I had no intention of writing, but when Jake’s Takes returned and I had already faded every pick, I had to put pen to paper. The moment was just too perfect.

Browns (-2) @ Texans (44.5)

How could you not be a fan of CJ Stroud? However, a rookie QB and coach in their first post season going up against this Brown’s team, the best defense in the league with come back player of the year Joe Flacco, is not a good spot for the Texans. When these teams played in week 16 the Texans D had no answer for Amari Cooper who put up 265 yards and 2 TDs. This could be a repeat if he’s healthy.       Browns 34, Texans 20

Miami (+4.5) @ KC (43.5)

Hopefully Mike McDaniel wears his “I wish it were colder” shirt again. Everyone is up in arms about the dolphins poor record in the frigid weather, and there is something to that. However, this team can run the ball. Achane didn’t play when these teams met in Germany earlier this year. And which running back has the highest yards per carry average in NFL history? Of course that would be Beattie Feathers of the 1934 Bears. Who holds the second highest though? De’Von Achane with 7.8 per run. The Chiefs should not be favored this much in any game. This season Mr. Pfizer has been about as effective as the jab he loves so much. I’ll let the number keep going up and bet Miami before kickoff.        KC 23, Miami 20

Pittsburgh (+9.5) @ Buffalo (33.5)

Enough with the weather issues, these are men who play football for a living. The only people that might be affected by the weather are the soft athletic trainers. Buffalo is good for a turnover or three to set up some short field scores for the Steelers. I could see this over hitting just off Josh Allen playing against himself; picks and consequent TD’s to answer those picks. Buffalo 23, Pitt 18

Green Bay (+7.5) @ Dallas (50.5)

While not necessarily a fade of the take, I am Packing the cheese here. Dak has never covered at home in the playoffs, the Cowboys are post season choke jobs. Jordan Love is on fire down the stretch and should have no problem matching Dallas’ scoring. I’ll take them on the money line too and sail the seas of cheese into the divisional round.  Pack 36, Cowboys 33

Rams (+3) @ Lions (51.5)

Before this game starts I’d recommend betting the Rams’ Superbowl future because when they blow out Detroit you’re not getting +4500 again. The Sam LaPorta injury is a huge deal to the Lions, allowing the defense to focus on Amon-Ra. On the other side of the ball this high powered Rams offense should have no problem scoring early and often. Put it in the books, you will see Puka Nacua hoisting the Lombardi.  Rams 42, Lions 16

Eagles (-3) @ Bucs (43.5)

I wasn’t sure what to do with this game until I saw Jake picking the Eagles. Sometimes you just need to follow the fade. The Eagles have collapsed, everyone’s hurt and they’ve lost 5 of the last 6. Maybe they eek out a win but I’ll still take the points at home with Baker on MLK Day.

Eagles 21, Bucs 20

It’s good to have Jake’s Takes back even if he goes 0-6 on the best weekend of football. Happy wild card weekend everyone.