DIVISIONAL PLAYOFFS
AFC
Sat Jan 10
Ravens @ Titans.................... Pick Titans
The Ravens and their rookie QB are hot. There is no denying this. I would like to see the Ravens win, but I have to pick the Titans. They have the homefield advantage and the difference may be the veteran QB Collins. Expect this game to be a hard hitting knockdown dragout battle every step of the way. So much so... I have to wonder if both of these teams may not play beyond their means and come out of this matchup badly beaten up regardless of the winner. The potential is there to put so much into the game they actually hurt their ability to continue on in the post season.
Sun Jan 11
Chargers @ STEELERS.......... Pick STEELERS
Not going to be a pretty game by any stretch of the imagination. But then, my STEELERS haven't been a pretty offense all season really. The STEELERS are loose and relaxed comming off the bye week and Big Ben is back in what they say is playing condition. Even Willie Parker's shoulder is said to be in much better condition and he will not be wearing his brace. This should have a positive impact on the running game. The Chargers certainly have a running game, but never underestimate the STEELER's front seven and Troy Polamalu. Remember... this is the number one rated defense in the NFL. I think the defense will carry the brunt of the burden as they have all season, and keep the Chargers limited on their scoring potential in both passing and rushing. Contain their offensive threat, utilise specal teams, cause turnovers, and the STEELERS should walk away with a victory.
NFC
Sat Jan 10
Cardinals @ Panthers ............. Pick Panthers
Expect the Panthers to work the running game. The Cardinals are the threat when it comes to the arial attack, but ballgames are won by ball control and setting the pace on the ground. Expect the Panther blitz to come after Warner the entire game, working to wear down the pass protection. The Cards hang tough protecting Warner, but this is do or die. Can they actually hold against the onslaught? I don't think the cards will be able to contain the rushing attack from the Panthers. They thing about the Panthers is they just will not quit. They will keep hammering away at you and work to wear you down and then it becomes a game of sheer guts and power. A game of who wants it more.
Sun Jan 11
Eagles @ Giants..................... Pick Giants
How best to descibe this game? Consistency versus inconsistency. The Eagles run hot and cold. Lately they have been running hot, but don't expect it to last. The Giants have not been hot, nor have they been cold. They play consistent win or lose. Expect Eli to keep focused and do the work connecting with his recievers. Burress is out, but Jacobs is healthy again and this should even things out again. The Giants will combine a grinding rush with accurate passing to simply grind down the Eagle's defense. McNabb's earlier benching went a long way in settling him down and getting his head back on straight but I doubt it will last. McNabb knows he is expendible and can be replaced. This is do or die for the season and I think knowing this will have an affect on his performance. The Giants come into this matchup fresh and relaxed. The Eagles are comming in high strung and though hopes are high and they feel good, I think alot of it will vanish by the half.
Playoff Stats;
1st Round......................... 2 - 2
Total................................ 2 - 2
AFCSat Jan 10Ravens @ Titans....................
13 - 10 Ravens ( 0 - 1 )Sun Jan 11Chargers @ STEELERS..........
35 - 24 STEELERS ( 1 - 1 )NFCSat Jan 10Cardinals @ Panthers .............
33 - 13 Cardinals ( 1 - 2 ) Major UpsetSun Jan 11Eagles @ Giants.....................
23 - 11 Eagles ( 1 - 3 ) Major UpsetPlayoff Stats;WILDCARD Round.........................
2 - 2DIVISIONAL Round.......................
1 - 3 Total.........................................
3 - 5Next Week!!!CHAMPIONSHIP ROUNDAFC CHAMPIONSHIPSunday Jan 18Ravens @ STEELERS
NFC CHAMPIONSHIPSunday Jan 18Eagles @ Cardinals
