Playoff Preview

UPDATE 1-16 Divisional Playoffs

2-2 Last week, which isn’t very exciting.  Winning 3 out of 4 this week will give us some more credibility.

Arizona +7.5 vs. New Orleans

Despite the atrocity that has been Arizona’s defense lately, the defense ended up winning it for them last week.  New Orleans barely beat some truly awful teams, and then lost their last 3 games to some teams that weren’t so good.  In keeping with the theme that this year’s Cardinal team is better than last year’s because of their improved running game, look for Arizona to keep it within a touchdown if not outright win.

Baltimore vs. Indianapolis -6

After Indianapolis lost their final 2 games of the regular season, and with the way Baltimore handed Tom Brady and the rest of the Patriots their own ass in the first round of the playoffs, one could argue that the Ravens will definitely surprise the Colts.  The Ravens defense is playing great, and so is their running game.  As we said last week to expect Ray Rice and Willis McGahee to have big games on the ground, you should expect the same from them again this week against he Colts porous run defense.  And still, I can’t help but bet on Peyton Manning.  The colts are 10-4-1 ATS in thier last 15 games overall, so roll with TV’s new favorite pitch man of the post Tiger era.

Dallas   vs. Minnesota -3

Its tough to root for one of the 5 biggest egos in the history of sports, and maybe I won’t root for Brett Farve.  In fact, I’m sure I won’t…but I think they’ll win.  Minnesota has a better running game, better offensive line, and better defense.  Dallas is the “it” team for a lot of people right now, finally trying to validate Wade Phillips and Tony Romo’s credibility.  Consider Dallas’s victory last week a fluke, and don’t be surprised if Minnesota blows them out.

New York Jets +7 vs. San Diego

Something about the Chargers and the playoffs just don’t go well together.  San Diego is the league’s hottest team with 11 staright wins, and Philip Rivers may be one of the league’s top 5 quarterbacks.  But the Jets have the best corner in the league in Rivas, and their pass defense is outstanding.  Ladanian Tomlison is not what he once was, but everyone should hold off on annointing Mark “Dirty” Sanchez the next Joe Namath.  Considering San Diego cannot run the ball, don’t be suprised if the Jets and the NFL’s biggest belly, Rex Ryan, keep it close enough to cover, if not win outright.

1-9-10 Wild Card Weekend

Its finally that time of year.  The time where some depression starts to set in.  The beginning of the end.  Its sort of like when you are at the greatest party of your life, and its clear that its winding down.  All the cool people are leaving, the booze is almost gone, and that hot girl you wanted to take into the master bath and ritualistically plow  just went off with one of the douche bags in True Religion jeans and an Affliction T-Shirt to get porked, because you were being the nice guy and giving some of your time to the nerd that was in your acting class.  Yes…the playoffs are here, which signifies the end is near.  However, like an orgasm, lets hope we go out with a bang.

What’s intriguing about this year’s matchups is that we have 3 re-matches from the previous week.  All of those were blow outs.  Looks for a reversal of fortune for all 3 teams here.

New York Jets at Cincinnati -3

At home this time, the Bengals just weren’t there last week, and the Jets played their asses off just to get into this game.  Look for Dirty Sanchez to look like the rookie quarterback he has most of the year, and make quite a few mistakes.  Cincinnati is 7-2 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. A 3 point spread should be more than enough for the Bengals.

Philadelphia +5.5 @ Dallas

I’m not buying into Dallas, especially if its the same crew of Wade Phillips and Tony Romo.  Trusting them to win in January is like trusting Bill Clinton in a whore house.  Dallas is 5-11 ATS in their last 16 games vs. the NFC East, and they are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games in January. Don’t be fooled by last week’s debacle.  I love Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb, and with those stats take Phili and the points all day long.

Baltimore +3.5 vs. New England

Betting against Tom Brady and Bill Belly-chuk in January may be a stupid move, but after losing Wes Welker, I’m not so sure they cover the 3.5 points.  Look for Baltimore to have a big game on the ground and control the bal, and keep Brady and Moss off the field. New England’s defense just can’t stack up to Baltimore’s running game.  Look for Ray Rice and Willis NcGaheee to be huge like John Holmes.

Green Bay at Arizona + 2

Arizona got trounced last week by Green Bay 33-7.  But Arizona didn’t use most of their starers for more than a few minutes, while Green Bay threw eveything they had at them.  Arizona could sit back and gameplan for the following week all game last Sunday. Arizona’s situation is very similar to last year when they almost won the Super  Bowl, with a couple changes for the better.  They had one more victory in the regular season, and their runing game is much better.  Anquan Boldin is out, but he was out most of last year’s playoffs too.  Combine all this with being a home dog, and look for Arizona to bounce back.  Take them and the points.

New York Jets vs. Cincinnati Bengals