I was 75% on the plus side last weekend. Let’s see if I can match that or do even better this round.
Last weekend’s games were good, but I think the matchups this week will be even better.
And there’s a note to file away for reference. The Super Bowl referee will work this weekend. If there’s controversy in Atlanta, remember that.
Saturday’s Games
Courtesy: SanDiegoTribune.com
Indianapolis 30, Kansas City 20: The postseason can bring out contradictions in teams. Take Baltimore, for example. The Ravens are a good home team, but they’re only 3-3 in home playoff games. Kansas City is similar. Even though Arrowhead Stadium is one of the league’s loudest, the Chiefs have the second-worst overall postseason record among the current lineup of 32 NFL teams. Only the Bengals are worse i in the postseason. To make matters worse, the Chiefs are 0-4 in postseason play against Indianapolis.
And, this time around, they’re playing a Colts team that’s HOT! Andrew Luck is the odds-on choice to get the Comeback Player of the Year award–and, if he keeps on winning, he could be in line for MVP, too.
When you add in the Colts’ reconfigured offensive line and good receiving corps, going with Indy doesn’t seem like an upset to me.
Suh at your service (photo, Sporting News)
Los Angeles Rams 26, Dallas 17: The Cowboys are perfectly capable of winning this game. Dallas has an underrated defense and an offense that’s coming together at just the right time.
The problem is that they’re playing a home-standing Rams’ team that has playmakers at all levels. Ezekiel Elliott will get his yards, and Amari Cooper will catch a fair number of balls, but I think the difference-maker will be sacks and pressures from drive-killers Aaron Donald, Ndamukong Suh, and company.
Still, though, if Dallas scores 20 or more points, I think they are a virtual lock to win. I don’t see that happening. The Rams should establish early momentum and then wear down this Jones’ team.
Remember, too, that I have a stake in this pick. In August, I picked LAR as the NFC’s Super Bowl rep.
Sunday’s Games
It’s 2002, and Drew Brees was a Charger (photo, Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
New England 27, Los Angeles Chargers 20: It’s winter in Foxborough, and the Patriots are in the playoffs. What else is new?
The Chargers, on the other hand, are in the final eight–something that hasn’t in six years. LAC is 12-4 and nearly won the AFC West this year.
Yes, it’s a game of contrasts, including the head coaches. There’s a quiet and young coach, Anthony Lynn, against a fiery and intense old hand, Bill Belichick. And Belichick can adjust in-game with flexibility and aplomb.
Yes, the Chargers are talented on both sides of the ball, and they have been known to buck the trend of West Coast teams flopping on the East Coast. But Philip Rivers is winless at New England, and his team hasn’t won there since Drew Brees was playing for Chargers.
I think time’s up for LAC.
New Orleans 23, Philadelphia 22: Talking about Brees…. He had a field day the last time these two teams met. The Eagles were humbled, humiliated, and harassed in a 42-7 defeat. That contest had a lot of pre-game hype, but it’s nothing compared to the lead-up to Sunday’s matchup.
I was one of the few pundits who picked the Eagles to win at Chicago. I did it because Nick Foles has the “it” factor. Yes, he’s at it again this year, and it’s a lot of fun to watch him perform, but the Saints have Drew Brees–one of the best QBs of his era. He’s on a quest to get a second Super Bowl ring. Besides, the Saints have a well-rounded team that’s playing at home.
I think the Saints will gut out a close win.
