Last week’s record: 3-1
Overall playoff record: 4-4
Colts over Jets
I was ready to pick the playoff-choking Chargers to beat the playoff-mediocre Colts, but the Jets took care of that. With how average and unintimidating the Colts always seem to be in the playoffs, I’m tempted to say the Jets continue their streak – but I just don’t see it. The Jets love to blitz like mad, and nobody is better at beating the blitz than Peyton Manning. Plus, even with the great defense and running game of the Jets, I just can’t imagine that having a rookie quarterback won’t catch up with them this week against a somewhat underrated Colts defense.
Vikings over Saints
I’m old school on a lot of things, often times to a fault. I am too stubborn to move off of the “a great defense will always beat a great offense” block. I’m very impressed by the Vikings’ defense, especially their pass rush. I know Drew Brees has a quick release and the Saints offense is often times designed to get receivers open quickly, but as much as I don’t care about his “plight,” I don’t see Brett Favre coming this far without cashing it in. Plus, Adrian Peterson has kind of been held in check lately. How can he not bust out? Also, admittedly – I’m not the biggest Saints fan in the world. They’re pretty much right there behind the Titans and the Cowboys for me.
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Jan 24, 2010 at 10:29:33
I was very surprised at the Colts’ containment of the Ravens rushing game last weekend, forcing Baltimore to throw twice as many times as they ran the ball. If they can do that to the Jets, no way they lose. The Chargers held the Jets in check for much of the game, but to Rex Ryan’s credit he did not force the game. He allowed his D to keep him in the game. A total implosion by Kaeding definitely contributed, but I like the way Ryan stayed with his strengths; running the ball and playing defense. He will do this again today and I see the Jets winning another tough battle. Also every fiber of my being wants to see the Colts lose. Karma payback is a bitch.
Even though the Saints are a slight favorite, I can’t help but look at them as an underdog. They have never been to the big dance and this is their year. Their O line has to give Brees just a little bit of time. He is right up there with Manning in his ability to make the right reads AND the right throws. He is great at utilizing his entire receiving corps. The crowd noise will make it difficult on the Vikes. Saints win and Farve cries in the postgame interviews and then boxing-retires again. I am tired of his whiny crap. Stay retired this time.
Jan 26, 2010 at 12:06:20
Now that we know that it’s Colts v. Saints, I have to admit that I have a really hard time imagining that the Saints win this one. To me, this just feels like when the WWF would headline Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. some random bad guy. It’ll get hyped, and it will be a fight to the finish, but…how can I, having seen Peyton Manning will his team to victory on his own shoulders over and over again, believe that he will fail this time?
That said, if the line stays Colts -6, take the points. Brees will keep it close, and, in all honesty, it will probably come down to some fourth quarter heroics by Manning (again)