Sure, the Holidays are great. But we have arrived at what is truly the most wonderful time of the year: the NFL playoffs. Let’s dive right in.

A quick note on (playoff) methodology.

I’m still analyzing every NFL uniform matchup and picking a winner against the spread based on who dresses best.  And just because a team is ranked higher in the Uniform Wardrobe Power Rankings doesn’t mean it will automatically win the uniform matchup. It’s what you wear in the instant matchup that counts.

We're not about to shame teams that made the playoffs.  So we're only crowning the best matchup of the weekend from here on out.  And still betting the over. 

Looking back at Week 18.

6-9-1 on the week brings us to 138-132-2 on the season. 13 games left. Let’s make them count.

Wild Card Weekend Uniform Matchups and Picks.

Chargers and Texans starting off the postseason on an aesthetic high note - white, yellow, powder blue, dark navy, and bright red combining for a textbook case of complementary contrast. While I’d probably go white pants for Houston in a perfect world, few teams do a better job at pulling off one color from head to toe than the Texans. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: the bright red pant stripe really pops against the dark navy. As much as I enjoy the Texans new wardrobe and the all-navy look specifically, the Chargers are never shy about reminding the league they are the best dressed team on the planet. And Los Angeles - to no one’s surprise - is the clear choice.

I’m fascinated by this one. The Texans are stumbling backwards into the playoffs with as little momentum as you will see. But I refuse to count out that defense. And if the offense can snap out of it, look out.* Speaking of good defenses, Jesse Minter has done a masterful job shaping the Bolts into one of the best stop units in the league. As the spread suggests, can see this one going either way. But with all else equal, consider me content to roll with Jim Harbaugh and Justin Herbert.

*Won’t hold my breath with how the offensive line has played all season.

The Pick: Chargers -2.5

Broncos have yet to reveal their choice of pants. So please excuse me while I try to manifest orange pants, which would bring us one of my favorite uniform matchups of the weekend. But if I’m being honest with myself, my gut tells me Denver goes white. With uncertainty still in the air, giving the nod to a proven winner: Buffalo in white-blue-white.

What a season from the Broncos. Sean Payton’s still got it. Pat Surtain is the DPOY favorite. And Bo Nix is a dude. But I think the music stops in Buffalo. Give the people what they want: Josh Allen versus Lamar Jackson in a Divisional Round Deathmatch.

The Pick: Bills -8.5

NOTE - the Broncos have yet to reveal their choice of pants.

Packers at Eagles in the best possible primary uniform matchup between these wardrobes. The common green elements keep this one from elite status in my mind. But there’s no denying Green Bay’s yellow and Philly’s midnight green pair nicely. Can’t get enough of the Eagles helmet and shoulder logos. And they help the Birds carry the day against the timeless and classic Packers.

For my money, the football game of the weekend. If I were to power rank the NFC teams in the playoffs, I’ve got Lions first, Eagles second, and Packers third. Unfortunately for Green Bay, their path to the NFC Championship goes through the top two teams (on my list and as seeded in the dance). And I think the Eagles snuff out their seven-seed Super Bowl dreams before they get a chance to fully form.

The Pick: Eagles -4.5

If we were still doing worst of the week in the playoffs, Commanders-Bucs would’ve run away with it - through no fault of the Bucs, of course. The Commanders white jersey is the worst in football. And burgundy pants were the worst possible choice* against the Bucs in pewter-red-pewter. Tampa Bay all the way.

While the uniform matchup leaves much to be desired, the game itself is one of my most anticipated showdowns of the weekend. Dan Quinn, Jayden Daniels, and the Commanders have been one of the best stories of the season. And the Bucs - led by Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans, and Lavonte David - are one of the most likable teams in the league. If Vegas is to be believed, this one would be a true toss-up on a neutral field. But I think the New Sombrero - complete with pirate ship and red endzones - comes through for a frisky Bucs team that is more of a Super Bowl contender than people give them credit for.

*I am once again asking for the Commanders to try gold pants with this look.

The Pick: Buccaneers -3

For the second time this season, it’s the Battle of the Horned Helms. Vikings at Rams gives us two flawed wardrobe teams combining for a sneaky good uniform matchup. White mask for the Vikings and solid yellow numbers for the Rams and we’d be cooking with more gas. But I’ll take what we can get. Giving the edge to Los Angeles and one of the best color palettes in the league.

With the horrific and heartbreaking wildfires engulfing the Los Angeles area, this one will take place in State Farm Stadium - the home of the Cardinals. But home is where the heart is. And these Rams will be playing for more than just themselves Monday night.

The Pick: Rams +3

Best NFL Uniform Matchup of Wild Card Weekend.

Doesn’t get much better than Steelers-Ravens. One of the best rivalries in football - aesthetically and otherwise. And this outfit iteration is my personal favorite. In a strong uniform weekend overall, Pittsburgh and Baltimore stand a head taller than the rest.

When you think Steelers-Ravens, you certainly don’t think bet the over. But the Week 16 showdown broke an eight-game over drought. And with Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, and the rest of the this Ravens offense playing the way they have (combined with the Pittsburgh defense crashing down to Earth in recent weeks), I don’t see the ground drying up any time soon.

The Pick: Over 43.5

Club SDR - Wild Card Weekend Prop Plays.

Much needed 3-0 week thanks to doing the opposite. 27-32-1 heading into the postseason. Let’s keep the George Costanza energy going with all things seven.

CJ Stroud - Over 13.5 Rushing Yards

The NFL world is counting out CJ Stroud and the Young Texans. But I’m not giving up on my preseason Super Bowl pick just yet. Stroud isn’t much of a scrambler, but he’s cleared the number in 50% of his last six full starts.

Rashod Bateman - Over 45.5 Receiving Yards

With Zay Flowers out, Bateman becomes WR1 in Baltimore. Plus Pittsburgh is Bottom 8 in receiving yards allowed to opposing wide receivers.

Bucky Irving - Over 91.5 Rushing Yards

Jayden Daniels has OROY in the bag. But if it were up to me, the runner up for the award would be the dude that led all rookies in scrimmage yards: Bucky Irving. The man is Warrick Dunn reborn. And I like him to run all over a Commanders defense that is Bottom 4 in rushing yards allowed to opposing running backs.

The Gridiron Uniform Database.

Uniform graphics seen here are courtesy of The Gridiron Uniform Database. If you’ve never paid their site a visit, stop what you’re doing right now and check it out. Best site on the Internet and an invaluable resource to uniform nerds and casuals alike.

Coming Attractions.

Can we get serious now? Divisional Round drops on Saturday.

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