As another week unfolds, football enthusiasts are in for an exciting lineup of playoff matches. Amongst the most dedicated fans is Maryland Governor Wes Moore.
As another week unfolds, football enthusiasts are in for an exciting lineup of playoff matches. Amongst the most dedicated fans is Maryland Governor Wes Moore.
Last week was a remarkable one for the governor as he made his picks for NFL and college playoff games for WTOP. He achieved an impressive record of 7 wins and only 1 loss (2-0 in college picks and 5-1 in the NFL). His sole miss was choosing the Jaguars over the Bills.
The burning question now is, can he maintain this winning streak? Moore has shared his predictions with WTOP for all five forthcoming pro and college playoff games.
NFL Matches
In the NFL Divisional round, Moore has chosen the Denver Broncos (14-3) to triumph over the Buffalo Bills (12-5) on their home turf.
“I wouldn’t want to face this Broncos squad in Denver right now,” he remarked to WTOP. “Bills quarterback Josh Allen has thrown 10 interceptions this season. I wouldn’t be shocked if he adds to that tally this weekend.”
“Ultimately, I believe it will be the Broncos’ defense that seals the victory for them,” he added.
Moving on to the clash between San Francisco (14-3) and Seattle (12-5), Moore expressed, “This Seahawks team appears to be the most balanced in the playoffs. They’ve truly got it all.”
He is keeping an eye on the injury updates for Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (oblique issue). “If he’s in the game, I’m confident they’ll come out on top,” he said.
In another AFC Divisional matchup, the New England Patriots (14-3) will host the Houston Texans (12-5).
“I’m putting my trust in Drake Maye. He has been phenomenal on the field,” Moore stated. “This Patriots offense is among the most dynamic in the NFL, and I believe it will prevail against the Texans’ defense.”
Moore has saved his boldest prediction for the weekend’s final NFL game, which sees the Rams (12-5) face off against the Bears (11-6).
With frigid conditions expected in Chicago, it may just give the home underdog an advantage. Bears’ second-year quarterback and Gonzaga High School alum Caleb Williams is coming off a performance that showcased an impressive fourth-down clutch throw, helping his team advance.
“I think this could very well be the year for sophomore quarterbacks,” Moore noted, adding that he feels the Rams are “running out of gas.”
“I know this is a bold upset pick, but I’m firmly backing the Bears,” he declared.
College Football
As for the College Football Playoff National Championship game happening on Monday night, Moore did not hesitate to choose the undefeated Indiana Hoosiers (15-0) over the Miami Hurricanes (13-2), even with the game being played in Miami Gardens.
“Miami has been playing extraordinary football and they’ve had a phenomenal season, but I just can’t envision Indiana losing this one,” Moore shared with WTOP. “They aren’t just winning; they are dominating. What they did to Oregon last week was astonishing. They truly crushed them.”
The Hoosiers are led by Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, who hails from Miami.
“I genuinely believe Mendoza will rise to the occasion here. He’ll not only secure the win but also solidify his position at the top of the draft board,” Moore said.
WTOP will continue to check in with Moore for his picks as we progress toward the crowning of a champion at the Super Bowl.
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