Even though Colin Cowherd’s official Blazing 5 has concluded for the regular season, Colin gives his picks for the four upcoming NFC and AFC Divisional Round matchups with final score predictions included.
Minnesota at San Francisco (SPREAD: SF -7.0)
"I like the 49ers to win. I think the number, San Francisco (-7), is about right. Here’s the issue with facing San Francisco; they are 7-3 against the spread versus non-divisional opponents this year. What does it mean? Seattle played them tight, Arizona played them tight, and the Rams once played them tight. Their defensive line is so overwhelming that you have to see them a couple times to get used to it. Minnesota hasn’t faced it yet and I don’t love the Vikings’ offensive line. Dalvin Cook has only averaged 3.3 yards per carry in his last 7 games, and the Vikings O-Line is not their strength. I think Minnesota will be overwhelmed, and I think San Francisco coming off a bye will be very clever and take an early lead. Minnesota is well-coached but I don’t think they can duplicate the emotional win at the Superdome."
Colin's Pick: 49ERS WIN, 27-20.
Tennessee at Baltimore (SPREAD: BAL -9.5)
"I think this is a potential blowout and I'll take Baltimore. Tennessee has been leaning on Derrick Henry over and over again, they just beat the Brady and Belichick dynasty, and I don't think they can duplicate this. Here's what I really like about Baltimore -- We all know the offense is exceptional, but since Jimmy Smith got healthy at corner and they acquired Marcus Peters, I can make the argument that it's the best cornerback duo in the league. They can put these two corners on an island versus the Titans and just crowd the box and say 'Derrick Henry, we have eight guys and you have six blockers and you're not getting through'. Since Peters arrived, the Ravens have the best total defense and scoring defense in the league. When you have two great corners it allows you to cheat everywhere else, and I'll take the Ravens to win."
Colin's Pick: RAVENS WIN, 31-20.
Houston at Kansas City (SPREAD: KC -9.0)
"We know the Texans offensive line is not good and that's a problem because Frank Clark, even though he missed games, had 8 sacks, and Chris Jones, even though he missed games, had 9 sacks. These are elite defensive linemen against a right side of the Texans offensive line which is not good at all. Houston is such an outlier. They were outgained this year, they trailed more than they led, and they relied on Deshaun Watson to make flag football plays. In the end, Kansas City brought in a lot of new faces on defense and it took them to Thanksgiving to finally mesh. I get all these weapons, Patrick Mahomes, and Andy Reid off a bye who is one of the best coaches in the league off a bye. I don't like Houston on the road."
Colin's Pick: CHIEFS WIN, 33-23.
Seattle at Green Bay (SPREAD: GB -4.5)
"I feel like Green Bay is going to win and the number is right. You say Aaron Rodgers and you think 'explosive', but they really only have one receiver that he throws to, THAT'S IT. He doesn't throw to anyone else but Davante Adams, and if he twisted an ankle or hurt his leg, this thing is going to overtime at 6-6. Green Bay's offense is down from the Mike McCarthy era in terms of points, third down conversions, and yards. But I do think they're good in scripted plays, they play well in bad weather, and I think Seattle is a one-trick pony with Russell Wilson. Not only was Russell the leading rusher for Seattle last week, but Seahawks running backs had 19 yards on 17 carries. IT'S OVER. This was a running team who had cluster injuries at running back. This was a power running team, this isn't Kansas City losing their running back. Seattle's defensive front will have some success versus the worst Packers line in several years, but the number is right here."
Colin's Pick: PACKERS WIN, 27-23.
***All point spreads are provided by Fox Bet