(no subject)
After my success last week, I thought I'd do another "NFL Playoff Special" this week, of only to see how accurate I am.
AFC: Indianapolis Colts against New England Patriots
Last week, I picked both these teams to make it to this round, and picked the Colts to win this matchup. However, last week's games showed that both teams have considerable weaknesses.
The Patriots showed last week that they still have the determination that's won them several Super Bowls over the past few years in their victory over the Chargers. The Patriots were outplayed most of the game, but they managed to hang in it long enough to give themselves a shot to win at the end. People are making a big deal out of Shottenheimer's early 4th and 11 decision to go for it, but I don't think that was the mistake many are making it out to me. The most questionable decision came later in the game, right before New England's final drive, when the Chargers started a drive with LT going for five yards, and then went to passing instead of just relying on their MVP. However, if Brady plays as badly as he did last week against the Colts, things could get ugly.
The one things that worked for Baltimore against the Colts defense was their short passing attack. Brady has been winning with the short pass all season, and he could do it again against a cover-2 that focuses on stopping the deep ball. Additionally, Maroney is the sort of elusive back who could have a breakout game against the Colts. On the other side of the ball, I think Manning will have a stronger showing than he's made these past two weeks. The Patriots' line will get pressure, but I think that Manning can do a much better job than he did against a really strong Ravens defense. However, I don't think the Colts will win if they can't convert their opportunities to touchdowns. I think the Patriots will win if Belichick can come up with a way to keep Manning out of the endzone, limiting the Colts to 19 points or less. On the other hand, I don't think the Patriots' offense can keep pace with the Colts'.
Prediction: Manning has a strong game, Colts 27 - Patriots 21
NFC: Chicago Bears vs. New Orleans Saints
The Seahawks played their best game of the season to almost knock of the Bears, but I think that game showed that Grossman is most reliable than people give him credit for. He will show up to this game, and put forth a strong effort. If the Saints are playing man-to-man D, he could even have a really good game exploiting mismatches with Berrian and Muhammed. However, he's no Drew Brees, and if the Bears can't slow him down they'll have no chance to catch up.
However, I think the Bears will slow down Brees. Admittedly, they've lost their two best weapons against the deep pass--Harris and Brown--but they still have one of the best defenses in the league and excel at bringing pressure. In addition, I think Hester will play a major role in this game--even if he doesn't break one loose, he'll give the bears better field position every time.
Prediction: The best player on the field will be Urlacher, who will carry the Bears to a 24-17 victory.
AFC: Indianapolis Colts against New England Patriots
Last week, I picked both these teams to make it to this round, and picked the Colts to win this matchup. However, last week's games showed that both teams have considerable weaknesses.
The Patriots showed last week that they still have the determination that's won them several Super Bowls over the past few years in their victory over the Chargers. The Patriots were outplayed most of the game, but they managed to hang in it long enough to give themselves a shot to win at the end. People are making a big deal out of Shottenheimer's early 4th and 11 decision to go for it, but I don't think that was the mistake many are making it out to me. The most questionable decision came later in the game, right before New England's final drive, when the Chargers started a drive with LT going for five yards, and then went to passing instead of just relying on their MVP. However, if Brady plays as badly as he did last week against the Colts, things could get ugly.
The one things that worked for Baltimore against the Colts defense was their short passing attack. Brady has been winning with the short pass all season, and he could do it again against a cover-2 that focuses on stopping the deep ball. Additionally, Maroney is the sort of elusive back who could have a breakout game against the Colts. On the other side of the ball, I think Manning will have a stronger showing than he's made these past two weeks. The Patriots' line will get pressure, but I think that Manning can do a much better job than he did against a really strong Ravens defense. However, I don't think the Colts will win if they can't convert their opportunities to touchdowns. I think the Patriots will win if Belichick can come up with a way to keep Manning out of the endzone, limiting the Colts to 19 points or less. On the other hand, I don't think the Patriots' offense can keep pace with the Colts'.
Prediction: Manning has a strong game, Colts 27 - Patriots 21
NFC: Chicago Bears vs. New Orleans Saints
The Seahawks played their best game of the season to almost knock of the Bears, but I think that game showed that Grossman is most reliable than people give him credit for. He will show up to this game, and put forth a strong effort. If the Saints are playing man-to-man D, he could even have a really good game exploiting mismatches with Berrian and Muhammed. However, he's no Drew Brees, and if the Bears can't slow him down they'll have no chance to catch up.
However, I think the Bears will slow down Brees. Admittedly, they've lost their two best weapons against the deep pass--Harris and Brown--but they still have one of the best defenses in the league and excel at bringing pressure. In addition, I think Hester will play a major role in this game--even if he doesn't break one loose, he'll give the bears better field position every time.
Prediction: The best player on the field will be Urlacher, who will carry the Bears to a 24-17 victory.