Texans at Patriots (-2½)

Houston eliminated Pittsburgh by scoring two defensive touchdowns on Aaron Rodgers turnovers. The 42-year-old quarterback looked so feeble, overaged and overmatched that it’s likely his last game in Pittsburgh … before joining the Vikings.
Pick: Patriots by 7

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) is pressured by Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, right, during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)

Rams at Bears (+3½)

Bears coach Ben Johnson made headlines after their wild-card victory over Green Bay by continuing his one-way trolling of Packers coach Matt LaFleur. Johnson might be the most obnoxious clown to come out of Chicago since Jussie Smollett.
Pick: Rams by 3

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, left, talks with head coach Dan Campbell during an NFL football practice in Allen Park, Mich., Saturday, July 30, 2022. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

49ers at Seahawks (-7½)

San Francisco dethroned Philadelphia last week despite its slew of injuries, including the ruptured Achilles of star tight end George Kittle. It appears the only hope for the depleted Niners is the not insignificant possibility that Sam Darnold chokes again.
Pick: Seahawks by 3

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – NOVEMBER 30: Sam Darnold #14 of the Seattle Seahawks fumbles the ball while being hit by Dallas Turner #15 of the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter of a game at Lumen Field on November 30, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Bills at Broncos (-1½)

This is a rematch of last year’s wild-card playoff that Buffalo won by 24 points. While much has changed since that game, what hasn’t changed is Josh Allen’s significant superiority to Bo Nix.
Pick: Bills by 3

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen gets up after collecting a first down near the Jacksonville Jaguars end zone later in the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)

Record

Last week
4-2 straight up
3-3 vs. spread

Season
167-110-1 straight up (.603)
133-145 vs. spread (.478)

All-time (2003-26)
3986-2211-15 straight up (.643)
3044-3024-145 vs spread (.502)

You can hear Kevin Cusick on Thursdays on Bob Sansevere’s “BS Show” podcast on iTunes. You can follow Kevin on X– @theloopnow. He can be reached at kcusick@pioneerpress.com.

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