Friday, January 10, 2014

Divisional playoff preview

Now, it's down to 8 in the NFL playoffs. It's going to get ugly real quick.

Saturday's card:

New Orleans @ Seattle: These two last played each other on Monday Night Football a few weeks back, and Seattle won in a walk. Expect more of the same, as the novelty of the Saints winning on the road wears off. Pick: Seattle.

Indianapolis @ New England: Crybaby Tom Brady and the Patriots schooled the Colts in 2012, running up the score in a blowout win, which, if memory serves, is when overrated tight end Rob Gronkowski was first injured, which would prove costly for the Patriots. For Andrew Luck and the Colts, it's payback time. Madison Avenue will have an influence on this game. Either you go with the tried and true (Brady), or go with the hot money matchup of the moment in the title game (Indy vs. Denver). CBS' Dan Dierdorf hangs up his microphone after this one, and there won't be any drama if the Pats run up the score again. Common sense prevails here, as does justice. Pick: Indianapolis.

Sunday:

San Francisco @ Carolina: Cam Newton's 1st post-season start will be a learning experience, just like it was for Luck last year. In other words, with the Panthers' good luck charm, hometown legend Ric Flair, having turned his back on them, the defense won't be enough to win this one at home. 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh wants to get back to the Super Bowl, and he's one step closer. Pick: San Francisco.

San Diego @ Denver: The Chargers kickstarted their late push with a win over the Broncos, and, as we've seen of late, Peyton Manning and the Pizza Salesmen are vulnerable. However, as noted above, the money game is Manning vs. Luck in the title game. People whined that Colts-Broncos could've been this week if San Diego lost last week. Well, what's wrong with waiting another week? Pick: Denver.

Of course, I could be wrong.

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