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Keyboard Quarterback: Divisional Predictions
Authored by Andrew Perna - 8th January, 2007 - 3:18 pm
While there isn't a real marquee matchup, Ravens vs. Colts, Panthers vs. Bucs, Bears vs. Falcons, and Chargers vs. Patriots are all pivotal games in the standings.
With John Herrera standing to his right dressed in black and appearing not unlike an undertaker, Lane Kiffin sat down at the podium for Sunday's postgame news conference.
Baltimore wants Flacco to be their QB of the future. But the Ravens feel they have no choice but to start him now because Boller and Smith are unavailable. Wrong!
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Okay, so my predictions led me to a 4-0 record in last weekend’s wildcard games. If I was a betting man, maybe my wallet would be a little thicker. Wild Card weekend, although full of entertaining football, didn’t provide us with many jaw-dropping surprises. The home team won all four games and neither AFC battle lent itself to a competitive fourth quarter.
With Tony Romo’s head rested on the shoulder of American Idol winner Carrie Underwood and Tiki Barber busy reading the dictionary in anticipation of his television debut, there are still eight football teams in contention for the games’ greatest prize. Even though Cowboys’ coach Bill Parcells can no longer challenge Ghost Whisperer’s Jennifer Love Hewitt for the biggest rack on television, I’m back to provide you with bet-worthy predictions for this weekend’s Divisional playoff match-ups.
Indianapolis at Baltimore This is an interesting match-up. Had the Colts’ defense not looked so impressive against the Chiefs on Saturday this would be a no-brainer. You also have to consider that Peyton Manning struggled against a Kansas City defense that’s nothing like Baltimore’s. I don’t think that bodes well for the Ravens. It’s rare that Manning struggles in back-to-back weeks, no matter what defenses he faces. Rookie Joseph Addai now has a playoff game under his belt and will be ready to eat clock on for the Colts this weekend. It’ll take big efforts from Peyton and the Indianapolis defense, but I’m picking the Colts.
Indianapolis 27, Baltimore 17
Philadelphia at New Orleans Someone’s dream season is going to end after this game. Will it be the Saints’ emotional high following their return to New Orleans, or the Eagles’ surprising rise to the playoffs after losing Donovan McNabb for the season? The outcome may not be as dramatic as the Eagles’ win over the Giants, but it’ll be close nonetheless. In the end I think New Orleans will have too many weapons for the Eagles to handle, and they’ll extend their inspiring season. If my Eagles are going to win this game they’ll need heroic efforts from their entire defense and more than just Brian Westbrook on offense. Drew Brees, Reggie Bush, Deuce McAllister, and Marques Colston will be too much for the Eagles, who have a short week.
New Orleans 31, Philadelphia 20
Seattle at Chicago The Cowboys’ Tony Romo handed the Seahawks the win last week, will the Bears’ Rex Grossman do the same this weekend? It’s quite possible when you consider the up-and-down season that Grossman has had. But as good as Seattle can be I think the Bears have the potential to be even better. If the Chicago defense is at its best the Bears won’t even need production from their explosive, but inconsistent, offense. It would make for quite the story if the Seahawks won, allowing New Orleans to host the NFC Championship game, but I think the Bears will prevail.
Chicago 24, Seattle 9
New England at San Diego It’s hard to go against the closest thing the NFL has seen to dynasty in recent years, but how do you ignore the dominance of LaDainian Tomlinson and the Chargers’ defense? If Tomlinson can set the pace for the Chargers early on that will allow young Philip Rivers to have an easier time with the New England secondary. LT has already become a legend through his regular season accomplishments, but he can further his reputation by eliminating the mighty Pats. Tom Brady will need to keep the New England defense on the sideline, and the ball out of San Diego’s hands. That will take balance between the run and pass, and incredible efforts from Corey Dillon and Laurence Maroney for the Pats to win.
San Diego 27, New England 17
