2.5 pt underdogs for the road team. I didnt expect anything different.

Lions unveiled that they'll be wearing their rather ugly carolina panther knock off- "BigGame black cat" uniforms. It feels an announcement of worry. I didnt expect anything different.

The last time the Black Cat uni was on the Ford Field turf. The lions were on an 11 game win streak. Buffalo came to town and 90 points landed on the scoreboard that day. The 11 game win streak ended. I didnt expect anything different.

And now, here we are week 18.
The for all the "Marbles Bowl".
The winner? Theyre going to need the rest that the #1 seed brings. The loser will limp off for a 1 & done showdown in either Tampa or LA.
Even the winner. May very well go down in flames in the divisional round. Neither of these squads are used to the ramp up in intensity this matchup will produce. Knee cappers getting knee capped. People eaters getting eaten.
This is the superbowl for these 2 squads.
I dont excpect anything different.

Part of me wonders.
Would the wise coach bench some players. Half way coast to a loss. Focus on the wildcard game instead. For while this game is HUGE.
In the larger scheme. It serves no purpose if infact a february trophy is the goal.
Now that would be unexpected- the sideways tank job. No- it wont happen. It cant be resurrected next weekend as an excuse. Dont think im slicing this loaf both ways. Not for a minute.

Still, coming out of this showdown intact would be my priority if I were calling the shots.
It is written, "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, but forfeits his soul".

Play wisely young (F)luke.