NFL Wild Card Weekend: City Of Champions Staff Makes Its Picks
By Matt Gajtka
Dec 22, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) throws a pass against the Indianapolis Colts in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Indianapolis won the game 23-7. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Although the Pittsburgh Steelers aren’t involved in the NFL playoffs for the second straight year, that doesn’t mean we can’t have a little fun with one of the most exciting tournaments in sports.
Our editors and staff writers here at City of Champions will make their picks throughout the postseason, starting with Wild Card Weekend and rolling all the way through Super Bowl 48. (It’s time to stop using ridiculous Roman numerals, isn’t it?)
Here we go!
Kansas City Chiefs (11-5) at Indianapolis Colts (11-5), Saturday at 4:35 p.m. ET on NBC
Matt Gajtka: Colts get the home field in this one by virtue of their AFC South title, although they finished as the only above-.500 team in the division. Meanwhile, the Chiefs are one of three AFC West teams to make the playoffs, since the Chargers squeaked in. (Sorry to bring that up.) I haven’t been terribly impressed by either squad this year, but I liked the way the Chiefs competed last week with nothing to play for. I think they’re a little sharper in this one. Prediction: Chiefs 30, Colts 20.
Matt Shetler: Nearly every Chiefs starter will be back for this week. I like their defense better and the fact that they can run the football. If the Colts can’t establish some type of ground game, which I don’t think they will, I like KC on the road. Chiefs 27, Colts 23.
Erin McDowell: Kansas City defense and special teams help super-back Jamaal Charles send the Colts home early in a close game. Chiefs 24, Colts 23.
Zac Weiss: Chiefs haven’t won against a legitimate opponent yet, and Andrew Luck and T.Y. Hilton will establish a consistent connection. Colts 30, Chiefs 20.
Brett Tunno: A rested Kansas City defense will be the key. Chiefs 24, Colts 20.
Larry Snyder: Colts 31, Chiefs 27.
STAFF TOTAL: CHIEFS 4-2