2025 NFL Playoffs: Wildcard (Monday game)

Houston Texans (-3) at Pittsburgh Steelers: I feel as though the Texans are the most slept on team in the NFL postseason. And while third year QB CJ Stroud is the face of the franchise, it's their stout defense (#1 in total yards, #2 in points allowed) which has carried them this season. Also, Houston enters the playoffs with the longest active winning streak at nine games. 

The Steelers are only here due to Baltimore Ravens kicker Tyler Loop missing a field goal on literally the final play of the regular season. Good news for them is their otherwise pedestrian offense gets a boost as WR D.K. Metcalf returns from a two game suspension. Regardless, Pittsburgh didn't have a single running back or receiver break the 1,000-yard barrier this season. And even though he'll be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame five years after he retires, 43-year old QB Aaron Rodgers is clearly ready to ride off into the sunset. 

Unless the Steelers come up with some big plays on defense, I believe the Texans will roll. 

Houston 20 Pittsburgh 10

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The NARN Closer's playlist - 1/11/2026

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After my own indecision, they confused me so......

We're not even two weeks into 2026, yet it's felt like two months. I could literally conduct a 3-hour solo broadcast today but, alas, the usual two hours will have to suffice. Today's edition of my radio show The Closer will get started at 1:00 PM Central Time. 

Obviously much of the broadcast will be focused on Wednesday's incident in Minneapolis where a U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agent killed a woman who was blocking their path. And as has been custom for some time, leftist and righty narratives were flying before all the facts were known. Also, this past week marked the 5-year anniversary of the riots at the U.S. Capitol. I'll discuss why that incident parallels what happened in Minneapolis Wednesday. 

In what was going to be the top story on today's show got pushed aside by the ICE incident. Nevertheless, Gov. Tim Walz announced Monday he would not seek reelection for a third term next year. While this news was initially shocking, a big picture look would tell you it shouldn't be all that surprising. 

And finally, GOP members of the MN House of Representatives traveled to Washington, D.C. to give testimony regarding the state's rampant welfare fraud. 

So please call (651) 289-4488 if you'd like to weigh in on any of the topics we plan on addressing.

 

You can listen live in the Twin Cities at AM 1280 or, if you're near downtown Minneapolis/West Metro area, 107.5 FM on your radio dial. In and out of the Minneapolis-St Paul area you can listen to the program on the Internet by clicking this link, or check us out via iheart radio as well as Amazon Alexa (just say "Alexa, play The Patriot Minneapolis"). If you're unable to tune in live, please check out my podcast page for the latest show post.

And if you're so inclined, follow along on Twitter at #NARNShow or "Like" our Facebook page, where we also conduct a "Live Stream" of the broadcast.

Until then.....

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2025 NFL Playoffs: Wildcard (Sunday games)

Buffalo Bills (-1-1/2) at Jacksonville Jaguars: Over the previous five seasons, Josh Allen and the Bills have won no fewer than 11 games per year and have seemingly been a Super Bowl contender each time ---- but have nary a Super Bowl appearance in that span. The good news for Buffalo this postseason is neither of the two teams (Kansas City and Cincinnati) who have stonewalled them those five years are in this year's tournament. The bad news? They must face a resurgent quarterback in Trevor Lawrence, whose play this season was on par with the two QBs (Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow) who have been a thorn in the Bills' postseason side. 

The Jags enter the playoffs as one of the NFL's hottest teams as they finished the year with eight consecutive wins. And despite the fact head coach Liam Coen comes off as extremely goofy, he's guided the Jaguars offense to their highest scoring season since 2017, a year which saw them reach the AFC Championship Game. 

While the Bills sport the NFL's top ranked pass defense in terms of yards allowed, their run defense has been gashed all season, allowing 5.1 yards per carry. While I think Lawrence will still get his, look for a heavy dose of RB Trevor Etienne, who finished 11th in the NFL with 1,107 yards. While Buffalo's James Cook led the NFL in rush yards with 1,621, the Jaguars were the best run defense in the league. If Buffalo is to prevail, Allen once again needs to be the magic. 

Jacksonville 24 Buffalo 21 

San Francisco 49ers (+5-1/2) at Philadelphia Eagles: I don't know how, but the 49ers won 12 games this season despite WR Brandon Aiyuk being unavailable all season, QB Brock Purdy and WR Ricky Pearsall missing eight games, TE George Kittle being out for six, and stalwart defenders Nick Bosa and Fred Warner each suffering season-ending injuries. Ironically, the offense was held together by the oft injured RB Christian McCaffrey, who played in all 17 games and compiled more than 2,000 yards from scrimmage (1,202 rushing, 924 receiving and 17 total touchdowns). Expect McCaffrey to be saddled with his normally heavy workload this game.

The Eagles are a hard team to figure out. While they've looked uneven offensively all year (especially RB Saquon Barkley taking a significant downturn from a 2,000+ yard rushing season in 2024), their defense really stepped up the final five games of the regular season, allowing an average of only 235 total yards. And while QB Jalen Hurts has been underwhelming most of the year, he always seems to find an extra gear in the postseason. 

I don't really have a good feel for this game, so I'll just go with the home team. 

Philadelphia 20 San Francisco 17

Los Angeles Chargers (+3-1/2) at New England Patriots: Despite being drafted #6 overall in 2020 and putting up some really good passing numbers, Chargers QB Justin Herbert is likely feeling significant pressure this postseason. In Herbert's first five years, the Chargers have been to the playoffs only twice, going one-and-done on both occasions. The fact San Diego L.A. is even in the postseason is no small feat given starting offensive linemen Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt are both on Injured Reserve. Their absence has been felt (literally) by Herbert as he was sacked 54 times in sixteen games. 

After a near two-decade dynasty, the Patriots made only one playoff appearance in the subsequent five seasons after Tom Brady departed. 

If we are to enact a re-do of the 2024 draft, QB Drake Maye, whom the Pats selected #3 overall behind quarterbacks Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels, may have to be taken first. Maye has had an MVP caliber 2025 season and has guided New England to a 14-3 record after a 1-2 start. He led the NFL in completion percentage, quarterback rating and QBR. He also finished fourth overall in pass yards and third in TD passes. 

Despite stellar quarterback play from both teams in 2025, I see this as a grind 'em out type game given both defenses are in the top 10 in terms of yardage and points allowed. 

New England 22 Los Angeles 20 

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2025 NFL Playoffs: Wildcard (Saturday games)

Los Angeles Rams (-10) at Carolina Panthers: This is a rematch of a Week 13 game when a middling Carolina team upset a 9-2 Rams squad, 31-28. Going into that game, the Rams were on the short list of Super Bowl favorites. However, they stumbled down the stretch, going 3-3 in their final six contests. 

The Panthers had everything go right in that regular season matchup as they won the turnover battle 3-0 and went 3 for 3 on fourth down conversions, yet still needed a late TD to prevail. Even though they are the home team here, Carolina finished the season 8-9 with a minus-69 point differential. Regardless, don't expect them to catch the Rams by surprise this time. Add to that the NFL's #1 offense in terms of points and yardage getting back veteran WR Davante Adams, this could mean a long day for the Panthers. 

I like what Carolina is doing and their future certainly isn't as hopeless as it appeared two years ago, but the Rams are built for "win now" mode. 

Los Angeles 28 Carolina 17

Green Bay Packers (-1-1/2) at Chicago Bears: This is the 213th all-time matchup in what is easily pro football's most prolific rivalry. However, this is only the third meeting of these historic franchises in the postseason. The teams split their two regular season contests with the home team prevailing in each. Both games went right down to the wire, so expect this game to have at least a similar vibe now that we're in the postseason. 

The Packers were riding high in Week 15 at Denver, where they were sporting a 9-3-1 record and leading the Broncos in the second half of that game. However, Green Bay's fortunes turned late in the third quarter when stud pass rusher Micah Parsons suffered a season-ending knee injury. The Broncos would rally for the victory, which was the first of four consecutive losses the Pack would suffer to end the season. 

The 2025 Chicago Bears are certainly not your daddy's Bears (or grandfather's. or great-grandfather's) given they're sporting a top 10 offense in terms of total yards but rank near the bottom in total defense. However, the Bears led the NFL with 33 takeaways, which certainly covered the ills of a sieve-like D. 

To me, this is the key takeaway: the Bears were 9-0 in the regular season when they forced at least 2 turnovers, but only 2-6 when they didn't. Meanwhile, the Packers' offense gave away the ball only 13 times all year, which was third fewest in the NFL. But the Bears' O was actually the best with only 11 giveaways. 

Much to my chagrin as a Vikings fan, I believe the Bears got it right with head coach Ben Johnson and QB Caleb Williams. The franchise hasn't had this kind of stability in those two key areas since the 1980s. And while the Bears are certainly set up for the long haul, I maintain Green Bay is a slightly better team this year. It's hard for me to envision the Pack making a long playoff run without Parsons, but they'll have enough to emerge victorious this game. 

Green Bay 26 Chicago 23

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He called it!

Less than 12 hours before Rep. Walter Hudson (R-Albertville) was to testify before the U.S. House Oversight Committee on Wednesday, he sat down with NewsNation to discuss Minnesota's rampant welfare fraud. 

If you notice the caption on the video, Walter warns us to "anticipate attempts to deviate from the facts" regarding Minnesota's fraud problem. 

Fast forward to the committee hearing the next day. 

What's hilarious is the vacuous Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D-FL) thought he could "own" those he likely viewed as bumpkins from flyover land. 

So what's the insinuation here, Max? If Reps. Hudson and Marion Rarick don't kowtow to your demands for performative condemnations of President Donald Trump that they're not able to credibly decry welfare fraud in their home state? 

Is there any wonder why the U.S. Congress has an approval rating worse than a used car salesman? 

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Sadly predictable

I take absolutely no pride in being correct when I wrote two weeks ago that the anti-ICE rhetoric of Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey may well radicalize citizens to the point of them resorting to violence against the Feds. Or worse, citizens may end up being killed themselves. Sure enough, 37-year old Renee Good was shot and killed by a U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement officer in what the Dept of Homeland Security is claiming as an act of self defense. 

WARNING: SOME VIDEOS CONTAIN STRONG LANGUAGE. 

BREAKING: Woman shot and killed during ICE operation in Minneapolis. New video shows the circumstances pic.twitter.com/isgu028bEQ

— BNO News (@BNONews) January 7, 2026

As ICE vehicles were traveling down the street, Ms. Good blocked them from proceeding. Again, protests are one thing, but impeding Federal officers from enacting their duties is obstruction of justice. With that said, the Feds can't just shoot her without taking her under arrest, which is what many anti-ICE politicians are suggesting. But a closer look at the incident throws those claims into question. 

Slowed down video (w/ enhanced brightness & captions) show the driver attempting to run over at least one ICE agent.

Democrat narrative over. Open-and-shut case.#Minneapolis #ICE #ICEMinneapolis pic.twitter.com/xP2EGssleL

— LeftistsofMN (@LeftistsofMN) January 7, 2026

Here's a solid breakdown by NBC News law enforcement analyst Jim Cavanaugh.  

This was back from just after 230pm Eastern, but this is really good from NBC News law enforcement analyst Jim Cavanaugh...

“Well, we're seeing a person who was, you know, being stopped in the street, her vehicles across the street, and ICE agents are trying to talk to her.… pic.twitter.com/BHxBRoJqca

— Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) January 7, 2026

As with any law enforcement shooting where injuries or fatalities have occurred, a thorough investigation will ensue. So with that in mind, certainly Walz and Frey will exercise discretion while issuing their official statements on the incident. Right?  

ICE, get the fuck out of Minneapolis. pic.twitter.com/1gfFC0Le6Q

— Mayor Jacob Frey (@MayorFrey) January 7, 2026

BREAKING - Tim Walz is now threatening to mobilize the Minnesota National Guard to keep the federal government out of Minnesota.

Literal civil war style rhetoric. pic.twitter.com/lwwTTMUYb2

— Right Angle News Network (@Rightanglenews) January 7, 2026

🚨 Tim Walz just said that Minnesota is "at war with our federal government." pic.twitter.com/GlRR7p4ABr

— Greg Price (@greg_price11) January 7, 2026

It's been my understanding that elected leaders are expected to be pillars of strength, decisiveness and calm in a crisis. As we've seen over the past couple weeks (and especially during the COVID-19 pandemic 5+ years ago), these two buffoons have been anything but. And it has played no small part in citizens being killed. 

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Quick Hits: Volume CCCXCIII

- It was five years ago Tuesday when the U.S. Capitol came under siege by a bunch of Trump supporters unable to accept his defeat in the November 2020 presidential election. While it was sorry day in our nation's history and should never be whitewashed as just "bunch of people peacefully walking the halls," it was also not even close to the worst day our Republic has ever witnessed, despite what progs and other anti-Trumpers may proclaim. 

So on the 5-year anniversary of the 1/6/2021 riots, it's not all that shocking that progs are still making mountains out of molehills over that day, especially now that Donald Trump is POTUS again. 

 

Democrats end their January 6 candlelight vigil by singing God Bless America together pic.twitter.com/lsXqeqewfz

— Greg Price (@greg_price11) January 6, 2026

Remember how leftists accused the political right of being overly dramatic about the attack on the American consulate in Benghazi, Libya back in September 2012, where there were actual American casualties (unlike Jan. 6)? In the minds of progs, they view the Capitol riots in the manner they believe the right emphasized Benghazi. 

- Gov. Tim Walz officially dropping his reelection bid was a blow.....to Republicans. While I don't believe he was directly complicit in the rampant welfare fraud in Minnesota nor would I suggest he covered it up, the fact remains this all occurred while he was the state's top executive. And that made him incredibly vulnerable in the 2026 cycle. 

Here's the latest instance of fraud. 

Explosive audit finds Minnesota state workers mismanaging money meant to treat addiction and mental health then fabricating documents to cover their tracks pic.twitter.com/ywHcwtJgsY

— Lou Raguse (@LouRaguse) January 6, 2026

Remember this tweet by former President Barack Obama after the first legislative session of a 2-year DFL trifecta? 

 

If you need a reminder that elections have consequences, check out what's happening in Minnesota.https://t.co/JCMdLRantC

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) May 26, 2023

That tweet could be written word-for-word today with the word "consequences" taking on an entirely different connotation. 

- Michael Reagan, the eldest son of former President Ronald Reagan, passed away Sunday at the age of 80.

"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Edward Reagan," his family said in a statement. "Michael was and will always remain a beloved husband, father, and grandpa. Michael was called home to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 4th, surrounded by his entire family in Los Angeles, California. Our hearts are deeply broken as we grieve the loss of a man who meant so much to all who knew and loved him.

"We appreciate your prayers and ask that you would respect our family’s privacy during this difficult time."

Reagan was a conservative author, nationally syndicated radio talk show host and frequent public speaker who spent decades actively defending and promoting his father’s legacy through close involvement with the Reagan Library and Foundation.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute said it "mourns the passing of Michael Reagan," describing him as "a steadfast guardian of his father’s legacy."

"Michael Reagan lived a life shaped by conviction, purpose, and an abiding devotion to President Reagan’s ideals," the foundation said in the statement.

I actually had the privilege of meeting Michael back in the fall of 2011. He was gracious enough to stop by a NARN broadcast Mitch and I were conducting at a Bloomington conservative gathering. 

While I'm not the type to be starstruck, I couldn't help but think I was literally one degree of separation from one of the most revered President's in American history. I couldn't tell ya what specifically Michael talked about during his appearance on our radio show, but Mitch and I were more than willing to just sit back and have Michael share anecdotes about the Reagan legacy. 

My sincere condolences to Michael's loved ones. 

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