This is the time of year when we begin to get nostalgic.

We normally are getting ready for a ride Saturday or Sunday down to Foxborough to cover the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Round.

We can only remember two years when the Patriots were on the road for the Divisionals. That was both in January of 2006, when the Patriots lost at Denver 27-13, and January 2007 when they were at sunny San Diego and knocked off the favored Chargers.

Ahhh the good ol’ days. The rest of the time New England would be home, and would cruise into the AFC Championship Game.

Here we are in 2024, and New England is sitting home, a franchise in complete transition. Bill Belichick is about to become the Atlanta Falcons head coach, or so it seems. Tom Brady is retired. Jerod Mayo is the new Patriots head coach.

This all is a lot to absorb and takes some getting used to, doesn’t it?

So does going 1-5 in Wild Card Round with these picks. Let’s hope for a better weekend, so here goes:

RAVENS 30, TEXANS 17

OK, Houston, the feel good story ends here. Despite his playoff failures of the past, Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson gets it right this time, although Houston’s C.J. Stroud will give him a bit of a fight. Baltimore bypassed the Dolphins a couple of months ago as the team to beat in the AFC, and now they’re the favorite for at least a Super Bowl appearance. Nice job this year, Texans, but it ends here.

BILLS 20, CHIEFS 17

This should be a classic. Buffalo was dealt a blow when it lost receiver Gabe Davis to a knee injury, but the Chiefs were just not the Chiefs we knew all season, and Buffalo’s defense might have a slight edge. Should be a good one with plenty of breath seen on your screen in icy Buffalo.

NINERS 40, PACKERS 13

It may take them a bit to shake off the rust, but Brock Purdy & Co. are set to make a noisy playoff return and are clearly the best team in the NFC. Dallas and Philly are gone; Detroit is still lucky be around and Tampa has a short shelf life. Tonight’s game is just step one to a Super Bowl run. Who else is there?

BUCS 24, LIONS 21

Upset special. Dettroit should have been beaten last weekend; does Jared Goff have two straight clutch playoff performances in him? We love Dan Campbell, he’s a good coach and what the Lions needed. But we love Baker Mayfield more.

LAST WEEK: 1-5

PLAYOFFS: 1-5

REGULAR SEASON: 79-47

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

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