This weekend the first round of the NFL playoffs kicks off with 4 games on the slate. Two games on Saturday and two more on Sunday.

(6)Colts (10-6) Vs (3)Texans (11-5)

The Texans won the AFC South division and earned the 3 seed in the AFC while the Colts had to win on Sunday night just to make it into the playoffs. These 2 teams split their season series with each team winning on the opponents home field. The first game ended in OT with the Texans kicking a late FG after the Colts failed to convert a 4th down near midfield. In their second matchup in Houston the Texans carried an 8 game winning streak into the game but that streak was snapped by Luck and the Colts who just the week before were shut out in a loss to Jacksonville. This game is a true toss up and if I were setting a line it would be Texans by -3 just because of the home field advantage but I could see either team coming out of this game with a win. The current line has been bet down to Texans by -1. I give the slight edge to the Texans because the Colts played a tough game on Sunday night and the Texans have a revenge angle as they lost the last time these teams played. Maybe the Colts come in a little too confident while the Texans come in focused and ready to win. My prediction Texans win 27-24.

(5)Seahawks (10-6) Vs (4)Cowboys (10-6)

These two teams played very early in the year with Seattle winning 24-13. This Cowboys team is much improved since that game. They've added WR Amari Cooper which has really opened up their offense. They have also posted a 7-1 record on their home field which includes a huge win over the top seeded New Orleans Saints. The Seahawks come in having won 6 out of their last 7 games and posted impressive wins over the Vikings and Chiefs late in the year. Both those wins came in night games on their home field though. I think the difference in this game will be the Cowboys defense. They should be able to get to Russell Wilson and frustrate him as the Seattle offensive line has had trouble protecting Wilson over the last few seasons. I also think the Cowboys will be looking to avenge their loss in the regular season. I predict the Cowboys win 27-17.

(5)Chargers (12-4) Vs (4)Ravens (10-6)

This game is another rematch of a regular season game that the Ravens won 22-10 in San Diego. The Chargers had that game after their big comeback win against their division rival Chiefs the week before. Also the Chargers have posted a 7-1 road record on the year so they seem to play better away from their home field. Baltimore has moved on from Joe Flacco and are now starting rookie QB Lamar Jackson. This will be his toughest test going against one of the best teams in the league in a playoff game. I just wonder if the moment might be too big for him. Baltimore has one the best defenses in the league though so I expect that this will definitely be a close game. Baltimore could pull it out because they're at home but I like the Chargers to win this game 20-17.

(6)Eagles (9-7) Vs (3)Bears (12-4)

The Eagles snuck into the playoffs while the Bears eliminated the Vikings last week to get the Eagles in. This is probably the biggest first round mismatch. The Bears are vulnerable on the road but they're one of the better home teams in the league posting a 7-1 record. The eagles are decimated on defense by injuries and unfortunately the best part of their team, the offense, is playing the defense that has given up the least amount of points in the league this year. Couple that with a Bears offense that is very competent when playing at home and I think we're looking at a blowout in favor of the Bears. I just don't see how the Eagles keep pace. I expect the Bears to win big, final score guess 34-13.

Those are my predictions this week. I'll write up next weeks games as well but those matchups will depend on this weekends results.