the Ravens in a close one.
Florio: Ravens, 31-28.
Simms: Ravens, 30-28.
DJ Bien-Aime, ESPNJan 16, 2025, 05:31 PM ETCloseDJ Bien-Aime covers the Houston Texans for ESPN. He joined ESPN in July of 2022 after covering the New York Jets
Aaron Rodgers is already bracing for NFL media to let false narratives flub its coverage of the playoff showdown between Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson this
One of the most maligned Patriots executives apparently hasn’t yet been shown the door. Robyn Glaser, the Patriots executive vice president of
The Kansas City Chiefs are among the NFL’s most accomplished teams and have a ton of postseason experience to lean on heading into their divisional-round play