That’s right. You’re not seeing a ghost, it isn’t and an aberration, I am in fact back just in time for the playoffs. I may have my Michael Jordan number 45 jersey on, but I figured playoff season was the perfect time to dust off the keyboard and fire off some picks. Before I do that though I want to give a huge, massive, shoutout to Andrew for keeping you all informed with Bick’s Picks during my hiatus. Don’t worry Jeff you get a shoutout for the Antithesis as well. Anyways, let’s dive into these games. I think I hate almost all of the lines, but we’re doing pick per game because I’m obviously betting every game.

Browns (-2) vs. Texans (44.5)

No surprises here with the schedule. The Texans are back in their 4:00 Saturday wild card slot. Well, the spot they share with the Bengals. I’m actually very excited for this game, having fresh faces in the playoffs is always fun. The Browns have had one of the more interesting seasons I can remember. Cycling through QBs like this doesn’t usually lead to an 11 win season, and the return of Joe Flacco has been quite a story. That all ends this weekend though. Come on, you know I have to ride with my man CJ Stroud. The Texans won a de facto playoff game last week so this team is ready to go. They get home field too after Jeff’s Jags choked away the division. Take the points if you’re not sold, but I think Houston wins outright.

The Play: Texans +2, Texans ML (+116)

Dolphins vs. Chiefs (-4.5) (44.5)

This game is interesting for a couple reasons. One, the Dolphins have been complete dogshit against playoff teams this year (1-5). Two, the Chiefs have not looked like themselves pretty much all season and still found a way to win their division. Three, it’s going to be absolutely freezing out during this game. All those factors, coupled with the fact that Patrick Mahomes plays QB in Kansas City, just screams Chiefs to me. Miami is banged up and haven’t been great on the road this season either. The line keeps moving so grab it now while you can. They did open at less than a field goal, if that was still the case this would’ve been my lock of the century, but for now it’s just a play.

The Play: Chiefs -4.5

Steelers vs. Bills (-10) (36.5)

Simply put this game is probably going to be gross. There might be some weather in Buffalo too. With TJ Watt out and Mason Rudolph starting for Pittsburgh the Bills should cover, but there’s a few reasons why I’m not touching this spread. The weather and the way the Steelers play offense will lend to a lower scoring game, and if that’s the case the backdoor is always open for a cover with a 10 point spread. I think your safest bet here is the under. The Bills jump out to an early lead, bleed the clock, and the Steelers pathetic offense doesn’t do much. In a battle of two teams that lost to the Patriots this year the Bills win a low scoring game.

The Play: Under 36.5

Packers vs. Cowboys (-7) (50.5)

This game will be a nice treat after you take your afternoon nap during the first game on Sunday. I’m tempted to take Dallas at home here. They’ve been absolutely steam rolling teams at Jerry World, but the Packers scare me a bit. They’ve been one of the most Jekyll and Hyde teams this year. You really never know what you’re getting with them. 7 points is a lot to be laying to a team that, if you get their A game, will cover this spread. Your guess is as good as mine on what Packers team we’ll see on Sunday though so, I’m not messing with the spread here. I do think we’ll see a lot of points so I like the over. Both of these teams were above .500 to the over this year and I think we get another one Sunday afternoon.

The Play: Over 50.5

Rams vs. Lions (-3) (51.5)

I’ve been struggling with how to feel about this game. This opened at Lions -4/-3.5 and if that was still the case I think I’d roll with the Rams in what should be a close game. I’m just not sure I can do that now with the line at 3. I think the Lions are able to sneak this one out even without Sam LaPorta who’s been huge for them this year. The Rams are also 1-6 against playoff teams this year and they have struggled on special teams this year as well. They haven’t really shown they can run with the big dogs this year and the Lions have. Jared Goff wins his revenge game in a barn burner and the Lions find a way to cover.

The Play: Lions -3

Eagles (-3) vs. Buccaneers (43.5)

We finish the week with another game I have no idea what to do with. As bad as the Eagles have looked since they beat the Chiefs and Bills, the Bucs have not been much better. With both teams limping into the playoffs I think the smartest thing to do is to take the team with the better roster and playoff experience. In this case that is the Eagles for sure. Let’s be real here too, do we expect a group run by Arians to show up on MLK Day of all days? Please, January 6th was last week. The Eagles are able to stop the Blitz(krieg) and tunnel their way to victory.

The Play: Eagles -3