It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.

Well, OK, of the NFL season.

It’s Wild Card Weekend, which now has been renamed “Super Wild Card Weekend” by the National Football League, as there are now six playoff games instead of four thanks to the adding of a playoff team in each conference for this year and beyond.

Super. The only tough thing around here is the fact the New England Patriots won’t be involved in it. The Patriots were usually the first or second seed in the AFC during many of their playoff seasons, and they’d have to be No. 1 to get the bye.

At first yours truly didn’t like the idea of adding a seventh playoff team in each conference, afraid it would water things down. And it did somewhat as the 8-8 Chicago Bears got in in the NFC (Washington still would have made it as a division winner despite 7-9 mark).

But we had a lot of drama the final weekend of the regular season with a lot of teams alive, and now the NFL has given us what we want – more football.

That makes it even more mind boggling that the Patriots didn’t make the tournament. And now that Bill Belichick’s top lieutenant Nick Caserio has finally bolted for Houston, there could be even more of an exodus from Foxborough. It’s going to be one heckuva off season around here.

But first Patriot fans have to endure watching Tom Brady in the playoffs, plus Rob Gronkowski and, ugh, Antonio Brown. As Brady said the other day, “Playoff football is special to be a part of.”

Oh brother that hurts. Let’s try to enjoy anyway, and here’s what you might see:

SATURDAY

BUCS 27, WASHINGTON 13

Brady will do fine as long as his offensive line can keep Washington’s Chase Young off his back. The question may be what happens after this one; remember Tompa Bay has to be on the road throughout.

BILLS 24, COLTS 14

Indy’s defense is tough but let’s face it, the Bills have been the best team around the last few weeks and Josh Allen is on a roll. It would be a shock to see it stop now.

SEAHAWKS 17, RAMS 10

Seattle should be so much better than it is. The Rams are a mess offensively, and really haven’t been the same since they dismantled the Patriots in that Thursday Night game a month ago. Go with the best QB, playing at home, and that’s Russell Wilson.

SUNDAY

RAVENS 30, TITANS 17

Here’s the thing: Tennessee’s defense stinks, something Mike Vrabel has to really address in the off season. And that begins after Sunday’s game, because there’s no way the Titans can chase Lamar Jackson all over the field and catch him, not like they did last year. Ravens get revenge for that one with an upset of their own.

SAINTS 40, BEARS 10

This one in the Dome shouldn’t even be that close as the Who Dats warm up for a game with Seattle the following week. Drew Brees lose to Mitch Trubisky? Crime against nature.

STEELERS 21, BROWNS 19

Really, really, really wanted to pick Cleveland, but the Browns will be without a couple of key players and their head coach. Pittsburgh could be without corner Joe Haden, and let’s face it, Big Ben hasn’t impressed anyone at quarterback the last six weeks. Against better judgement, Steelers survive this one but not the divisional round.

And just think fans, after Sunday we get Alabama-Ohio State on Monday night. Nice cure for the January blahs.

LAST WEEK: 6-1

REG. SEASON RECORD: 80-38

Tom King may be reached at tking@nashuatelegraph.com. Also, follow King on Twitter (@Telegraph_TomK).

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