Another week, another fabulous slate of playoff games for football fans. And there\u2019s no bigger fan than Maryland Gov. Wes Moore.<\/p>\n
Another week, another fabulous slate of playoff games for football fans. And there\u2019s no bigger fan than Maryland Gov. Wes Moore.<\/p>\n
The governor had a dream week picking NFL and college playoff games for WTOP last week. He went 7-1 (2-0 for college and 5-1 for NFL). Moore\u2019s only miss was picking the Jags over the Bills.<\/p>\n
But, can he keep his hot streak going? Moore gave WTOP his picks in all five upcoming pro and college playoff games.<\/p>\n
NFL matchups<\/p>\n
For the NFL Divisional games, Moore likes Denver (14-3) at home to beat Buffalo (12-5).<\/p>\n
\u201cI wouldn\u2019t want to play this Broncos team in Denver right now,\u201d he told WTOP. \u201cBills quarterback Josh Allen has 10 interceptions on the season. I wouldn\u2019t be surprised if we see at least one this weekend.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the end, I really think it\u2019s the defense for the Broncos that\u2019s going to deliver the win for them,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
In the San Francisco (14-3) at Seattle (12-5) matchup, Moore said, \u201cThis Seahawks team is looking like the most well-rounded in the playoffs. They\u2019ve got it all.\u201d<\/p>\n
Moore said he\u2019s paying attention to the injury status of Seahawks\u2019 quarterback Sam Darnold (oblique). \u201cIf he plays, I\u2019m confident, they\u2019ll win,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
New England (14-3) hosts Houston (12-5) in the other AFC Divisional game.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m putting my faith in Drake Maye here. He\u2019s been an animal on the field,\u201d Moore said. \u201cThis Patriots team has one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL and I think it\u2019s going to overcome this Texans\u2019 defense.\u201d<\/p>\n
The governor saved his boldest pick for the final NFL game of the weekend between the Rams (12-5) and the Bears (11-6).<\/p>\n
Frigid temperatures are expected in Chicago, which might favor the underdog home team. Bears\u2019 second-year quarterback and Gonzaga High School alum Caleb Williams is coming off a game in which he completed an all-time clutch throw on fourth down to help Chicago advance.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think this is going to be a year for these sophomore quarterbacks,\u201d Moore said, adding he thinks the Rams are \u201crunning out of steam.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI know this is my big upset of the week, but I\u2019m locking in on the Bears,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
College football<\/p>\n
For the College Football Playoff National Championship game Monday night, Moore did not hesitate to pick undefeated Indiana (15-0) over Miami (13-2), despite the game being played in Miami Gardens.<\/p>\n
\u201cMiami has been playing great football and they\u2019ve had a hell of a season but I just don\u2019t see Indiana losing this one,\u201d Moore told WTOP. \u201cIndiana isn\u2019t just winning games, they are blowing people out. What they did to Oregon last week was embarrassing. I mean they crushed them.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Hoosiers are led by Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who is a Miami native.<\/p>\n
\u201cI just think Mendoza does it all here. He gets the win and then rides into the first spot in the draft,\u201d Moore said.<\/p>\n
WTOP will keep checking in with Moore for his picks until a champion is crowned in the Super Bowl.<\/p>\n