It's about time for the second round of the NFL Playoffs. Last weekend was not a good predicting week. I went 1-3 with the lone win coming from an overtime win with San Diego. I will say in defense, I was really considering Arizona but didn't. If I had, I would've went 2-2, but nevertheless I didn't. However, this week I've got a good feeling. So let's get to the picks:
Game 1 on Saturday features my team, the Tennessee Titans squaring off against the Baltimore Ravens. This game has gotten a lot of attention, mainly about the past. It was eight years ago that these two teams squared off in a similar fashion. It was the divisional round, the Titans had the #1 seed and the Ravens won the game and went on to the Super Bowl. For some strange reason, the national media seems to think that game happened last year or even last week. I hate to break it to them but it didn't. It wasn't even the last playoff matchup these two teams had. That took place in 2003 with the Titans beating the Ravens. The two squared off earlier this season with the Titans getting the victory despite not playing their best football. The Ravens have a top tier defense and a solid running game. However, I'm not sold on Joe Flacco as a playoff quarterback. The Titans may be without Kevin Mawae, their starting center but his replacement is capable of getting the job done. The Titans defense along with solid play from the running game this time around. The national media likes history, here's a historical stat I found interesting. All time, #6 seeds are 1-10 against #1 seeds in the playoffs (the one win was the Steelers in 2005). Chalk up sweet redemption for the Titans.
Titans over Ravens 24-10
Game 2 sees the Arizona Cardinals vs. the Carolina Panthers. The Cardinals came off an impressive win over the Falcons in their Wild Card game. The defense got key turnovers and the running game with took off. The offense is high powered though there is a question mark about the health of WR Anquan Boldin, who is a game time decision. The Cards had a hard time this season traveling east to play teams. That could play a role. The Panthers had the week off to rest and get ready. They have a QB who's played in a Super Bowl (Jake Delhomme) as well. The also have a 1-2 punch at RB with DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. Their defense is solid and their coach (John Fox) is a quality coach. This will be a good matchup. And though I'd like to see the Cards in the NFC Championship game, I just can't pick them. Close game but edge goes to the Panthers.
Panthers over Cardinals 27-24
Game 1 on Sunday features the reigning Super Bowl champion New York Giants against division rival Philadelphia Eagles. This has the makings of a typical NFC East barnburner. The Giants come in off the bye rested and ready. They have a great running attack with Jacobs, Ward and Bradshaw (aka Earth, Wind and Fire) and solid QB play from Eli Manning. They also have a solid defense. But they are prone to lapses where they don't play up to their hype. The Eagles come soaring in after a big win last week in Minnesota. They of course still have Donovan McNabb and that defense. The question is always there about their running game. Since these teams know each other so well, it's very much a toss up. I think for me the deciding factor is momentum. The Eagles have it I think and the Giants really don't. Fly Eagles Fly, they get the win.
Eagles over Giants 17-10
The final divisional round game will be the San Diego Chargers vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers. This to me is the hardest game for me to pick. I really don't know. The Chargers come in having been in playoff mode for over a month now. They won a tough game against the Colts in overtime. The health of L.T. is of big concern for the Chargers. Probably all indications are that he won't play which means Darren Sproles will more than likely get the start. This may factor into the special teams as that would mean less Sproles on returns. The Steelers have their defense which is one of the top defenses. The game is in Pittsburgh which would favor the cold weathered Steelers over the warm weather Chargers. However, the running game that the Steelers are used to isn't what it used to be. Out of all the playoff teams left, they are the worst at running the ball. Also of concern is QB Ben Roethlesberger who's coming off of a concussion. He should play but that could be something to look at. These two teams squared off earlier in the season with the Steelers winning 11-10. I think it'll be close but I think that the Chargers will win because like the Giants, I'm not sold on these Steelers.
Chargers over Steelers 14-13
Good luck to everyone and Go Titans!
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