NFL Division Playoffs
Okay, so the Colts shot themselves in the foot and the Falcons came close. I’m not taking the Colts game as a loss against me cos anyone with a functioning brain wouldn’t have done what they did – make that a draw and don’t count it.
This week’s games
Baltimore at Tennessee: Probably the best game of the weekend comes first. Tennessee runs better than Miami, has a better QB than Miami and plays a heckuva (John Madden word) better defense than Miami. The Ravens might get away with 9 for 23 passing against the Dolphins while running the ball 35 times but the Titans aren’t going to be that easy to run on, they pressure up the middle and they won’t throw four interceptions no matter how good Ed Reed is. In a game of few touchdowns and fewer big plays, Titans 16-6
Arizona at Carolina. The Cards are a bit of a fraud, went 9-7 in a bad division. They are like the Chargers, only without a running game. The wheels come off now in a game that could get ugly. Panthers have big play ability and as good as Arizona’s WRs are, they ain’t Steve Smith. Carolina 35-20
Philadelphia at NY Giants. Division foes never like to face off in the post-season. The Eagles lucked out playing a bad Viking team last weekend and that all changes now. These teams split close games and if someone wins by more than one touchdown without a lucky late turnover TD I’ll be shocked. Give the home team who had an extra week off the edge – Giants 20, Eagles 17
San Diego at Pittsburgh. Chargers didn’t deserve to be in the playoffs, didn’t deserve to win last week, but sometimes teams like that gain momentum for no reason. Sproles has speed for the SD offense and they need it against the fast Steeler defense. In the end I think the Chargers just won’t move the ball enough. Close but no cigar – Steelers 27, Chargers 14.
Which matters more in the playoffs? Having a good team or not committing turnovers? If you said team you win an all-expenses paid trip to see Tennessee play Carolina this week.