Well, I went 3-1 last week after Seattle just couldn't seal the deal in
overtime.
As great as the Wildcard Weekend usually is, the Divisional Round is
usually a disappointment. Since the modern playoff system began in 1990,
the home team has won by 9 or more points nearly 70% of that time.
That kind of statistic will certainly affect my picks this weekend:
Carolina at St. Louis - In the hey day of the Rams, John Fox's defensive
unit New York Giants were one of the few groups in the League that seemde
to consistently have an answer for the Rams' attack. Fox is now
head-coaching the Panthers, and while my first reaction was that the Rams
would blow the under-powered Panthers out of the Dome, I see the Panthers'
defense keeping it close, the underrated Steve Smith giving the Panthers a
chance to score.... but.... nevertheless falling short of the Rams who have
just too many weapons. Pick: RAMS
Tennessee at New England - The NFL loved the highlight films of Oakland and
New England playing in the snow at night two weeks ago, so they scheduled
the Patriots for another night home game this year. On paper, the Titans
are the best wildcard team.... and New England has rarely dominated teams
this year.... but I just think that they do not match up particularly well
against the Patriots. I think that with Eddie George injured the Titans
will not be able to run the ball, Steve McNair will be forced into
turnovers, and on the other side of the ball I think that the Patriots will
be able to spread out the Titans defense and pass the ball effectively.
Only the cold should keep this game from getting out of hand. Pick:
PATRIOTS... big.
Indianapolis at Kansas City - For me, this is the most intriguing game of
the week. Edgerring James is getting healthier which should allow the
Colts to run the ball effectively on the Chiefs. Peyton Manning has
already proved that he can pass the ball effectively on the road - just
witness the comeback at Tampa Bay. On the other hand, the Chiefs have
gone from potentially going undefeated to being totally disrespected by the
NFL. Well, the Chiefs defense despite problems, is still solid.... and
their offense is still top-shelf. Moreover, the Chiefs' special teams is
still among the league's best, even with Dante Hall cooling off. So, I'm
going to go with my gut on this one.... as the Colts just seem to have an
aura about them right now with Vanderjagt setting the field goal records,
Edgerring James finally recovering from that injury, and Peyton Manning
exorcising the morons who thought he couldn't win a playoff game. Pick:
COLTS UPSET SPECIAL
Green Bay at Philadelphia - Speaking of an aura, how about the one around
Green Bay since the death of Brett Favre's father? Unfortunately, they
are running into an Eagles team that is hitting on all cylinders.
Although Philadelphia has some injuries, they are extremely well-coached
with two-time Coach of the Year winner Andy Reid, and they are like the
Patriots in terms of having waves of personnel to plug into positions.
Meanwhile, the Packers may be the weakest team left in the playofffs,
having really struggled against Seattle last week at home, and luckily
winning in overtime. The Eagles should have no problem in this one.
Pick: EAGLES
JDG
_______________________________________________________
John D. Giorgis - [EMAIL PROTECTED]
"The liberty we prize is not America's gift to the world,
it is God's gift to humanity." - George W. Bush 1/29/03
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