NFL Divisional Round
January 12th, 2008
OK, so… I won’t have picks? Why? Because the records are as follows: for me, 134-135-8; for Al, 141-126-10. (Don’t ask why Al has two more ties.) For me to win, I have to go 7-0, and there are a whole seven games left. So, my picks are very simple: whatever pick Al makes, I’m going the other way. Of course, Al went 3-1 to my lovely 0-4 last week. I am on what you might call a horrible run. While I went 8-8 in Week 16 and 9-6-1 in Week 17, I have gone a combined 8-24 in bowls. Yowza. Combined with my 1-3 in the wild card round, I just handed the season to Al on a silver platter. (Note that this is with Al going 0-6 on the December 31st bowls.) I also managed to blow being 20 games over .500. The bowls were just brutal for me. At least Michigan managed to pull off the upset over Florida.
So, uhh, here are the spreads. My picks are whatever Al doesn’t pick, but I’ll still comment.
Saturday
Seahawks @ Green Bay(-7.5)
The Seahawks have looked really good over the last month when they’re at home. On the road, though, they’ve not been impressive. Are the Packers enough better at home?
Jaguars @ New England(-13)
Yes, Jacksonville won last week, but I wasn’t all that impressed. Garrard looked very average, and how do you let the Parker-less Steelers just walk up and down the field with the ball? Assuming that Genius Bill spent half the week off preparing for each team, that’s a week and a half prep for the Jags, in New England. When has that not worked out for the Pats?
Sunday
Chargers @ Indianapolis(-9)
And speaking of underwhelming wins, I offer you the San Diego Chargers. Still, for some odd reason, they always seem to make it close with the Colts.
Giants @ Dallas(-7.5)
Talk about teams that have been heading in opposite directions! The G-men have looked really good in the last month, and the Cowboys have looked like ass. There’s no home field advantage here since the Giants are actually a much better road team (8-1, I believe). Of course, in their previous two games, the Cowboys have lit the Giants defense up like that tree I just recycled. If the Cowboys forget the two key words in their offense again (those would be “Marion Barber”), it could be interesting…
Of course, given how I’ve been picking lately, I obviously know nothing. Ugh.
Wow. I only need to get one game right? Neat!
Saturday
Seahawks @ Green Bay(-7.5)
Seattle’s defense is so strong. I fully expect Julian Peterson and Patrick Kearney to force at least one INT. On the other side, Hasslebeck’s receivers are all healthy now. GB’s D has been strong, but they’re not worldbeaters. I think the Seahawks have a nice draw here and a I like getting the touchdown.
Jaguars @ New England(-13)
There’s no way I’m picking against the Pats here. Although, it is interesting that they haven’t covered many games in the second half of the season. I really think the Colts can take them.
Sunday
Chargers @ Indianapolis(-9)
The Chargers are too mistake prone to win out in the playoffs. I think I’ll go ahead and give the points.
Giants @ Dallas(-7.5)
Can the Giants really put together three solid games in a row? They are playing at a high level and Mannning didn’t screw up last week. Dallas will win but the Giants will keep it close.
Comment by alex — 2008.01.12 @ 08:50
Whoa. My sphincter was tightening, for sure, but the Giants pulled through for me. I really thought Dallas would win it in the end!
I hope the Chargers beat the Pats. I really don’t want a New England Jersey…
Comment by alex — 2008.01.13 @ 19:54
If it comes to a Pats jersey, I’ll give you the option of a gray Pats hoodie instead.
Comment by SunByrne — 2008.01.13 @ 23:03