On Saturday, the AFC divisional playoffs begin, with the Kansas City Chiefs meeting the New England Patriots. I like the RED HOT Chiefs behind Alex Smith, a quarterback who controls the game and doesn't turn the ball over.

Smith has been aided a great deal by the play of Chancandrick West and bruising Spencer Ware, a pair of backs who really helped fill the void left by Jamal Charles. Tight end Travis Kelce was a key part of the offense again on Saturday. A knee injury that looked really bad took out Kansas City's leading receiver in Jeremy Maclin, but an MRI revealed no tears and if he can play through a sprain, that would really be a big help to the KC effort this Saturday.

The Kansas City defense is a big reason they are in this spot. As soon as this part of the team started coming around, the team took off. To score a shutout win over another team that had a big second half to make the playoffs was jaw-dropping. Sure, Houston did a lot to undermine their own efforts, but a lot of that had to do with the Chiefs' defense. They were third this season in fewest points allowed, even with a 1-5 start. As we saw last Saturday in the wild card round, the Chiefs' "D" can make plays, with all phases of this group patrolled by difference-makers. They apply a consistent pass rush and the NE offensive line has its holes and issues.

I see KC keeping this game tight throughout.