Divisional Round Picks
Yeah, OK, I stunk up the joint in the wild card round. But let’s be honest, so did you. So did everyone. Plus, I’m always warning you that the only thing you can count on me to be is wrong. So, you know, here’s more of that.
Arizona (+7) at New Orleans
If the Cardinals could put up 51 on the Packers, a team that had an actual defense, what do you think they can do to a one-dimension squad like the Saints? I’m thinking whichever team has the ball last wins. And since they’re at home, I’m gonna figure that’s the Saints. New Orleans, 62-56.
Baltimore (+6.5) at Indianapolis
No I don’t believe that Ravens can do to the Colts this weekend what they did to the Patriots in the wild card round. Because, let’s face it, New England not only limped into the playoffs but played uncharacteristically poorly. So, sure, the Ravens could end up facing a team having a shockingly bad outing two weeks running (particularly given that the Colts have to be rusty, having taken the last two weeks of the regular season off), but it’s hard to imagine any team having that kind of luck in the post-season. That said, I don’t find the idea of the Ravens pulling off an upset here entirely inconceivable. As noted, it’s been a while since the Colts were involved in a game that meant anything, while the Ravens come into this one fully fired up and working with a good bit of momentum. And, you know, it’s not exactly as if the Colts ate the Ravens back in week 11. In fact, were it not for one very bad decision by Joe Flacco. the Ravens would have taken at least a one-point lead into the final seconds of that game. If the Ravens can take Flacco (and his hip injury, which is clearly worse than anyone in Baltimore is letting on) out of that equation, and keep Peyton Manning of the field at the same time, but focusing on their powerful running attack, they’ll have a chance to win this game. I don’t think it’ll be enough, ultimately. The Colts offense just doesn’t need that much time to score points. And if the Ravens get behind and have to rely on the pass, they’re cooked. I expect to see the Colts pull off a win late. I’ll take Indy straight up, but I’ll look for Baltimore to keep the margin to somewhere between two and four points yet again.
Dallas (+3) at Minnesota
We all know Dallas is winning this game, right? I mean, as insufferable as we may find Cowboys fans (and, trust me, you haven’t seen them at their most annoying in some several years, but I think you’re about to). Or as much as some folks might like to see Old Man Favre get one more shot at a championship before he spends the next six months contemplating riding off into the sunset only to decide he’s got another season left in him after all. It’s just happening that way. This game is gonna be lost by a quarterback. And my money says it’s the one who’s most convinced it’s up to him to win it. I don’t think Tony Romo‘s that guy anymore. Or at least I don’t think he’s that guy this weekend. Next weekend? Well, we’ll just have to wait and see. Dallas by 11 (the four they’re ahead with a minute to play plus the seven that come from the pick-six Brett throws out of desperation on third and six from the Minnesota 46 with 30 second remaining).
NY Jets (+7) at San Diego
Have you heard? The Jets are going to the Super Bowl? That’s right. They beat the Bengals, a team that peaked way too early, two weeks in a row. So that’s how you know they’re the best team in the AFC. Except for the other three that are still in the playoffs. Unfortunately for New Jersey. The Chargers, who are actually going to the Super Bowl, win this one by 10, anyhow, probably more.
