NFC/AFC Title Game Predictions

Last Week: (2-2) (2-2 vs. spread)
Playoffs: (4-4) (3-5 vs. spread)

San Diego at New England (-14)
While I don't like Philip Rivers, it is a big loss for the Chargers that Billy Volek appears to be starting at quarterback for San Diego. And while LaDainian Tomlinson appears healthy, it also hurts the Chargers that Antonio Gates is listed as doubtful because of his toe injury. Oh yeah, it's also going to be freezing. Oh, and I forgot, they're playing the Patriots, a team that's 17-0. Do you really think this is where the run ends? I don't.
New England 41, San Diego 17

NY Giants at Green Bay (-7.5)
Every now and then, a team comes along that defies what we know about football. It gets hot at the right time, and no matter who that team is playing - yes, even if Brett Favre is the quarterback of that other team - it just doesn't matter. The team has something unexplainable on its side, like that girl you can't figure out why you like. This year, that team happens to be my favorite team, the New York Giants. Eli Manning has something in his eyes that I've never seen before from him, at least not in the pros. I really don't think that anything is right about this whole Green Bay thing for the Giants. It's going to be freezing, night time, the entire world wants Tom Brady vs. Favre, and you know what? It's not going to happen. Last year, everybody wanted a Saints/Colts Super Bowl, but only the Colts were able to advance. This year, everyone wants a Packers/Patriots Super Bowl. I'm sorry America, but the Giants aren't losing. At least not yet. Don't ask me why. Maybe I just think they'll get pressure on Favre, force three interceptions, and put the game away late with a defensive touchdown. I'm not saying there's any sense to this, I'm just saying, watch and learn.
NY Giants 35, Green Bay 21

One Quick Sentence On AFC/NFC Semis

Record Last Week: 2-2 (1-3 vs. Spread)

Seattle at Green Bay (-7.5)

The Seahawks, to me, are the weakest of the eight teams remaining, and even though Green Bay might come out slightly rusty, they should win and cover the spread. GB 23, Sea 10

Jacksonville at New England (-13.5)

I’m sorry, but the team that goes 16-0 doesn’t lose at home to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second round of the playoffs, even if Christ is quarterbacking the Jags. NE 38, Jac 21

San Diego at Indianapolis (-9.5)

Philip Rivers is in over his head by so much in this game, that people are going to think his middle name is interception after the loss. Ind 30, SD 10

NY Giants at Dallas (-7.5)

I think that the Giants are going to cover the spread, and they might win, and I’m going to root like hell for them of course, but Tony Romo kills the Giants and until I see them turn that around, I can’t pick against him. Dal 33, NYG 27

Wild Card Playoff Predictions

I did pretty well picking the playoffs last year, even saying at the beginning that the Colts would probably go all the way. This year, I think that I’d be dumb not to say that the Patriots are going all the way. But, but, but! I do believe there’s a CHANCE the Colts could beat them again in the AFC Championship game. Just a chance. But anyway, here we go:

Saturday

Washington at Seattle (-3.5)

Okay, so the Redskins have inexplicably made this late-season playoff run with their best player dead, their quarterback being the guy who replaced ELVIS GRBAC at MICHIGAN, and now we’re asking whether the momentum they’ve gained the past few weeks will matter in the playoffs. I have seen very little of Seattle this year, but one thing I’ve seen is that they can’t run the ball like they used to. With that going against them, and the fact that I see Clinton Portis as one of only six or seven current NFL running backs who actually aren’t interchangeable, “if my line is good than I’m good” type guys, I’m going to go with Clinton for 130 yards and the Redskins for a second-round date with the Cowboys. Washington 20, Seattle 17

Jacksonville at Pittsburgh (-2.5)

Ooh, it’s getting so sexy to pick the Jaguars. The Jaguars won in Pittsburgh a few weeks back, they can threaten the Patriots, they can do this, they can do that. Pittsburgh may have peaked earlier this year, but they’re not going to lose twice to the Jags, right? Roethlisberger won a Super Bowl for a reason, folks, and he’s going to pull this one out. Pittsburgh 27, Jacksonville 17

NY Giants at Tampa Bay (-3)

The questions: Did the Giants really gain momentum by almost beating the Patriots last week? Is it just a coincidence that Jeff Garcia has beaten the Giants in the playoffs with two different teams? Is Eli Manning going to take the next logical playoff step (play awful and lose two years ago, play pretty well at the end and lose a close one last year, and win one this year)? Is there really a bay in Tampa? Can I really be objective about any game involving the Giants? The answers: Yes, yes, yes, no and no. NY Giants 31, Tampa Bay 17

Tennessee at San Diego (-10)

God I think Phil Rivers is awful. Just awful. I so so so so hope that the Titans smash him in the mouth and pull off the upset. But, they probably won’t. They’ll keep it close, will the Titans, but too much LDT at the end. San Diego 23, Tennessee 17