Amazing…I was actually 4 for 4 last week in picking games. Even against the spread I was 3-1, which is pretty incredible. This week, though, is going to be much tougher to predict. In fact, I think it’s going to be darn near impossible…but, what the heck, I’ll give it my best shot. Here we go!
Here's how the second round looks:
Saturday, January 13th, 2007:
Indianapolis Colts at Baltimore Ravens – Woah…when did the Colts get a defense? Were they really that good, or was the Chiefs offense that bad? My guess is that it was mostly the Chiefs offense being bad, but holding Larry Johnson, the league’s #2 RB, to 32 yards is no small feat. Now, the Colts must go into Baltimore and face a slightly better (or maybe smarter) offense and a defense that could very well be the best in the league. The Colts are not used to being underdogs, but all 4 of their losses have come on the road this year, and the Ravens are 7-1 at home. The odds are seemingly insurmountable for Indianapolis, but let’s not forget who the QB is in Indy. Peyton Manning knows how to win games and he has the weapons to do it. I know the Colts track record for losing in the playoffs, and this game seems to be a perfect situation for them to lose, but I just have a feeling about this one. I think the Colts defense can hold off the Ravens long enough to allow Manning to put together another game-winning drive, capped off by an Adam Vinatieri game-winning kick (sorry New England fans). Final Score: Colts 23 Ravens 21
Philadelphia Eagles at New Orleans Saints – What can you say about this game? So many subplots to follow. The Saints have been playing emotional football all year long for a city that really needed something to uplift their spirits. New Orleans has one of the most exciting players in football with rookie Reggie Bush, who somehow slipped to them at #2 in the draft when he should have gone to Houston at #1 (thanks Houston!). He can hurt you in so many different ways. Running, receiving, returning kicks…he’s all over the place. The Eagles have also had a bit of an emotional year. They started the season at 5-6 and lost QB Donovan McNabb for the year. When all hope seemed lost, backup QB Jeff Garcia stepped in and led the team to 5 straight wins and the division title. Philadelphia then fended off the Giants in the first-round of the playoffs to get to this point. This will be a fun, fast-paced, exciting matchup that might just be won by whoever gets the ball last. Hot streak or emotional favorite? Tough choice. I’ll go with the home team. Final Score: Saints 35 Eagles 28
Sunday, August 14th, 2007:
Seattle Seahawks at Chicago Bears – What a game last week between the Dallas Cowboys and the Seattle Seahawks. It was a nail-biter from start to finish and Seattle was lucky to win because of a botched snap on a field goal. Maybe it wasn’t luck, though. Maybe the gods are looking down on the Seahwaks because of the Super Bowl that was bought out from under their noses last year? Either way, they are now heading into Chicago to face a team with a streaky QB in Rex Grossman, and an amazing defense that has struggled as of late due to injuries. If Grossman struggles early, will the Bears be smart enough to pull him out of the game for a respectable backup in Brian Griese? Seattle may be able to jump out to an early lead. Then, they can just keep pounding away with Shaun Alexander. If Seattle can keep the mistakes to a minimum, there’s a good chance they might pull out the upset. Final Score: Seahawks 17 Bears 13
New England Patriots at San Diego Chargers – Probably the most anticipated game this weekend by fans and experts alike. This year’s top team, San Diego, against the last decade’s top team, New England. The league’s top rusher and record setting TD machine, LaDainian Tomlinson against the best playoff coach/QB combo ever, Bill Belichick and Tom Brady (11-1 record in the playoffs). San Diego is 8-0 at home. The Pats are 7-1 on the road. The Chargers led the league in points scored with 492, while the Pats were second in the league in points allowed with 237. It’s like the proverbial Unstoppable Force vs. The Immovable Object. Well, something has to give in this game. The Patriots are once again without defensive force Rodney Harrison, and that could become a big issue when trying to stop Chargers TE Antonio Gates. It is not easy to pick against Brady and Belichick, because they always seem to find away to stay in the game right up until the end, but the Chargers are just too good at home this year. Final Score: Chargers 27 Patriots 24
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