The Playoffs have started and the games this weekend look very even. Before analyzing wildcard round teams, lets take a look at the firings of head coaches during (and before) the dreaded Black Monday.
WHO LOST THEIR JOB
Being an NFL coach is not an easy task. Owners demand immediate results, roster talent can be limited, and pressure is ever-increasing. As of today, eight teams are in search of a new head coach.
Denver Broncos: Fired Vance Joseph after two bad seasons.
New York Jets: Fired Todd Bowles after four years and zero results
Arizona Cardinals: Fired Steve Wilks after only one season.
Cincinnati Bengals: Fired Marvin Lewis, their HC since 2003.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Fired Dirk Koetter after three seasons.
Miami Dolphins: Fired Adam Gase after three seasons
Green Bay Packers: Fired Mike McCarty late season.
Cleveland Browns: Fired Hue Jackson midseason.
WILDCARD ROUND PICKS
AFC:
Colts vs. Texans
Chargers vs. Ravens
NFC:
Eagles vs. Bears
Seahawks vs. Cowboys
Pick of the week: Bears -6.5
Philadelphia Eagles at Chicago Bears: Of all the games in the wild card round, this is the most loopsided according to Las Vegas. Sure, Nick Foles did it again and got the Eagles into the Playoffs in what seemed like a lost season, but now they face one of the best defenses in recent years. The Chicago Bears cause turnovers, have genius HC Matt Nagy calling offensive plays, and play at home. I expect the Bears to win by a touchdown.
Additional Pick: Seahawks vs. Cowboys Over 43
Seattle Seahawks at Dallas Cowboys: I do not dare choose a winner in any wild card matchup this week. However, I like the Over in this game because both offenses have explosive elements despite their run-first tendencies. 43 simply seems low in this offensive NFL year (Dallas scored 36 on the Giants while Seahawks scored 27 on Arizona in week 17).
* NCAA Football Championship Special Pick: Alabama -5
Clemson Tigers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide: I generally focus on the NFL, but when it comes to championship games I’m all in. Give me Alabama. They’re a more balanced team commanded by QB sensation Tua Tagovailoa, a great defense (especially up front) and especially FS Deionte Thompson, DT Quinnen Williams and DL Raekwon Davis terrorizing rivals. Clemson has distinguished itself this year by having a great defense with DE Cellin Ferrel and DTs Dexter Lawrence/Christian Wilkins, but the offense is not as powerful as the Alabama unit under QB Trevor Lawrence. Expect Alabama to win by five.
Have a great weekend, enjoy the Playoffs, bet on the NCAA Final… but above all, enjoy your family!
