Saturday, January 15, 2005

Divisional Playoffs

Last week I was 3-1 against the spread. Let's see if I can do as well this week. Conventional wisdom in the second round is to go with the home teams. They're all rested from having a bye the previous week. They're playing at home in front of their home crowds. And they're usually the better team. Also interesting to me is that every game of the playoffs so far has been a rematch from earlier this season. In theory, this could continue throughout the whole tournament. Last week the previous game winners were 2-2 after going 6-0 during the season.
Jets at Steelers (Steelers 8 1/2)
I like the Steelers to win and win easily in this game. The Jets play with heart and that might make this close, but a two touchdown win by Pittsburgh is much more likely.
The Jets were the team that I picked against last week and was wrong about. It looked like San Diego played tight. Of course this game couldn't have been tighter, going to overtime and featuring a missed field goal by the Chargers in overtime. BTW, 40 yard field goals aren't automatic. I would have tried moving a bit closer before settling for it.
Rams at Falcons (Falcons 7)
Michael Vick is the most dangerous quarterback in the NFL. To both teams. Watching Atlanta makes me wonder what would have happened if Detroit had converted Barry Sanders to QB. Vick has the same type of moves and about the same kind of throwing ability. If the Rams can keep him from running, the Atlanta offense will be minimal. My feel on the other side of the ball is that Atlanta's D will cause the Rams some problems. Expect a defensive touchdown. But the conventional wisdom has some points here. I look for the Dirty Birds to win but not cover.
Vikings at Eagles (Eagles 8.5)
Last week at Lambaugh was the Vikings Superbowl. Beating the hated Pack is always something special and that probably pushed them to a higher level. The defense played well with the four INT's but I doubt Mcnabb will help them out as much as Farve did last week. Throw in Moss's ankle and a letdown on the Vikes wouldn't be surprising.
But the Eagles are a big question mark. TO is out and he was a huge part of their identity. The defense has many returning players, but how healthy they are is going to be questionable. The Eagles also have a history of losing the big game in the playoffs.
This will come down to confidence on both parts. If either team can build a two score lead, this game is over. But if it's still close at half it'll be tight the whole game. My guess is that the Eagles win, but don't cover.
Colts at Patriots (Pats 2)
The defending champs playing at home on a muddy field only getting two points. Against a dome team that has lit it up on turf. I'll take history and field conditions and go with the Patriots.
I love that the Patriots muddied up their field this week. They left it uncovered during some weather earlier in the week. I wouldn't be surprised to hear that they leave the sprinklers going all night before the game. This is one of the advantages of home field. The length of the grass and how they treat the field between games. Play if for what it's worth.

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