NFL Playoff Preview

So maybe the Colts didn't make the right call after all. I was completely rebuked for my last blog entry, including by two of my brothers, some friends from a high school, and by a diehard Colts fan I went to business school with. And you can make the argument that the Colts will have played zero meaningful football for almost a month when they host their divisional playoff game.

But enough of that. I’m not here to talk about the past. Bring on the WC games!

Eagles @ Cowboys
Look, a repeat of Week 17. How exciting! The Cowboys dominated the game, and Romo is playing very well. And the running game is averaging 4.8 ypc and the offense is the second most potent in the NFL behind the Saints.

Still, I don’t trust them. On paper are the better than Philly? Well, the Cowboys won twice and have a statistically better offense and defense. But until this team wins in the playoffs, I can’t get on the train.

Pick: Eagles 24, Cowboys 17

Packers @ Cardinals
I love the Packers. Really good defense, a QB that is growing into his skin, and a running game that is starting to emerge just in time.

And everyone still thinks Arizona is an elite offensive team. Not so. The offense has not been middle-of-the-pack this year. I don’t think this one will be close.

Pick: Packers 37, Cardinals 10

Jets @ Bengals
The Jets aren’t a playoff team – they lucked into it by playing two teams that weren’t playing their starters. Sanchez will choke away his first playoff game.

Pick: Bengals 21, Jets 3

Ravens @ Patriots
The Ravens are a timebomb, and they make stupid mistakes almost every game. Joe Flacco is getting better and better, and the offense and defense are peaking at the right time. But mark my words: there will be 2-3 penalties/stupid plays by the Ravens D that sinks them.

I don’t have a lot of confidence in this Pats team, but the offense is good (though not as good without Welker) and the defense should be good enough to contain the Ravens for the second time this year.

Pick: Patriots 27, Ravens 20

Divisional Round
Saints 36, Eagles 28
Packers 24, Vikings 20
Colts 41, Bengals 17
Chargers 26, Patriots 20

NFC Championship
Packers 34, Saints 20
Chargers 28, Colts 17

Super Bowl
Chargers 27, Packers 20