Speaking of Playoffs

Let's see who advances this weekend.


Saints (-10.5) @ Seahawks: Saturday, 3:30 CT:  The wild-card round opens with one of the biggest playoff mismatches I can remember. Last season's Super Bowl champs (*side note: I hate when people say "defending super bowl champs", or "defending world series champs". They aren't defending it. Last season's trophy won't be taken away if they lose.) are headed to Seattle to face the mighty 7-9 Seahawks. Seattle is 10.5 point underdogs at home, which means Vegas agrees with me, this won't be a close one.  27-13 Saints.


Jets @ Colts (-2.5): Saturday 7:00 CT: Rex Ryan is 1-5 all-time against the Colts, whether as a head coach or defensive coordinator. The Jets were the sexy Super Bowl pick it seemed this summer, but don't look like a Super Bowl team to me right now. At the same time, The Colts needed a last second field goal last week to even make the playoffs. Jim Mora didn't think it could be done.

Well they made the playoffs, coach, and I like the Colts here. 17-14.

Ravens (-3) @ Chiefs: 12:00 CT Saturday: I had no idea the Chiefs would win 10 games this year. They had one of the easiest schedules in the league (only beating one playoff team, the Seahawks) but they did what they had to do, which is more than the Chargers can say. I'm not sold on Matt Cassel or Todd Haley though. If you ask me, (which you are, because you're reading this blog) The Chiefs are 10-6 because of GM Scott Pioli and his great draft last April, two great coordinators in Charlie Weis and Romeo Crennel, and Jamal Charles, one of the best running backs in the NFL. Unfortunately for all my Chiefs friends, the Ravens are 5th in rush defense, only giving up 93 yards per game on the ground. I don't trust Cassel's arm to win a playoff game, and I certainly don't trust Haley's play calling if Charles gets stopped early.  21-10 Ravens.

Packers @ Eagles (-3): 3:30 CT Sunday: The Packers were my pre-season Super Bowl pick, but the loss of starting running back Ryan Grant in the week 1 game against the Eagles really hurt their chances. The running game has been non-existent, as Aaron Rodgers leads the team with 4 rushing touchdowns. It's going to be tough to win another game in Philly, especially with the road woes the Pack have had most of the season. But I'm a homer sometimes. 24-20 Packers.