2010 NFL Playoffs Divisional Round 1/16/2011

#4 Seattle Seahawks (8-9) at #2 Chicago Bears (11-5) (-10, o/u 41.5); 13:00 FOX. Let's face it: No one outside of Seattle gave the Seahawks a flaming chance to beat the defending Super Bowl Champions last week. But they did, thanks to a great game from QB Matt Hasselbeck and a brilliant late run by RB Marshawn Lynch. Even though the Seahawks won in Chicago in Week Six by a field goal means only the Seahawks aren't intimidated by playing here and have nothing to lose. As much as I despise the Bears, they present the Seahawks with little chance of winning today. The only chance the Seahawks have is if Bears QB Jay Cutler throws INT's all over the place (which could very well happen), but I don't think he will throw more than one. The Bears defense is simply better than the Seahawks offense and the Bears offense has more talent than the Seahawks defense. That being said, I do think the Seahawks will make a game of it and at least cover the spread. The winner will host the Green Bay Packers for the NFC Championship next weekend.
MY PREDICTION: @ Chicago Bears 34, Seattle Seahawks 28
ACTUAL RESULT:

#6 New York Jets (12-5) at #1 New England Patriots (14-2) (-9, o/u 44); 16:30 CBS. What better matchups can you get this weekend in the AFC, part two. The Jets and Patriots each won, in the regular season, as the home team. The Jets won 28-14 in Week 2 and the Patriots won 45-3 in Week 13. That last game will be hard for the Jets to get over, especially in Foxboro. Pats QB Tom Brady has lost his last two postseason games (SB XLII to the NY Giants (still painful) and last years wild card game to the Ravens.) and I doubt he'll make it three in a row. Jets coach Rex Ryan just can't seem to shut up and neither can his team. Do your talking on the field, boys. I do expect the Patriots to win, but the game will be much closer than 45-3. If the Patriots win, they will host Pittsburgh next weekend for the AFC Championship. If the Jets win they will play in Pittsburgh.
MY PREDICTION: @ New England Patriots 40, New York Jets 20
ACTUAL RESULT:

2010 NFL Playoffs Divisional Round 1/15/2011

#5 Baltimore Ravens (13-4) at #2 Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) (-3, o/u 37); 16:30 CBS. What better matchups can you get this weekend in the AFC, part one The Ravens and Steelers each won, in the regular season, as the road team. Each game was decided by three points and each came down to a decisive key play that turned the game. I expect this game to be no different. The one element of this game that will benefit the Steelers is that, in the Week Four matchup, QB Ben Roethlisberger was serving the last game of his four game suspension. Another key is the health of Steelers S Troy Polamalu who has battled injuries late in the season and is huge for the Steelers defense. Looking at the headlines this morning is the health of Ravens RB Ray Rice, who is reportedly ill. If he can't go or is less than fulll strength, it could be detrimental to the Ravens running game and their chances of winning. The winner of this game will either host the New York Jets or play at New England next Sunday for the AFC Championship, depending on the results of tomorrow's game. I believe this game will be another low scoring nailbiter, with the Steelers winning.
MY PREDICTION: @ Pittsburgh Steelers 17, Baltimore Ravens 14
ACTUAL RESULT: @ Pittsburgh Steelers 31, Baltimore Ravens 24

#6 Green Bay Packers (11-6) at #1 Atlanta Falcons (13-3) (-2, o/u 43.5); 20:00 FOX. The Packers lost in Atlanta 20-17 in Week 12 primarily because of some late mistakes and a last seconds field goal by Atlanta, otherwise this game would have gone into overtime. The Packers come in confident, knowing they match up with Atlanta. Aaron Rodgers is playing as well as any QB and is dangerous. Fir the Falcons, this is probably the worst matchup. However, they are at home where they have only lost once this season. QB Matty "Ice" Ryan has a superlative home winning record since he became the starter three seasons ago. The Falcons have one advantage I believe Green Bay can't handle, and that is future Hall of Famer TE Tony Gonzalez, one of Ryan's favorite targets. If Atlanta wins, they will host either Seattle or Chicago next Sunday. If Green Bay wins, they will play at either Seattle or Chicago. The Packers won't go down easily but I think the Falcons pull out a tough one.
MY PREDICTION: @ Atlanta Falcons 23, Green Bay Packers 21
ACTUAL RESULT: Green Bay Packers 48, @ Atlanta Falcons 21

2010 NFL Playoffs Wild Card Games 1/9/2011

#5 Baltimore Ravens (12-4) (-3, o/u 40.5) at #4 Kansas City Chiefs (10-6); 13:00 CBS. Everyone knows about Ravens LB Ray Lewis and their excellent defense. Not many people question their intensity. Nationally, no one really knows about the Chiefs. They went 4-12 in 2009 and were last in the AFC West. Chiefs QB Matt Cassel had a breakthrough year with New England in 2008 and was below agerage in 2009, his first in KC. This season Cassel again was good, finding a receiver in Dwayne Bowe and a league leading running game (164 ypg avg.) with Jamall Charles and Jets castoff Thomas Jones. The Ravens are 5^th in total run defense, allowing a bit over 93 yards per game. If this game were being played in Baltimore, I'd pick the Ravens but it is not. Arrowhead Stadium is a hugely difficult place to play and the Chiefs were 7-1 at home this season, the Ravens were 5-3 on the road. I'm taking the home team in a tight game. The winner of this game will play in Pittsburgh next Saturday thanks to the Jets beating the Colts yesterday.
MY PREDICTION: @ Kansas City Chiefs 28, Baltimore Ravens 24
ACTUAL RESULT: Baltimore Ravens 30, @ Kansas City Chiefs 7

#6 Green Bay Packers (10-6) at #3 Philadelphia Eagles (10-6) (-2.5 o/u 46.5); 16:30 FOX. The Packers beat the Eagles in Philadelphia in Week 1 when Michael Vick played the second half, turning a potential Packers blowout into a close loss. THe Eagles offensively are scary. Vick can run and pass, have excellent WRs and RB's and are playing at home. The Packers also have an excellent offense and have potential defensive player of the year in LB Clay Matthews. This game is going to be a dogfight. However, the knowledge that the Packers won here earlier plus the Eagles lackluster finish to the season and uninspiring home record (4-4) say Packers will win. If the Packers win, they will play in Atlanta next week. If the Eagles win they will play in Chicago next week, sending Seattle to play Atlanta.
MY PREDICTION: Green Bay Packers 24, @ Philadelphia Eagles 23
ACTUAL RESULT: Green Bay Packers 21, @ Philadelphia Eagles 16

2010 NFL Playoffs Wild Card Games 1/8/2011

#5 New Orleans Saints (11-5) (-10, o/u 45.5) at #4 Seattle Seahawks (7-9); 16:30 NBC. New Orleans is the defending Super Bowl champion while the Seattle became the first division winner with a losing record. Because of the NFL's playoff format, division winnners get home field advantage over wild card teams, which is why this game is being played in Seattle rather than in New Orleans. The Saints are obviously the better team, and have beaten the Seahawks already this season in Week 11 34-19. That game was played in New Orleans. Playing outdoors for a dome team is tough and Q-West Field is one of the loudest outdoor venues in the league. The Saints are hurting at RB but QB Drew Brees and the Saints have superior WRs. Seattle has QB Matt Hasselbeck back after missing the Week 17 playoff clinching victory over the St. Louis Rams. Hasselbeck has great career numbers vs. New Orleans. The winner of this game will play either at Atlanta or at Chicago, depending on the result of the Packers @ Eagles game tomorrow. Seattle, playing at home, will make it a close game for three quarters but the Saints will pull away in the 4th Quarter.
MY PREDICTION: New Orleans Saints 30, @ Seattle Seahawks 17
ACTUAL RESULT: @ Seattle Seahawks 41, New Orleans Saints 36

#6 New York Jets (11-5) at #3 Indianapolis Colts (10-6) (-2.5 o/u 44.5); 20:00 NBC. These two teams did not play each other in the regular season. The Colts defeated the Jets in last season's AFC Championship game. Jets coach Rex Ryan is 1-5 vs. Peyton Manning's teams and has said that this week is personal. The one win Ryan has came late last season, when the Colts were resting most of their starters. That won't be the case tonight. Ryan is bold and outspoken and, while the media loves him for his mouth, he needs to shut-up. Jets QB Mark Sanchez played sparingly in the Week 17 win over Buffalo, not throwing a pass and resting his sore shoulder. The defending AFC Champion Colts have been decimated by injuries to key players on offense and defense and needed a four game winning streak at the end of the season to qualify for the playoffs for an NFL record tying ninth straight season. The Colts have been running the ball better of late and the Jets running game has struggled late in the season. If the Jets win, they play at New England next Sunday. If the Colts win, they will play at Pittsburgh next Saturday. I'd be crazy not to pick Peyton Manning at home in the playoffs.
MY PREDICTION: @ Indianapolis 24, New York Jets 16
ACTUAL RESULT: New York Jets 17, @ Indianapolis Colts 16

2010 NFL Draft - First Round

As I normally do, I entered the Patriots Football Weekly mock draft contest, which I actually won ten years ago but haven't come close to winning since.

The rules are simple:

All guesses had to be submitted by 5 PM EDT yesterday.

For each correct selection, the number of points awarded is equal to the number of the pick in the first round. For example, if I guess the fourth pick correctly, I get four points. If I guess the twenty-fifth pick correctly, I get 25 points. The highest number of points is the winner.

It doesn't matter what team selects the player with a certain pick, so draft day trades are not a factor in the selections.

Here then are my guesses:

1) Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
2) Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
3) Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
4) Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
5) Brian Bulaga, OT, Iowa
6) Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
7) Joe Haden, CB, Florida
8) Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
9) Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
10) Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida
11) Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
12) Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama
13) Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
14) Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
15) Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida
16) Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas
17) Earl Thomas, S, Texas
18) Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech
19) Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State
20) Perrish Cox, CB, Oklahoma State
21) Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame
22) Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
23) CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson
24) Jonathan Crompton, QB, Tennessee
25) Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
26) Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan
27) Mike Iupati, G, Idaho
28) Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech
29) Corey Wootton, DE, Northwestern
30) Taylor Mays, S, USC
31) Brian Price, DT, UCLA
32) D'Anthony Smith, DT, Louisiana Tech

Later, I'll highlight the selections I picked correctly, based on how things really go tonight. Also, I'll eventually record the actual first round picks and what team selected them as the night moves along.

2010 New England Patriots regular season schedule

Its times like these when I wish blogger would accept spreadsheet formatting...

regular season opponents
date time opponent network all-time series
9/12/2010 13:00 CINCINNATI BENGALS CBS NE 13-8-0
9/19/2010 16:15 at New York Jets CBS tied 50-50-1
9/26/2010 13:00 BUFFALO BILLS CBS NE 59-40-1
10/4/2010 20:30 at Miami Dolphins ESPN Mia 50-39-0
10/10/2010 bye
10/17/2010 13:00 BALTIMORE RAVENS CBS NE 5-1-0
10/24/2010 16:15 at San Diego Chargers CBS NE 20-15-2
10/31/2010 16:15 MINNESOTA VIKINGS CBS NE 6-4-0
11/7/2010 13:00 at Cleveland Browns CBS Cle 12-9-0
11/14/2010 20:20 at Pittsburgh Steelers NBC Pit 14-10-0
11/21/2010 16:15 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS CBS NE 44-29-0
11/25/2010 12:30 at Detroit Lions CBS NE 5-4-0
12/6/2010 20:30 NEW YORK JETS ESPN tied 50-50-1
12/12/2010 13:00 at Chicago Bears CBS NE 7-4-0
12/19/2010 20:20 GREEN BAY PACKERS NBC GB 5-4-0
12/26/2010 13:00 at Buffalo Bills CBS NE 59-40-1
1/2/2011 13:00 MIAMI DOLPHINS CBS Mia 50-39-0

HOME GAMES in CAPS

2010 New England Patriots preseason schedule

2010 New England Patriots preseason schedule released yesterday.

DATE TIME OPPONENT NETWORK PRESEASON SERIES RESULTS (last time played in preseason)

8/12-16/10 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS WBZ tied 4-4-0 (2005)
8/19/10 20:00 at Atlanta Falcons FOX Atl 6-5-0 (2006)
8/26-29/10 ST. LOUIS RAMS WBZ tied 4-4-0 (1994)
9/2-3/2010 at New York Giants WBZ NYG 11-8-0 (2009)

specific dates and times released soon for other three games. HOME GAMES in BOLD CAPS

Which means that the regular season NFL schedule willl be released in the next few weeks. Hello April!

NFL playoffs

I think the Saints will win 31-27.

I think the Colts will win 28-20.

I think Dallas will win 35-28.

I think San Diego will win 42-21.

2009 NFL Playoffs - Wild Card Weekend

#5 New York Jets (9-7) at #4 Cincinnati Bengals (10-6) {-2½; O/U 34}:

This game is one of three rematches from last week's regular season finale. This time the game is being played in Cincinnati, rather than in the swamps of New Jersey. With virtually nothing to play for the Bengals got a whuppin handed to them, losing 37-0.

"I'm excited about the playoffs," says Cincinnati quarterback Carson Palmer. "We've got a very resilient team. We're ready to make a playoff run. There's no better way to rectify a loss than to beat that same team the next week."

I think Cincinnati has the advantage this week simply because home field advantage in the NFL is huge. The Jets had over 250 rushing yards last week which will not happen this week. Cincinnati will put 8 or 9 in the box and force Jets rookie QB Mark Sanchez to beat them by throwing the ball. The Bengals are counting on rookie mistakes leading to turnovers.

Defensively the Jets will be tough to run on but Bengals RB Cedric Benson didn't play last week. Benson has solidified the Begals rushing attack all year. The main weapon for the Bengals in the passing attack is #85, Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson. He needs to have a big day against Jets All Pro CB Darrelle Revis.

The winner of this game will likely play at Indianapolis next Saturday night.
MY PREDICTION: @ Cincinnati Bengals 24, New York Jets 20; ACTUAL RESULT: NY Jets 24, @ Bengals 14




#6 Philadelphia Eagles (11-5) @ #3 Dallas Cowboys (11-5) {-4; O/U 45}:

This game is the second of three rematches from last week's regular season finale. This game is once again being played in Dallas.

How hard is it to beat a team three times in one season? Very hard. Dallas won in Week 9 at Philly 20-16 and last week 24-0. I believe Dallas will win this game. Philadelphia, if it had won, would have been the NFC East champs, the NFC's #2 seed and on a bye this week. Instead they are back in Dallas playing their hated rivals again.

"There’s a positive amongst the negative," says Eagles head coach Andy Reid, who is 4-0 in the Wild Card round. "The positive is that you’re in the playoffs and very seldom do you have an opportunity to play a team that just beat you. We have that opportunity to correct ourselves. I expect everyone, coaches and players, to figure out the problem, get back out and execute. That’s what we have to do."

If you are Philadelphia, how can you get motivated for a game like this? For one, not wanting to lose a third game to your arch rival in the same season, especially after playing so poorly the week before.

QB Tony Romo has to continue to play well if the Cowboys are to win their first playoff game since 1996. The Eagles need to get DeSean Jackson back on track. He's the best receiver they have.

MY PREDICTION: @ Dallas Cowboys 27, Philadelphia Eagles 21; ACTUAL RESULT:







#6 Baltimore Ravens (9-7) @ #3 New England Patriots (10-6) {-3 1/2; O/U 43}:

This game is a rematch, not from Week 17 but from Week 4. The Patriots won 27-21, also at Gillette Stadium, holding on to thwart a late Ravens drive. This is the first playoff meeting between these teams. The Ravens are 0-5 lifetime vs. New England.

The Patriots are without Wes Welker due to a torn ACL/MCL knee injury suffered last week. There is no doubt his absence will hurt this week. The Patriots still have offensive weapons which they must utilize because it's a given that the Ravens will double cover WR Randy Moss. That means that screen passes to RB Kevin Faulk and the other running backs and more use of TE's Ben Watson and Chris Baker.

"We’re in the same position as last year where we had to win to get in," says Ravens RB Willis McGahee, "Once we get in, we know we can do damage. And now we’re in the playoffs."

Defensively for the Patriots the key is stopping RB Ray Rice who is speedy and elusive running and catching the ball. The Ravens also have RB Willis McGahee and a good bunch of receivers that will challenge the Patriots secondary.

One benefit for the Patriots, I believe, will be the cold game time temperatures, though no snow is in the forecast for Sunday.

The Patriots are a perfect example of a team that benefits from the home stadium, being one of two teams to have a perfect home record this season. Never bet against a Tom Brady led offense and a Bill Belichick coached team. They rarely lose home playoff games, though it won't be easy.

MY PREDICTION: @ New England Patriots 31, Baltimore Ravens 27; ACTUAL RESULT:










#5 Green Bay Packers (11-5) @ #4 Arizona Cardinals (10-6) {E; O/U 47 1/2}:

This is the third rematch from Week 17 where Green Bay won 33-7 at Arizona. I wouldn't put much stock in that result because the Cardinals rested may of their front line players, knowing they could not get anything higher than the #4 seed.

Arizona QB Kurt Warner has won a Super Bowl and would have won another last year if not for a miraculous last second catch by Steelers WR Santonio Holmes. The Cardinals have a potent offense and will benefit from playing at home.

"To me, everything starts now," says Arizona QB Kurt Warner. "It’s time to go play football. It’s one and done. You don’t show up and play, you go home."

However, Packers QB Aaron Rodgers is playing as well as anyone in the league. The Packers flew under the radar this season with all of the attention focused on the Vikings early success and near end of the season collapse. Green Bay also has an excellent offense.

I expect a much closer game with the Packers winning.

MY PREDICTION: Green Bay 28, @ Arizona Cardinals 17; ACTUAL RESULT:

Green's 2009 NFL Predictions

A brand new National Football League season starts tomorrow night with one game, thirteen games on Sunday and two games on Monday Night Football, one of which is my beloved New England Patriots. This is also the 50^th Anniversary season of the AFL. All of the original AFL teams will be wearing throwback uniforms during certain games this season. I think when ever two original AFL teams play each other is when they'll break out the retro unis. For example, the Patriots will be dressed in red and white with old Pat Patriot on the helmet, as you see on the left, for their Monday Night game vs. Buffalo.

With the start of a new season, I thought I ought to give you my predictions (some of which more than likely will be wrong). Prognosticating is a tuff biz, but I can handle it. Someone's gotta do it - may as well me moi.
Last year I predicted good things for my Patriots and gave my thoughts on the reality that unfortunately came to pass, with #12 going down for the season less than halfway through the first quarter of the opening game against Kansas City. They still finished 11-5 but missed out on the playoffs due to the NFL's complicated but fair tiebreaker rules.

I gots news for y'all. Some of you may like it, others not so much.

Tom Terrific looked well, terrific, during the preseason and the record setting offense of 2007 is essentially in tact. So, NFL, you've been warned. Will Brady throw for 50 touchdowns again? Not likely. 35-40 is a distinct possibility. Will the Patriots offense break its NFL record 589 points scored from 2007? Possibly. They'll give it a run, anywhoo. This will be a hard team to defense and will give teams fits.

Here we have my predictions:

AFC EAST
1. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS ----> Brady's back. MVP redux. Comeback Player of the Year.
2. Miami Dolphins ----> Will slip back to reality at or near .500
3. Buffalo Bills ----> T.O. gets the damn ball but it's not enough.
4. New York Jets ----> Sanchez' new favorite old TV show: Growing Pains.

AFC NORTH
1. Pittsburgh Steelers ----> Because they're the defending Champs, obviously.
2. Baltimore Ravens* ----> Tough D. Just a bit short on O.
3. Cleveland Browns ----> Could make a run at the division title if...
4. Cincinnati Bengals ---->Sadly, Head Coach Marvin Lewis 1^st to be fired in 2009.

AFC SOUTH
1. Indianapolis Colts ----> They'll be good as long as it's Peyton's place.
2. Tennessee Titans* ----> Was last years' record a fluke or are they really good?
3. Jacksonville Jaguars ----> Probably will win 9 or 10 games but miss playoffs.
4. Houston Texans ----> I can realistically see 8-8 this season but probably 7-9.

AFC WEST
1. San Diego Chargers ----> In a weak, rebuilding division, still finished 8-8 in '08.
2. Kansas City Chiefs ----> Cassel's dream '08 season redux? Not quite. Maybe 6 wins ~ sorry Matt.
3. Oakland Raiders ----> Better with Richard Seymour but still bad.
4. Denver Broncos ----> Chaos reigns in Denver. 5 wins max.

SEEDS
1. NEW ENGLAND
2. Indianapolis
3. Pittsburgh
4. San Diego
5. Baltimore
6. Tennessee

Wild Card Games:
3. Pittsburgh over 6. Tennessee
5. Baltimore over 4. San Diego

Conference Semifinals
1. New England over 5. Baltimore
3. Pittsburgh over 2. Indianapolis

Conference Championship
1. NEW ENGLAND over 3. Pittsburgh

NFC EAST
1. Philadelphia Eagles ----> How will they use Michael Vick?
2. Dallas Cowboys* ----> Will they win a playoff game this year?
3. Washington Redskins ----> Another late season collapse.
4. New York Giants ----> Just not good enough in a tough division.

NFC NORTH
1. Chicago Bears ----> Monsters of the Midway? No, but good enough.
2. Green Bay Packers* ----> some say QB Aaron Rodgers will be MVP in '09. Not me.
3. Minnesota Vikings ----> Favre should have stayed retired. Sorry Brett, it's time.
4. Detroit Lions ----> Lions win! Lions win! Only 3 games but it's an improvement.

NFC SOUTH
1. Atlanta Falcons ----> Matt Ryan leads Falcons to 2nd Super Bowl appearance. Same result.
2. Carolina Panthers ----> Just not enough in a tough division.
3. New Orleans Saints ----> Surprising late season collapse ruins the Brees.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers ----> Should never have fired Jon Gruden.

NFC WEST
1. Arizona Cardinals ----> Courtesy pick for Super Bowl XLIII loser. Seattle is better.
2. Seattle Seahawks ----> Could easily win this division by three games.
3. San Francisco 49ers ----> Better, but still need work.
4. St. Louis Rams ----> Lowlight of season - losing to Detroit to break their streak.

SEEDS
1. Atlanta
2. Philadelphia
3. Chicago
4. Arizona
5. Green Bay
6. New York Giants

Wild Card Games:
3. Chicago over 6. New York Giants
5. Green Bay over 4. Arizona

Conference Semifinals
1. Atlanta over 5. Green Bay
3. Chicago over 2. Philadelphia

Conference Championship
1. Atlanta over 3. Chicago

SUPERBOWL XLIV at Miami
1. NEW ENGLAND (AFC) over 1. Atlanta (NFC)

For the record, here are ESPN's expert predictions.

Super Bowl XLIII - 2008 NFL Playoffs

#2 Pittsburgh Steelers (-7; 46½ OU) v. #4 Arizona Cardinals: Believe it or not, this is a very intriguing match up for several reasons. This is the first Super Bowl trip for either head coach, but Cardinals head man Ken Whisenhunt and Assistant Russ Grimm used coach for the Steelers and were passed up when Mike Tomlin was hired to replace Bill 'The Chin' Cowher a few years ago. Both QB's, Kurt Warner for the Cardinals and Ben Roethlisberger for the Steelers have won a Super Bowl in their career and this would be #2 for each. It would seem to be a match up of Arizona's resurgent offense vs. the Steelers' superb defense.

I'll guarantee you this: No one thought that we'd have this match-up for this game. The Steelers are one of the AFC's best teams and hardly anyone should be surprised that they are representing the AFC. Even long suffering, die-hard Cardinals fans would not have predicted that their team would represent the NFC in the Super Bowl this year. I definitely didn't see it coming.

I never thought that the Cardinals would beat Atlanta at home, let alone a road game at Carolina and another home game vs. Philadelphia to get here. I would absolutely love to see the Cardinals win this game. Absolutely love it. But I really don't see it happening, because I believe the Steelers are that good. Will it be a close game? Probably, since Warner is a former Super Bowl MVP, and Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald can dominate a game all by himself and is playing his butt off during the playoffs, so far.

However, the one thing that bothers me about the Cardinals, is this. The Boston Globe's superb sports columnist Bob Ryan even wrote a great piece about it a few weeks ago, is that this Cardinals team, once they won their division, tanked a few games at the end of their schedule. For proof, look no further than that 47-7 December drubbing at the hands of the far-superior New England Patriots. As Ryan said in his column, the Cardinals didn't even bother to show up for that game in the snow.

Anyway, knowing my luck and my horrible predictions so far in this year's playoffs, if I pick Pittsburgh, that's gotta give the Cardinals a legitimate shot to win. So I'll go with Pittsburgh winning, in hopes that I'll be wrong again.Prediction: Pittsburgh 28, Arizona 20 Actual result: Pittsburgh 27, Arizona 23 Wow, what a game! I didn't watch all of it. I had to listen to the first half on the radio and turned it off when it looked like Pittsburgh was set to go up 24-7 in the 3rd Quarter. Then when I turned back to it, Arizona had taken the lead with under 3 minutes to go, 23-20. I then watched Pittsburgh's come from behind win. Two plays were the difference. At the end of the first half, Arizona was on the verge of scoring the go ahead touchdown, which would have given them a 14-10 lead at halftime. Instead a bizarro interception and 100 yard return for a Pittsburgh TD gave the Steelers the 17-7 edge after two quarters. Then that final drive and Pittsburgh WR (and game MVP) Santonio Holmes incredible game winning touchdown catch sealing the deal for the Steelers. I said to my nephew J that if the Steelers won on that phenomenal catch then they deserved to win. He agreed with me. Even though Arizona lost, I'm happy they made it a competitive game, where for a while it looked like the Cardinals were going to get blown out.

So I picked correctly the straight up winner but lost vs. the point spread. A truly inglorious end to my miserable playoff game picking. Eegads.

Super Bowl XLIV will be played in Miami on February 7, 2010.

Conference Championships - 2008 NFL Playoffs

#6 Philadelphia (-3½) at #4 Arizona: It's safe to say that no one expected this matchup for the right to go to the Super Bowl. Historically, the all time series is 54-54-5. The Cardinals last won the championship in 1947, when they were based in Chicago. The Eagles were in the Super Bowl in 2004 but lost to the Patriots and have not won the Championship since 1960.

Both teams are playing as well as you can in the playoffs, and this should be a close game, even though the Eagles stomped the Cardinals by 28 points on Thanksgiving. The first key will be Arizona's defense controlling the line of scrimmage and keeping the Eagles offense in check. The second key is turnovers. While I'd love to see Arizona win, but I don't think they'll be able to do it. A late touchdown by Philadelphia will make the score not as close as the game will be. Prediction: Philadelphia 30, at Arizona 21. Actual result: at Arizona 32, Philadelphia 25. When Arizona went up big I was shocked. When Philly came back late to take a one point lead I wasn't surprised, figuring it was time for Arizona's house of Cards to fold. That they came back to win was very satisfying, considering the futile history of this franchise. I'm pleased to have picked wrong here.

#6 Baltimore at #2 Pittsburgh (-6): Pittsburgh leads the all time series 17-10-0 thanks to two close wins vs. the Ravens this season. It's awfully hard to beat the same team three times in the same season. This is going to be a real tight, low scoring defensive battle. The winner of this game will be favored to win Super Bowl XLIII in two weeks. It will be tough but I think the Ravens will win. Prediction: Baltimore 14, at Pittsburgh 10. Actual result: at Pittsburgh 23, Baltimore 14. This was, as I predicted a close game throughout. Unfortunately the rookie Ravens QB had a mistake filled day - the last one sealing the win for the Steelers.

I'll have my Super Bowl XLIII prediction for you in two weeks.

With one game to go, I'm 3-7 on picking winners both straight-up and vs. the point spread. I haven't been this inept at football picks that I can ever recall - and I've been doing it every season since 1996. Tell ya what. Whatever my Super Bowl pick is, do the exact opposite. Your odds are better. Much better.

----

Happy 44^th Birthday, C!

Conference Semifinals - 2008 NFL Playoffs

Ok, here's the way I see it shaping up for this weekend's NFL playoff games.

Saturday: #6 Baltimore Ravens at #1 Tennessee Titans (-3): Tennessee went into Baltimore during Week five and won 13-10. All-time, the series is tied 9-9-0. Historically, these are two evenly matched teams. My pick this week is Baltimore because I think their defense is slightly better. Plus, any team with Kerry Collins as their starting QB is suspect. I think Tennessee's league best record came about from playing a relatively light schedule. This should be another low scoring game, So if you like defense, you'll like this match up. Prediction: Baltimore 14, at Tennessee 13. Actual result: Baltimore 13, at Tennessee 10 This game played out pretty much the way I thought it would.

#4 Arizona Cardinals at #2 Carolina Panthers (-9½): Arizona is not a team that likes to play on the east coast, as evidenced by their games this season, all losses. Granted they played Carolina tough here in Week eight. Carolina is 6-2 all time vs. Arizona, but the Cardinals two wins did come on the road. I think that this game could get ugly early. Carolina QB Jake Delhomme is a savvy veteran who has played in the Super Bowl. His team is far superior in all three phases of the game.
Prediction: at Carolina 35, Arizona 10. Actual result: Arizona 33, at Carolina 13 I knew the game would get ugly quickly, but I picked the wrong side it would get ugly for. Three first half Panther turnovers gave the Cardinals a 27-7 lead at the half and even an average team can win easily with that kind of advantage. Amazing that, if Philadelphia wins Sunday, the Cardnals will host the NFC Championship game.

Sunday: #6 Philadelphia Eagles at #1 New York Giants (-4½): These division rivals hate each other and know each other so well from playing twice every season. These teams split their series this year, with each team winning on the road. The Eagles are playing as well as anyone right now, but I think Eli and his mates will bring their A game and force QB Donovan McNabb into mistakes. It's possible that they will and I'd love to see the Eagles win, but I just don't see it happening. Prediction: at New York 28, Philadelphia 21. Actual result: Philadelphia 23, at NY Giants 11 Congrats to former Patriot and current Eagle CB Asante Samuel for his key interception. So now we have an NFC title matchup which nobody could ever have predicted.

#4 San Diego Chargers at #2 Pittsburgh Steelers (-6): These teams met here in Week 11 and it doesn't get any uglier than that game, which Pittsburgh won 11-10. The Steelers defense is one of the best in the game and will carry an inconsistent offense. Look for a higher scoring game this time around, but the Steelers will prevail. Prediction: at Pittsburgh 28, San Diego 20. Actual result: at Pittsburgh 35, San Diego 24 Key statistic: 3rd Quarter time of posession - Pit 14:43, SD 0:17 Game Over.

Well, I did do better this week, going 2-2 both straight up and vs. the point spread. That makes me 3-5 on both counts so far this post season. I need to go perfect the rest of the way to avoid a losing record. I'll have my Conference Championship predictions for you next Saturday.

Wild Card Weekend - NFL Playoffs 2008

Admittedly this years NFL Playoffs hold slightly less interest for me than if the Patriots were involved. Still, football is football and the games ought to be good.

So here's how I see this weekend's games shaping up:

Saturday: #5 Atlanta Falcons (-2½) at #4 Arizona Cardinals- Atlanta is my team to root for on the NFC side this year because of #2. Former Boston College QB Matt Ryan has had an unbelievable season this year. Who knew a rookie would have such a positive impact on a franchise and region that just last year was devastated by the Michael Vick disgrace? Arizona played miserably in Week 16 against the Patriots and wasn't very convincing last week. The bonus for the Cardinals and their fans is that this is a rare home playoff game for them, courtesy of winning the weak NFC West. Still, Atlanta is playing as well as anyone in the league right now and riding positive momentum can be huge in the playoffs (see 2007 New York Giants, who rode momentum all the way to the (still painful) upset win in Super Bowl XLII.) Prediction: Atlanta 24, at Arizona 14. Actual result: at Arizona 30, Atlanta 24 Did anyone tell the Falcons that you have to play 60 minutes of football in order to win? The Falcons lost because they took the 3^rd quarter off. Who will Arizona play next week?

#5 Indianapolis Colts (-2½) at #4 San Diego Chargers- The Chargers come in having won three in a row to close out the regular season and win the weak AFC West. At 3-4, the Colts looked pretty washed up, and now are riding a nine game winning streak, including wins over my Patriots and a three point win here in San Diego. The Chargers always give Peyton Manning and company trouble but have faced way too many injuries this season. If LaDanian Tomlinson doesn't play, that will make it worse for the Chargers. Prediction: Indianapolis 21, at San Diego 16. Actual result: at San Diego 23, Indianapolis 17 OT Overtime losses are tough. Overtime losses in the playoffs are even worse.

Sunday: #6 Baltimore (-2½) at #3 Miami- Miami has had a remarkable season, going from 1-15 last year to 11-5 this year. But that remarkable season ends with this game. The Ravens defense is one of the best in the league and their offense finally has found a franchise QB in rookie Joe Flacco. That, plus the confidence of winning in Miami in Week Seven should put them in Tennessee next weekend. They'll just use the same strategy they used in their week seven win. Miami's wildcat offense will struggle. Prediction: Baltimore 31, at Miami 17. Actual result: Baltimore 27, at Miami 9 Turnovers will kill you every time. Ask Chad Pennington.

#6 Philadelphia (-3½) at #3 Minnesota- Admittedly, I never thought either of these teams were good enough to make the playoffs, but here they are. Philadelphia, under QB Donovan McNabb,is playing well right now. But their 3-4-1 road record does not inspire confidence. Minnesota's 6-2 home record does. Vikings RB Adrian Peterson will have a good game and will be the difference maker. Prediction: at Minnesota 27, Philadelphia 10. Actual result: Philadelphia 26, at Minnesota 14 I didn't get to see much of this game, cuz I had to take my kids home. But I did see Brian Westbrook's 71 yard catch and run TD that effectively sealed the win for the Eagles. Man that boy is good.

UPDATE: Ok, so I was 1-3 for the weekend both straight up and vs. the point spread. I almost have to do better next week, right? More predictions on Friday.

No playoffs in 2008

You can point to many reasons why the New England Patriots became the second team since the NFL adopted a 16 game schedule in 1978 to miss the playoffs with an 11-5 record, joining the 1985 Denver Broncos.

I can think of three reasons. #1 would be injuries. Not olny reigning NFL MVP Tom Brady's season ending knee injury in the first quarter of the first game of the season, but all of the season ending injuries that would be suffered by many of the Patriots front line players. #2 and #3 would be three point losses at Indianapolis and vs. the New York Jets in overtime. Win either of those games and the Pats would be division champs and in the playoffs again.

However, as I'm sure Coach Bill Belichick will say, "We don't make excuses, it's football" and "It is what it is."

Honestly though, if you had told me during training camp that the star QB would go down with an injury (in the first quarter of the first game no less) and a backup who hadn't played meaningful football in seven years would come in and lead the team to an 11-5 record and a shot at the division title, I wouldn't have believed you.

When Tom Brady got hurt, I was thinking more realistically at a record of somewhere between 7-9 and 9-7 to consider this a successful season. Small consolation for a team that in recent years, has had it's playoff ticket punched well before week seventeen.

Now Patriots fans can look forward to 2009, when the schedule will include home and away games vs Buffalo Bills, NY Jets and Miami Dolphins. Home games vs. Baltimore Ravens, Tennessee Titans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers. Away games vs. Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans, New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which will be played at Wembley Stadium in London, England on October 25^th.

I'll have my Wild Card Weekend playoff predictions for you on Friday, January 2^nd.

season over after 7 minutes 33 seconds

For years we've been hearing how indispensable Tom Brady is to the success of the New England Patriots and how he's the one player whom they could not afford to lose to an injury.

Well, halfway through the first quarter of the Patriots 17-10 win over Kansas City yesterday, Brady went down with a season ending left knee injury, forcing 4th year back up Matt Cassel to step into the fray and carry this team as far as he can.

How many games will the Patriots win now in 2008? I had them penciled in for 13-14 wins and a long run through the playoffs as a #1 or #2 seed. Now I'd say the Patriots are a 10-11 win team and a best case scenario 4th seed in the tough American Football Conference.

Yes, it will be an adjustment for the Patriots and fans to get used to Matt Cassel. Matt who?? As important as Tom Brady is (he is after all the franchise), there are other talented players on this team who will now have to step up and play better each week to help fill the void. The Patriots struck gold in a similar situation in 2001, can they do it again?.

I was listening to the game on the radio when it happened and watched the hit on Brady (ad nauseum on Boston area television stations) and I agree that it looked like there was no maliciousness involved in it. It was a football play, as Steve Young put it on ESPN tonight, that happened within the game.

Who needs a sure-fire first ballot Hall-of-Famer, two-time Super Bowl and reigning league MVP Quarterback anyway?? Fifty touchdown passes. Bah! Who needs that?

We'll see how much the Patriots do over the next four months, that's for sure....

Football season is here!

College football games started last weekend.

The NFL season started tonight with Washington losing to the New York Giants, 16-7, at the exit 7W Meadowlands in the wilds of New Jersey. There's also a full slate of games on Sunday and a Monday night doubleheader.

Now it's time to officially put the Patriots heartbreaking Super Bowl loss in the rear view mirror and focus on the new season.

Do I think the Patriots will go 16-0 in the regular season again?

No.

But with a soft schedule, a 13 win or better regular season record is a real possibility. Home field advantage in the AFC goes through Foxboro until further notice.

With that, here are my predictions for another wonderfully glorious, highly emotional NFL season:

Division Champions

AFC East- New England Patriots
AFC Central- Pittsburgh Steelers
AFC South- Indianapolis Colts
AFC West- San Diego Chargers

AFC Wild Card teams- Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars

NFC East- Dallas Cowboys
NFC Central- Green Bay Packers
NFC South- New Orleans Saints
NFC West- Arizona Cardinals

NFC Wild Card teams- Seattle Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles

SEEDINGS:
AFC:

1. New England
2. San Diego
3. Indianapolis
4. Pittsburgh
5. Cleveland
6. Jacksonville

NFC:

1. Dallas Cowboys
2. Green Bay Packers
3. New Orleans Saints
4. Arizona Cardinals
5. Seattle Seahawks
6. Philadelphia Eagles

Wild Card Playoffs
AFC- Cleveland over Pittsburgh and Indianapolis over Jacksonville
NFC- Seattle over Arizona and New Orleans over Philadelphia

Conference Semis (Divisional Round)
AFC- New England over Cleveland and San Diego over Indianapolis
NFC- Dallas over Seattle and Green Bay over New Orleans

Conference Championships
AFC- New England over San Diego
NFC- Dallas over Green Bay

Super Bowl XLIII @ Tampa, FL
New England over Dallas

Seriously people, did you really think I'd pick against the Patriots? When you come as close to perfection as they did in 2007 and not get it leaves you with a big chip on your shoulder and a super bad taste in your mouth. I don't care if you hear that they've put that devastating loss behind them. They're human and want to prove that they can regain the mantle of champions. Afterall, it has been three years since the last one. Plus, no one plays the us vs. them card better than Coach Bill. Nobody. Even if he never shows emotion in public or in the press, you can bet he does with his team. He'll drill it into their heads until they're repeating it in their sleep.

didn't feel like it this year

The 2008 NFL Draft takes place in New York tomorrow and Sunday.

Normally, I'd be posting my entry into the Patriots Football Weekly Mock Draft contest.

Not this year though. I just didn't feel like doing it.

Okay that's not entirely true. On Tuesday night I bought the draft magazine I get every year and I skimmed through it during lunch and my breaks at work on Wednesday. I was going to fill out my entry form online last night (entries had to be received by 17:00 tonight) and work out my picks. By the time I remembered last night that I wanted to do it it was too late and I was too tired to make educated guesses on which players each team needs and whom they might select.

Sure, I'll still watch the draft tomorrow afternoon. It will be fun to see whom the Patriots pick (LB help, please?) and which team selects Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan (Atlanta, Kansas City or Baltimore - all need QB's and have picks in the top 8). I think the Falcons will take him at #3 but I hope he drops to #8 and lands with the Ravens.

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Can you believe that next weekend is Derby day? We'll get to see which horse will attempt to win the Triple Crown, which hasn't been done in 30 years. More on that next week.

2008 NFL Playoffs - Conference Championships

{You didn't really think I would leave you pick-less for this weeks games, now did you? Of course not...}

It was the best of times and it was the worst of times. I do believe it's true.

Last week I went 3-1-0 SU but only 1-3-0 ATS. With three meaningful football games to go in these playoffs, I'm 6-2-0 SU and a blah 3-5 ATS. I need wins across the board this week, especially picking games against the spread. Good thing for me that I don't actually wager any money on these football picks of mine.

This week we have a pair of Week Two rematches for our Conference Championship games. Waaaay back in September, the Patriots kicked the Chargers butts at Gillette Stadium, 38-14 and the Packers came in to New York and stomped on the Giants, 35-13. How will the games play out this weekend, with reservations to Arizona for Super Bowl XLII on the line?

Let's take a look at the match-up in the AFC:



Sunday, January 20^th @ 15:00 CBS - San Diego Chargers (13-5) @ New England Patriots (17-0) (-14, 46 o/u): The main story for San Diego is injuries. Both QB Philip Rivers and RB LaDanian Tomlinson sustained knee injuries last week at Indy. Tomlinson has practiced this week while Rivers has not; this leads to speculation that Rivers' knee is more seriously hurt than the Chargers are letting on. If Rivers can't go, backup QB Billy Volek will be pressed into duty. He did an admirable job leading the Chargers to (and scoring) the game winning touchdown. Because Tomlinson has been able to practice, he likely will play but the Chargers don't lose much when RB Michael Turner fills-in. Super TE Antonio Gates had two catches for 28 yards and was basically a non-factor. He's clearly still hampered by the toe injury from the Titans game two weeks ago. How effective these players are will largely determine how long San Diego stays competitive in this game.
On the Patriots side, players and coaches have stated unanimously that WR Randy Moss' legal issue will not be a factor for the team. You'd be hard pressed to find a more focused team than the Patriots under Bill Belichick. That's why they are only focusing on the Chargers and not this 17-0 business. Many of the veterans on this team have won Super Bowls and all but a few players participated in last year's AFC title game stunning loss to the Colts. The weather will be clear and cold with some wind. It remains to be seen how this will affect the game, especially the Chargers (game time temperature 23 deg. F, 11 deg. F windchill factor). Brady and Belichick are 7-0 in home playoff games. Make that 8-0 after this game. The Patriots will get out to an early lead making Tomlinson/ Turner useless and forcing Rivers/Volek to beat them throwing. The Chargers aren't designed to win shootouts and they won't be able to keep up with all of the Patriots offensive weapons. Sorry, Norv. My Prediction: @ New England 41, San Diego 17. Actual Result: @ New England 21, San Diego 12. This was a much lower scoring game than I thought on the Patriots side. The keys to the game were Patriots QB Tom Brady's three interceptions (one in the end zone) to San Diego QB Philip Rivers two interceptions and holding the powerful San Diego offense to four field goals. Rivers played on bad knees but RB Tomlinson only was able to contribute on three plays early in the first quarter. On to Glendale, Arizona two weeks from tonight.

Now let's look at the match-up in the NFC:



Sunday, January 20^th @ 18:30 FOX - New York Giants (12-6) @ Green Bay Packers (14-3) (-7, 40 o/u): For the G-men, this game is going to be all about controlling the line of scrimmage and running the ball with RB's Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs and allowing Eli Maning to manage the game, as he has the last three weeks. In the last three games, Manning has completed 70% of his passes with eight touchdowns and only one interception. The Giants defense compiled the most sacks in the regular season and will be key if they can pressure Green Bay QB Brett Favre into mistakes. For the Packers, they will compliment Favre's excellent passing and WR's Driver, Jennings, Robinson and Jones with former Giants practice squad player Ryan Grant, who ran for 201 yards in last weekend's win over Seattle. Likewise, the Packers excellent defense will need to pressure Eli Manning into rushed throws and INT's. This game will also feature very cold temperatures (game time temp 3-4 deg. F with -9 deg. windchill factor). I think this will be a real close game (within 7 points) most of the way. Both teams will play well but Packers K Mason Crosby puts the game out of reach with a late FG. My Prediction: @ Green Bay 30, New York 21. Actual Result: New York Giants 23, @ Green Bay 20 OT. Well, this game was as close as I thought it would be, just that the wrong team won. The story of the game is K Lawrence Tynes missing 43 and 36 yard field goals in the 4^th quarter of a tie game, then winning it with 2:35 gone in overtime with a 47 yard FG. The Giants owned a massive edge in time of possession and total yardage. QB Eli Manning once again played turnover-free football. Giants become 3^rd Wild Card team to win three road games to advance to the Super Bowl (1985 Patriots, 2005 Steelers). On to Arizona in two weeks.

2008 NFL Playoffs- Conference Semifinals

Don't be confused, the NFL officially calls this round of playoffs the divisional round, which makes no sense to me. I call it what it is, the conference semifinals because Winners from each game this weekend will play in their respective conference championship games next Sunday @ 15:00 (AFC) and 18:30 (NFC).

I was roaming around the web this week, as I often do, and found this amusing piece from columnist Norman Chad. He may hate the Patriots, and you might too, but don't even tell me that there aren't 26 other NFL cities (with the notable exceptions of Indianapolis, Dallas or Green Bay) that would love to have such a dominant team as their hometown NFL franchise. That's why I hated the 49ers of the 1980's and the Cowboys of the 1990's so much, because they won the majority of their games and got to the playoffs every year (and won Super Bowls) while the Patriots mostly were horrible or incredibly average.

And if you like football related statistics, as I do, you'll like this from the Indianapolis Star.

Anyway, I digress.

I did put in a good showing last weekend, picking 75% SU (3-1-0) and 50% ATS (2-2-0; which could have been 75% ATS if the Jags had gone for the late touchdown instead of settling for the winning field goal). Let's see how well I do for this weekend's games:



Saturday, January 12^th @ 16:30 FOX - Seattle Seahawks (11-6) at Green Bay Packers (13-3) (-7½, 42½ o/u): The main storyline in this game is Green Bay QB Brett Favre opposing his friend and old coach, Seattle's Mike Holmgren. Both have considered retirement over the last few years. Will either or both call it quits after this season? The Packers are the youngest team in the NFL based on average age and have very little playoff experience. Favre is enjoying one of his best seasons for the Packers. Not many people outside of the local fandom expected a 13-3 season. Seattle had much more playoff experience, getting to and losing the Superbowl two seasons ago. With a healthy group of Wide Receivers, including former Superbowl MVP Deion Branch, this game will come down to the Packers secondary stopping one of the most underrated group of receivers in the league. The last time these two teams met in the playoffs, the game ended on an overtime interception return for a touchdown by Green Bay. I expect a close game in this one too, possibly to be decided in overtime. My Prediction: Green Bay 27, Seattle 24. Actual Result: @ Green Bay 42, Seattle 20. What happened Seattle? After a phenomenal start, capitalizing on two Green Bay turnovers to take a 14-0 lead barely four minutes into the game, Seattle's offense went into deep freeze, getting outscored 42-6. What can you say about Brett Favre? Snow or not, simply one of the best QB's in NFL history. If Dallas wins tomorrow, Green Bay will play in Dallas. If New York wins tomorrow, they will travel to Green Bay.



Saturday, January 12^th @ 20:00 CBS - Jacksonville Jaguars (12-5) at New England Patriots (16-0) (-13, 49 o/u): The Jaguars have been anointed the team du-jour to upset the Patriots quest for perfection and have as good a chance as any with their star running back duo of Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew. Experts are touting the Patriots giving up huge games to Steelers and Ravens RB's near the end of the season as a sign of a weakened and old defense. While it is true that the Patriots Linebackers are old by NFL standards, they have the experience factor on their side and arguably the best front three on the defensive line in football in Wilfork, Seymour and Warren to clog the middle of the field. But the main question is, how do you slow down the Patriots passing game? With temperatures expected to be in the mid 30's by game time with no precipitation and little wind in the forecast Patriots QB Tom Brady will not be hindered with his trio of WR's Randy Moss, Donte' Stallworth and Wes Welker. Add in an effective but not often utilized RB in Laurence Maroney and all purpose RB Kevin Faulk, the Jaguars secondary will be tested severely. Sorry Jags, this is not your night. My Prediction: Patriots 35, Jacksonville 14. Actual Result: @ New England 31, Jacksonville 20: 26 for 28, 262 yards, 3 Touchdowns, no Interceptions. Patriots QB Tom Brady broke Phil Simms playoff record of 88% completion percentage, completing 92.6% of his passes to 8 different receivers. WR Randy Moss only had one catch for 14 yards. RB Laurence Maroney had a huge game rushing for 122 yards and had 2 catches for 40 yards. Jacksonville played a great game despite only producing 66 yards combined for RB's Taylor and Jones-Drew. Their defense just could not contan the Patriots, who punted once in the whole game (with 40 seconds left). The winner of tomorrow's Chargers-Colts game will visit the Razor next Sunday at 15:00.



Sunday, January 13^th @ 13:00 CBS San Diego Chargers (12-5) at Indianapolis Colts (13-3) (-8½, 46 o/u): I think this is the most intriguing game of the weekend. Colts QB Peyton Manning threw 6 INT's and Mr. Clutch K Adam Vinatieri missed a chip shot game winning field goal in a mid season loss at San Diego. San Diego has also beaten the Colts in Indy too, most recently in 2005 when the Colts were shooting for a 14-0 record. I've got no worries about the Colts offense which is always excellent in the playoffs under coach Tony Dungy. This game will be in the hands of Chargers QB Philip Rivers. The Colts will attempt to minimalize the effects of RB LaDanian Tomlinson and force Rivers to beat them with his arm, throwing to WR's Chris Chambers and Vincent Jackson and RB Tomlinson out of the backfield. A big loss for San Diego is TE Antonio Gates, who hurt his toe last week against Pittsburgh and likely won't play. These are two excellent teams, but the Colts win indoors. My Prediction: Indianapolis 33, San Diego 23. ACTUAL RESULT: San Diego 28, @ Indianapolis 24: Turnovers taste real good. I like either raspberry or blueberry. Oops, wrong kind of turnovers. The playoff kind are bad. Especially when you throw two interceptions to halt scoring drives and fumble once to stop another. This is what derailed the Colts today, negating a 400 yard passing day by Colts QB Peyton Manning. Give San Diego credit. TE Antionio Gates played with a sprained/broken bigh toe and lost RB LaDanian Tomlinson and QB Philip Rivers due to injury. Backup QB Billy Volek and RB Michael Turner came in and carried the load. San Diego plays at New England next Sunday.



Sunday, January 13^th @ 16:30 FOX New York Giants (11-6) at Dallas Cowboys (13-3) (-7½, 47 o/u): This is the Terrell Owens bowl. When he plays, the Cowboys have a much more fearsome offense than they do with out him. Dallas QB Tony Romo still had TE Jason Witten to throw to and an underrated pair of running backs in Marion Barber and Julius Jones. The Giants are brimming with confidence with QB Eli Manning played well in two losses to Dallas and is playing the best he's played all season in the last two games. The Giants defense led the league in QB sacks this season. The Giants look to avenge their only road loss of the season, Week 1 in Dallas. These fellow NFC East rivals know each other well and it will come down to turnovers and controlling the clock in this one. It's hard to beat a divisional opponent three times in one season. I'd love to see the 'boys win, but they won't. My Prediction: Giants 27, Cowboys 20. ACTUAL RESULT: New York Giants 21, @ Dallas 17: I don't know how the Giants won this game, but they did. They were outgained in yards by 106 and held the ball for 13 less minutes. They did not turn the ball over and Eli Manning managed the game brilliantly. The key drive for the Giants was at the end of the 2nd quarter when they scored a touchdown with less than a minute left after Dallas held the ball for over ten minutes prior. This allowed the game to go into the half tied instead of the Giants being down by 7. The Giants will travel to Green Bay next Sunday @ 18:30.