Joe D’Amico

Take New England.

This is my AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME WINNER.

Game 313.

3:40 pm pst.

I am not looking to take away anything from the Chiefs. But, to be honest, I watched last week's matchup with the Colts. From the opening kickoff, Kansas City seemed to dominate. But, Andrew Luck was off, making some poor passes, he fumbled the ball away, receivers dropped some easy catches, and career money kicker, Adam Vinatieri missed both a FG and a PAT. I think the Colts more lost the game, than did the Chiefs win it. This game is going to be cold. Early reports were forecasted to be in single-digits, which compelled bettors to play the Under. As of print, the updated forecast is approximately, 20 degrees. The Patriots are in a rare, underdog role for the first time since 2014 with Tom Brady at the helm, which will motivate them. These two teams played a mid-November, barn-burner, with the Pats prevailing, 43-40. We all know how good the Chiefs offense is, ranking #1 in points scored. And, Pat Mahomes has a banner year (66.0% CR, 5097 YP, 50/12), but guys, he is a first-year starter playing against a dynasty with the best HC/QB combo ever. The New England defense has tightened up. Now, they will allow yards but, they are going to throw different schemes at Mahomes and force the young QB to make some mistakes. The Kansas City "D" is a doormat, ranking 31st vs. the pass and 27th vs. the rush. Agreed, Josh Gordon is gone and Rob Gronkowski isn't what he once was. However, rookie RB, Sony Michel (931 YR, 6 TD's), who ran for 129 yards and 3 TD's last week, will exploit a rush defense ranking last, yielding 4.96 YPC in the regular season. There is a lot of talk about New England's lack of success on the road. NONSENSE! The weather will hinder the KC passing game. Mahomes' youth will be a factor. And the Brady/Belichick vast post-season experience will play a major role. The Chiefs are 2-9 ATS the last 11 playoff games and 2-5-1 ATS the last eight overall games. The Patriots are 8-3 ATS the last 11 playoff games and 38-17 ATS the last 55 overall games. TAKE NEW ENGLAND. Thank you.

Take New Orleans.

This is my NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME WINNER.

Game 342.

12:05 pm pst.

These two teams met on November 4th at the Superdome, which turned out to be one of the best games of the season, as New Orleans got the win and cover, 45-35. Los Angeles will be playing their first road playoff game under their new regime. The Rams and their top-five offense did score less, while their defense allowed more, on the road this season. This is also the first time the team is an underdog all year, which may affect their confidence as a young team. Jared Goff's numbers fall drastically away from home as the QB has a 22/3 TD/INT ratio at L.A. Memorial Coliseum, but as a visitor, has a 10/9 ratio, not to mention he owns a 1/5 ratio vs. playoff teams and as you know, will be without his "safety blanket", WR, Kupp here. Playing at home, in front of a friendly crowd, in one of the loudest venues in sports, definitely benefits the Saints, which in the Sean Payton/Drew Brees era, are 6-0 in the Superdome, in the playoffs. Last week, the Rams "D" only had to contain one offensive threat against the Cowboys, in RB Ezekiel Elliott. The Saints possess a slew of talented receivers, along with the tandem of RB's, Kamara and Ingram. Alvin Kamara is going to be the key here, not just as a ball-carrier, but also coming out of the backfield as a receiver. This is just too many playmakers for the Rams defense to cover. As far as QB's go, Drew Brees is one of the best ever and has not just been on this platform, but has won here as well. New Orleans also accounts for some truly, time-consuming drives, keeping defenses tired, and offenses off the field. Also note, CB, Talib gambles a bit, and being that he is not 100%, Brees will exploit him. Defensively, the Saints leave a lot to be desired in the air, but own the 2nd ranked stop-unit vs. the rush. The Rams offense passes off the run. The tandem of Gurley and Anderson will need to establish the ground game, and will get their yards, especially with DT, Rankins sidelined here, but wonder boy HC, Payton will make adjustments. The Home Team is 7-0 ATS the last seven meetings in this series. Los Angeles is 2-5 ATS the last seven playoff games. New Orleans is 5-2 ATS the last seven January games. TAKE THE SAINTS. Thank you.