Picks: Rams & Chiefs though it's difficult for me to bet against Brady.
Rams 30-24 Saints
Chiefs 38-31 Patriots
Curious to see how the Rams run the ball with the Saints missing Rankins, their massive run stuffer, and if Anderson can make another impact to assist Goff & Gorley. Saints have a banged up OL as well which could be a problem with the Rams DL prowess, and I can envision Donald & Suh wrecking havoc. I would anticipate the Rams secondary playing better than the regular season game with Talib active in today's game thus allowing Peters to play the other receiver coverage. Rams are fully healthy today with Gorley apparently fully fit. If the Saints defense can control the Rams running game and force Goff to make plays downfield, and the OL can hold off the pass rush, it's conceivable Brees comes through in the clutch and sends the Saints to Atlanta.
Chiefs will have defensive backs available that did not play in that early season game at Foxborough, according to reports I've heard this past week. Berry will play but will he be limited with that heel injury is a concern. Fully anticipate Mahomes to show he's not human and make a few ridiculous plays, perhaps a passing of the AFC torch occurs tonight. Patriots are fully healthy today. Both defenses are terrible so I expect a shootout just like the regular season game. I can see Gronk having a big game in what could he be his final NFL game, and if Brady performs like last weekend it could be another SB appearance for the GOAT.
Nugget: In 2009, the Saints lost to Carolina, Dallas, and Tampa Bay while earning the top NFC seed at 13-3. In 2018, the Saints lost to... yes, those same three teams while earning the top NFC seed at 13-3.