NFL playoff picks

Yeah, I know it's not normally wise to bet against Bill Belichick and the Brady Bunch come playoff time, but a nine point spread is a lot.

True, the New England Pats trashed the Tennessee Tits by three touchdowns, but the Jags are a different animal. Few would doubt the Pittsburgh Steelers present a formidable challenge to all comers, but the Jacksonville Jaguars went into their house twice this year and thumped them both times. Pretty impressive stuff.

And yes, giving up 42 points to Mike Tomlin's crew notwithstanding, the Jags have one of the best defenses in the league across the board.

Still, it's Tom Brady as one QB, and Blake Bortles as the other. One has a bunch of Super Bowl Rings and the other -- well........

But when push comes to shove, I'm liking those nine points a lot. Sure, I think the Pats will win. But I don't think they'll cover.

Minnesota and Philly is a very interesting game. The Vikes are a slight favorite giving two points on the road to the #1 seed. Yes, I get it. Some keep waiting for back-up Philly QB Nick Foles to self-destruct, but this guy's actually been pretty good over his career, and this is hardly his first rodeo.

On the other hand, the same could be said of Vikes QB Case Keenum, merely a third-stringer when the season started. But oh my, how he has performed since pressed into duty.

Both teams have outstanding defensive personnel, but the purple is a cut above the green.

Head coaches -- Pederson and Zimmer? Both very smart workaholic guys that pay attention to detail. As do their offensive and defensive coordinators. A wash.

This game could well come down to a crucial turnover late in the second half. A pick, a fumble, or maybe even a blocked punt.

In the end, I think the Vikes maintain their poise more so than the Eags and walk out of there with a chance to win the Super Bowl in their own home stadium. The first time in 52 go-rounds a home team will play in it. And it just might come down to a last second field goal at that.

But I like Minnesota giving the 2 points, even on the road.

And there you have it. My super-duper can't miss picks in the NFL conference championship games.

And if you're dumb enough to bet the farm on what a bonehead like yours truly recommends, then maybe you should go to Cleveland and try out as their next quarterback. Lord knows, they've tried everybody else. They might be dumb enough to suit a dummy like you up, pay you a few million bucks, and stick you in the game. Good luck with that.

It will only hurt for a little while --  maybe a few months or so -- but it will be pretty intensive I dare say.....