Needless to say, if I was dependent on picking football games for my livelihood, I might starve to death.
I went 1-3 in picking last weekend’s wild card matchups, and that one win—Seattle over Dallas, 21-20—was by the slimmest of margins, a shoestring tackle of Cowboy quarterback Tony Romo at the 2 yard line following a botched hold of a field goal attempt that would have won it for Dallas.
Otherwise, I was tossing snake eyes. Kansas City never got its running game on track and Indianapolis easily rolled to a 23-8 victory. The teacher, Bill Belichick, beat the pupil, Eric Mangini, as the New England Patriots took care of the New York Jets, 37-16. Finally, in an evenly matched contest between NFC east division rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles kicked a field goal with no time remaining to beat the New York Giants 23-20.
Although football season is officially over here in New York, some of us diehards continue to watch, so despite my success rate, I’ll keep guess…uh…predicting.
In Saturday afternoon’s first game, 12-4 Indianapolis travels to Baltimore (where the Colts originated) to face the 13-3 Ravens. Don’t expect a friendly reception or a repeat of last week for Indy. The Ravens have a more punishing rushing game, with Jamal Lewis, while their defense has given up only 12.6 points per game. They are physically intimidating. The Colts will have to try to score early and often to make Baltimore play catchup. Baltimore is 7-1 at home this season.
In the late game, 10-6 New Orleans hosts 10-6 Philadelphia. The Saints were 3-13 last season playing all their games essentially on the road following Hurricane Katrina. They are this season’s feel good story, having completely turned the franchise around under first year coach Sean Payton. Running back Deuce McAllister, QB Drew Brees and rookie running back Reggie Bush spearhead the offense.
But the Saints are playing in only their 6th playoff game in the club’s 40 year history (they’ve won only once) and have had a two week layoff. They remain an enigma. While the Eagles played six days ago, they seem to be peaking at the right time. They are 5-3 on the road. Jeff Garcia has taken over at quarterback in the absence of injured Donovan McNabb and the Eagle offense is utilizing new and different options. Brian Westbrook leads the team with 1217 yards rushing. My heart says Saints, my head says Eagles.
Sunday, Seattle (9-7) at Chicago (13-3) on paper looks to be a Bears win. But you never know which Bears team will show up. Chicago QB Rex Grossman has raised more questions than Alex Trebek with his uninspired play and absence of leadership. (He acknowledged he hadn’t prepared before their Week 16 drubbing by Green Bay.) The defensive secondary is also susceptible to giving up the big play.
Seattle is the defending NFC Champion and despite the injuries that have plagued them all season, certainly should have learned something from last season’s march to the Super Bowl. They’ll need big games from walking wounded QB and tailback Matt Hasselbeck and Shaun Alexander respectively to force Chicago to come from behind.
Finally, while I have picked San Diego to win it all this year, and I will stick by that prediction until proven otherwise, Sunday’s contest against the always dangerous Patriots could be the hardest game to pick. Charger coach Marty Shottenheimer has a losing record in post season play, but comes into this game with the NFL’s most successful team (14-2), most effective rushing, LaDainian Tomlinson, and hottest QB, Philip Rivers.
But the Patriots are always dangerous and have found enough weapons offensively to arm Tom Brady. While not as potent as during their past Super Bowl winning seasons, they can still put points on the board. The question is, can they stop the Chargers’ offense?
NFL DIVISIONAL PLAYOFFS
(My picks in bold; all times are eastern)
Saturday, Jan. 13
Indianapolis at Baltimore
4:30
CBS
Philadelphia at New Orleans
8:00
FOX
Sunday, Jan. 14
Seattle at Chicago
1:00
FOX
New England at San Diego
4:30
CBS
Conference Championships
Sunday, Jan. 21
NFC Championship Game
3:00 pm
FOX
AFC Championship Game
6:30 pm
CBS
Super Bowl XLI — Dolphin Stadium (South Florida)
Sunday, Feb. 4
AFC Champion vs. NFC Champion
6:00 pm
CBS
3 comments ↓
You’re good a predicting winners. Do you play fantasy football?
I hope your trend of picking the wrong team doesn’t bleed over into today’s game. I really, really, really want the Chargers to win. Also, I’m still pushing for a black coach in the Super Bowl so I need Chicago to win.
If you’ve jinxed my picks this weekend we gon’ fight.
Colts vs Ravens was entertaining. With the score at 6-12 and the Ravens with the ball I was sure the Colts were goners. Whew! They pulled it out for me.
Eagles vs Saints was just as fun to watch. Bush did way more damage than I anticipated. My only disappointment was the last offense series of the Eagles. The play calling and qbing was suspect. For the life of me, can you explain why Andy punted the ball with less than 2 minutes on the clock down by 3? I wanted the Eagles to win but I enjoy watching the Saints play too. Having them move isn’t so bad.
Last year’s predictions were more on the money. I need both picks to win today just to get to 3-5 overall, and would need to be correct the rest of the way to finish ahead.
No, I don’t do that fantasy football nonsense. That’s for geeks who need to get a life. I don’t bet on games and really don’t feel comfortable making predictions because then it takes away from my enjoyment of the game. I’m so caught up in hoping I’m right.
The Ravens talked all week about what they were gonna do to the Colts, but failed to consider what the Colts might do to them, like completely shut down their offense.
Could the Saints be the Cinderella team of the NFC? I still don’t believe in the Bears although I’ve picked them.
The final four all have interesting back stories. The Saints are definitely the Cinderella story. Do I think they’ll slid their foot into the glass slipper and win the ultimate prize? Naw!
Next weekend I want to see Chi and Indy win. However, I am not convinced that Indy can hold up their end of the bargain. Not to discount the Pats accomplishments but I feel like a lot of teams find ways to lose against the Pats. The Pats play great football in crunch time and other squads panic.
I believe NE and Chi will be our SB teams.
Thoughts on the LT’s post game comments on class and respect?