Super picks
We've got NFL playoff fever and figured it's a good time to offer some predictions with the road to Jacksonville as wide open as it is. Here are our picks:
ANDY KNIGHT, CINCINNATI.COM
Divisional: N.Y. Jets at Pittsburgh
Let's see...the Jets have never won in Pittsburgh (0-6); the Steelers will be well-rested, nearly injury-free and anxious to turn loose that ferocious defense. As long as they don't fall behind early, the Steelers should coast in this one.
Steelers 30, Jets 10
Divisional: Indianapolis at New England
The Colts come in on a serious offensive roll, and the Patriots' secondary will be without Ty Law (three INTs in last year's AFC title game between these teams); New England may also be missing their defensive line anchor, Richard Seymour. Still, on nothing more than a wild hunch, I'm going with the Pats in a barn-burner.
Patriots 38, Colts 35
AFC Championship: New England at Pittsburgh
Two teams with a combined three regular-season losses should make this one of the better conference title games in recent memory. Lost amid the hoopla surrounding Ben Roethlisberger is the fact that Pittsburgh boasts the NFL's top-ranked defense. They'll key on Corey Dillon and dare Tom Brady and his group of no-name receivers to beat them. Perhaps surprisingly, Brady won't be able to.
Steelers 16, Patriots 7
Divisional: Minnesota at Philadelphia
Sure, the Vikings are playing well, especially on defense; and sure, the Eagles are without Terrell Owens. But Philadelphia has made the NFC title game before without any help for Donovan McNabb. Why should this year be any different?
Eagles 23, Vikings 20
Divisional: St. Louis at Atlanta
The Rams have won three times on the road all season, and against the Falcons' superior defensive line, St. Louis will have trouble getting its spotty running game on track. Still, with Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt, Marc Bulger has the weapons to get Michael Vick & Co. into a shootout, which would be advantageous to the Rams.
Rams 33, Falcons 28
NFC Championship: St. Louis at Philadelphia
The moment of truth for the Eagles, who have lost three straight NFC title games. This game will turn on who makes the biggest mistakes and when. The Rams are in the playoffs despite a minus-24 turnover ratio, and Bulger's occasional tendency to throw the costly interception will surface again here. Philly finally gets over the hump and sets up a Keystone State Super Bowl.
Eagles 24, Rams 21
Super Bowl XXXIX: Philadelphia vs. Pittsburgh
The Eagles may or may not have Terrell Owens back, but my hunch is, if he does play, Pittsburgh will double-team him throughout the game and force McNabb to look elsewhere. On offense, the Steelers (a la the Ravens of a few years ago) will do just enough to win by not allowing Roethlisberger to shoulder too much of the load. Look for Jerome Bettis and Duce Staley to make the biggest difference makers in Pittsburgh's first Super Bowl win since 1980.
Steelers 27, Eagles 16
JON BERNDT, CIN WEEKLY
(who finished second in his friend's fantasy league, but way back in the CiN office league)
Rams vs Falcons: I traded for Peerless Price thinking eventually Michael Vick would find a wide receiver. Boy was I wrong. Marc Bulger has no such difficulty. (Pssst. Andy. Mike Martz couldn't care less about a running game). Rams, 31-17.
Vikings vs Eagles: In the CiN league, Daunte wasn't enough for me... Eagles, 28-24.
Jets vs Steelers: ... but it could have been Hines Ward's fault. And, desperate for running backs, I picked up Curtis Martin late during my "other" league's auction. All he did was lead the NFL in rushing. Jets, 14-10 (on Martin's two TD runs :).
Colts vs Patriots: I think Peyton Manning just threw another touchdown pass. Yeah, he was my team's MVP too. Colts, 35-28.
AFC Championship: Back home in the Dome, Peyton's turf show continues. Colts 42, Jets 21.
NFC championship: Not in a dome. It would be helpful if the Rams could play outdoors. Eagles 23, Rams 21.
Super Bowl XXXIX: Indy's aerial show was (almost) grounded in Jacksonville, but they don't have to play the Jags this time. Colts 35, Eagles 34.
DAVE HELLER, CINCINNATI.COM
Divisional: Indianapolis over New England: Bill Belichick has found ways to stop Peyton Manning, but with Ty Law and Richard Seymour hurt (and snow not in the forecast), I'll give the nod to Manning and crew.
Divisional: Pittsburgh over the N.Y. Jets: I just don't trust the Jets while the Steelers have just kept rolling all season.
AFC Championship: Pittsburgh over Indianapolis: In the playoffs, go with the better defense and that would be the Steelers. Plus, reeling off three consecutive wins in the playoffs and two on the road is a tough task for any club.
NFC
As a lifelong Eagles fan, I will leave these predictions to other folks, other than to say I know who I'll be rooting for.
WILL KLADAKIS, CIN WEEKLY FANTASY GURU
Divisional: New York Jets at Pittsburgh
New York is one of those teams that I can't quite figure out. Usually when that happens, a team makes a deep run in the playoffs. Look for Pittsburgh alum Curtis Martin to quietly have a huge game and suck the air out of the Heinz Field faithful. Also keep in mind the Steelers have had some nightmare playoff games at home (San Diego '94, Denver '97, New England '01). The weight of Super Bowl expectations and the Steelers' delusional fans will produce a huge upset in the Steel City.
Jets 23, Steelers 21
Divisional: Indianapolis at New England
New England has a banged up secondary, and lacks the swagger of last year, but they will have just enough to send the Colts home for the second straight season. If someone would ask me who would I want in a big game, Peyton Manning or Tom Brady, I'd have to go with Brady. Peyton never won the big game in college, and he hasn't yet in his pro career. What can I say, the Colts should win this game, but the Pats just have their number (especially with 20 degree weather forecasted in Foxboro). I might regret this, but I just can't make myself pick the Colts.
Patriots 35, Colts 31
Divisional: Minnesota at Philadelphia
The Vikes all of a sudden look like the team that dominated the first-half of the 2003 and 2004 seasons. The Eagles attitude that Terrell Owens gave them has evaporated, and they have zero momentum going into the postseason. I predict a confused Eagles offense this weekend, with Donovan McNabb running around like crazy trying to make plays. McNabb will do his best, but Philly is going down to their fourth straight disappointment in the NFC Playoffs. At least this time, it's not the championship game.
Vikings 28, Eagles 17
Divisional: St. Louis at Atlanta
Congratulations go out to Mike Martz, who actually looked like a real head coach against Seattle! Unfortunately for him and the Rams, Michael Vick will shred their defense by land and air, jumping out to a big lead early. While QB Mark Bulger had all the time in the world to throw against Seattle, expect a lot more pressure from Atlanta, leading to turnovers and great field position for the Falcons offense. I am not crazy about either team, but I look at the head coaches, and it's a judgment call.
Atlanta 27, St. Louis 10
KATIE KELLEY, CIN WEEKLY
Divisional Playoffs
Jets vs Steelers: Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh beat the Bengals twice)
Rams vs Falcons: St. Louis (I used to live in Missouri)
Vikings vs Eagles: Minnesota (Pulling that whole JV team thing makes me mad at the Eagles)
Colts vs Patriots: Colts (In honor of my INtake friends)
AFC champ: Pittsburgh (Someday I want to go there to visit ikea)
NFC champ: Minnesota (I have a friend who lives in Rochester)
Super Bowl: Pittsburgh (The team will steel a victory!)
DAVID CLARK, CIN WEEKLY
Steelers 24, Jets 21 (Jets have never won in Pittsburgh)
Rams 31, Falcons 28 (Rams like the Dome, and their receivers could be difference-makers in a shootout)
Eagles 21, Vikings 17 (sure, the Vikes won at Green Bay, but they also lost 7 of 10 before that)
Colts 35, Patriots 24 (Pats' banged-up secondary can't stop Manning)
Colts 27, Steelers 14 (Pittsburgh's got a tough defense, but I just can't see this team winning 16 games in a row)
Rams 28, Eagles 21 (Eagles' receiving corps doesn't look so good without T.O.)
Rams 35, Colts 28 (I don't think the Colts can win it all with such a bad secondary)
TABARI MCCOY, CIN WEEKLY
Divisional: N.Y. Jets at Pittsburgh
Despite the fact I own both a Chad Pennington and Curtis Martin jersey, the fact I would rather rock a Hines Ward, Plaxico Burress, Jerome Bettis or, of course, Big Ben Roethlisberger jersey makes me have to go with the Steelers in this game on their own home turf at Ketchup Stadium. (Besides, if you think I'm going to bet against the Miami guy in a matchup of former MAC conference guys, you're crazy!)
Prediction: Steelers 21, Jets 17
Divisional: Indianapolis at New England
The fact I used to intern with the Bengals makes it impossible for me to root for Corey Dillon in any athletic contest. Throw in the fact New England's secondary might have trouble covering me now sicne Ty Law is out for the year, Patriots offensive coordinator Charlie Weis is traveling back and forth from South Bend now thanks to his head coaching job at Notre Dame (with defensive coordinator Romeo Crennell looking to follow his lead to Cleveland) and this has the makings of a potential blowout, no matter how much of a "genius" Bill Belichick is (or is not). Unless it snows, the Colts have the edge.
Colts 31, Patriots 24
AFC Championship: Indianapolis at Pittsburgh
This should be fun. Don't be surprised if Antwaan Randle El ends up with at TD pass before Peyton Manning or Roethlisberger, though. But in the end, look for the Colts to make a run to Jacksonville
Prediction: Colts 35, Steelers 24
Divisional: Minnesota at Philadelphia
This is the game I have the least confidence in predicting since T.O. got injured. All of the Eagles wide receivers apparently have cousins in Seattle the way they drop the ball, but Randy Moss is due to blow up as the pressure gets to him once it can make its way through his afro to his scalp. If this game was in Minnesota, I'd be going the other with this call, but you gotta think Andy Reid has to have this whole playoff business figured out by now.
Prediction: Eagles 31, Vikings 28
Divisional: St. Louis at Atlanta
Love Mike Vick, would never want him to be in charge of winning my team a championship (at least not yet). I'm picking the upset with the Rams continuing their hot streak. And they're playing in a dome, too. Game over, man! Game over!
Prediction: Rams 24, Falcons 20
NFC Championship: St. Louis at Philadelphia
Should the Eagles survive Minnesota, they've got to be able to over come Busta Rhymes, I mean Stephen Jackson, and the rest of the Rams attack, right?
Prediction: Eagles 24, Rams 17
Super Bowl XXXIX: Philadelphia vs. Indianapolis
I love Donovan McNabb, but without T.O., he doesn't stand a chance. I wouldn't be surprised if Jim Sorgi gets playing time in this game.
Prediction: Colts 38, Eagles 20
ANDY KNIGHT, CINCINNATI.COM
Divisional: N.Y. Jets at Pittsburgh
Let's see...the Jets have never won in Pittsburgh (0-6); the Steelers will be well-rested, nearly injury-free and anxious to turn loose that ferocious defense. As long as they don't fall behind early, the Steelers should coast in this one.
Steelers 30, Jets 10
Divisional: Indianapolis at New England
The Colts come in on a serious offensive roll, and the Patriots' secondary will be without Ty Law (three INTs in last year's AFC title game between these teams); New England may also be missing their defensive line anchor, Richard Seymour. Still, on nothing more than a wild hunch, I'm going with the Pats in a barn-burner.
Patriots 38, Colts 35
AFC Championship: New England at Pittsburgh
Two teams with a combined three regular-season losses should make this one of the better conference title games in recent memory. Lost amid the hoopla surrounding Ben Roethlisberger is the fact that Pittsburgh boasts the NFL's top-ranked defense. They'll key on Corey Dillon and dare Tom Brady and his group of no-name receivers to beat them. Perhaps surprisingly, Brady won't be able to.
Steelers 16, Patriots 7
Divisional: Minnesota at Philadelphia
Sure, the Vikings are playing well, especially on defense; and sure, the Eagles are without Terrell Owens. But Philadelphia has made the NFC title game before without any help for Donovan McNabb. Why should this year be any different?
Eagles 23, Vikings 20
Divisional: St. Louis at Atlanta
The Rams have won three times on the road all season, and against the Falcons' superior defensive line, St. Louis will have trouble getting its spotty running game on track. Still, with Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt, Marc Bulger has the weapons to get Michael Vick & Co. into a shootout, which would be advantageous to the Rams.
Rams 33, Falcons 28
NFC Championship: St. Louis at Philadelphia
The moment of truth for the Eagles, who have lost three straight NFC title games. This game will turn on who makes the biggest mistakes and when. The Rams are in the playoffs despite a minus-24 turnover ratio, and Bulger's occasional tendency to throw the costly interception will surface again here. Philly finally gets over the hump and sets up a Keystone State Super Bowl.
Eagles 24, Rams 21
Super Bowl XXXIX: Philadelphia vs. Pittsburgh
The Eagles may or may not have Terrell Owens back, but my hunch is, if he does play, Pittsburgh will double-team him throughout the game and force McNabb to look elsewhere. On offense, the Steelers (a la the Ravens of a few years ago) will do just enough to win by not allowing Roethlisberger to shoulder too much of the load. Look for Jerome Bettis and Duce Staley to make the biggest difference makers in Pittsburgh's first Super Bowl win since 1980.
Steelers 27, Eagles 16
JON BERNDT, CIN WEEKLY
(who finished second in his friend's fantasy league, but way back in the CiN office league)
Rams vs Falcons: I traded for Peerless Price thinking eventually Michael Vick would find a wide receiver. Boy was I wrong. Marc Bulger has no such difficulty. (Pssst. Andy. Mike Martz couldn't care less about a running game). Rams, 31-17.
Vikings vs Eagles: In the CiN league, Daunte wasn't enough for me... Eagles, 28-24.
Jets vs Steelers: ... but it could have been Hines Ward's fault. And, desperate for running backs, I picked up Curtis Martin late during my "other" league's auction. All he did was lead the NFL in rushing. Jets, 14-10 (on Martin's two TD runs :).
Colts vs Patriots: I think Peyton Manning just threw another touchdown pass. Yeah, he was my team's MVP too. Colts, 35-28.
AFC Championship: Back home in the Dome, Peyton's turf show continues. Colts 42, Jets 21.
NFC championship: Not in a dome. It would be helpful if the Rams could play outdoors. Eagles 23, Rams 21.
Super Bowl XXXIX: Indy's aerial show was (almost) grounded in Jacksonville, but they don't have to play the Jags this time. Colts 35, Eagles 34.
DAVE HELLER, CINCINNATI.COM
Divisional: Indianapolis over New England: Bill Belichick has found ways to stop Peyton Manning, but with Ty Law and Richard Seymour hurt (and snow not in the forecast), I'll give the nod to Manning and crew.
Divisional: Pittsburgh over the N.Y. Jets: I just don't trust the Jets while the Steelers have just kept rolling all season.
AFC Championship: Pittsburgh over Indianapolis: In the playoffs, go with the better defense and that would be the Steelers. Plus, reeling off three consecutive wins in the playoffs and two on the road is a tough task for any club.
NFC
As a lifelong Eagles fan, I will leave these predictions to other folks, other than to say I know who I'll be rooting for.
WILL KLADAKIS, CIN WEEKLY FANTASY GURU
Divisional: New York Jets at Pittsburgh
New York is one of those teams that I can't quite figure out. Usually when that happens, a team makes a deep run in the playoffs. Look for Pittsburgh alum Curtis Martin to quietly have a huge game and suck the air out of the Heinz Field faithful. Also keep in mind the Steelers have had some nightmare playoff games at home (San Diego '94, Denver '97, New England '01). The weight of Super Bowl expectations and the Steelers' delusional fans will produce a huge upset in the Steel City.
Jets 23, Steelers 21
Divisional: Indianapolis at New England
New England has a banged up secondary, and lacks the swagger of last year, but they will have just enough to send the Colts home for the second straight season. If someone would ask me who would I want in a big game, Peyton Manning or Tom Brady, I'd have to go with Brady. Peyton never won the big game in college, and he hasn't yet in his pro career. What can I say, the Colts should win this game, but the Pats just have their number (especially with 20 degree weather forecasted in Foxboro). I might regret this, but I just can't make myself pick the Colts.
Patriots 35, Colts 31
Divisional: Minnesota at Philadelphia
The Vikes all of a sudden look like the team that dominated the first-half of the 2003 and 2004 seasons. The Eagles attitude that Terrell Owens gave them has evaporated, and they have zero momentum going into the postseason. I predict a confused Eagles offense this weekend, with Donovan McNabb running around like crazy trying to make plays. McNabb will do his best, but Philly is going down to their fourth straight disappointment in the NFC Playoffs. At least this time, it's not the championship game.
Vikings 28, Eagles 17
Divisional: St. Louis at Atlanta
Congratulations go out to Mike Martz, who actually looked like a real head coach against Seattle! Unfortunately for him and the Rams, Michael Vick will shred their defense by land and air, jumping out to a big lead early. While QB Mark Bulger had all the time in the world to throw against Seattle, expect a lot more pressure from Atlanta, leading to turnovers and great field position for the Falcons offense. I am not crazy about either team, but I look at the head coaches, and it's a judgment call.
Atlanta 27, St. Louis 10
KATIE KELLEY, CIN WEEKLY
Divisional Playoffs
Jets vs Steelers: Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh beat the Bengals twice)
Rams vs Falcons: St. Louis (I used to live in Missouri)
Vikings vs Eagles: Minnesota (Pulling that whole JV team thing makes me mad at the Eagles)
Colts vs Patriots: Colts (In honor of my INtake friends)
AFC champ: Pittsburgh (Someday I want to go there to visit ikea)
NFC champ: Minnesota (I have a friend who lives in Rochester)
Super Bowl: Pittsburgh (The team will steel a victory!)
DAVID CLARK, CIN WEEKLY
Steelers 24, Jets 21 (Jets have never won in Pittsburgh)
Rams 31, Falcons 28 (Rams like the Dome, and their receivers could be difference-makers in a shootout)
Eagles 21, Vikings 17 (sure, the Vikes won at Green Bay, but they also lost 7 of 10 before that)
Colts 35, Patriots 24 (Pats' banged-up secondary can't stop Manning)
Colts 27, Steelers 14 (Pittsburgh's got a tough defense, but I just can't see this team winning 16 games in a row)
Rams 28, Eagles 21 (Eagles' receiving corps doesn't look so good without T.O.)
Rams 35, Colts 28 (I don't think the Colts can win it all with such a bad secondary)
TABARI MCCOY, CIN WEEKLY
Divisional: N.Y. Jets at Pittsburgh
Despite the fact I own both a Chad Pennington and Curtis Martin jersey, the fact I would rather rock a Hines Ward, Plaxico Burress, Jerome Bettis or, of course, Big Ben Roethlisberger jersey makes me have to go with the Steelers in this game on their own home turf at Ketchup Stadium. (Besides, if you think I'm going to bet against the Miami guy in a matchup of former MAC conference guys, you're crazy!)
Prediction: Steelers 21, Jets 17
Divisional: Indianapolis at New England
The fact I used to intern with the Bengals makes it impossible for me to root for Corey Dillon in any athletic contest. Throw in the fact New England's secondary might have trouble covering me now sicne Ty Law is out for the year, Patriots offensive coordinator Charlie Weis is traveling back and forth from South Bend now thanks to his head coaching job at Notre Dame (with defensive coordinator Romeo Crennell looking to follow his lead to Cleveland) and this has the makings of a potential blowout, no matter how much of a "genius" Bill Belichick is (or is not). Unless it snows, the Colts have the edge.
Colts 31, Patriots 24
AFC Championship: Indianapolis at Pittsburgh
This should be fun. Don't be surprised if Antwaan Randle El ends up with at TD pass before Peyton Manning or Roethlisberger, though. But in the end, look for the Colts to make a run to Jacksonville
Prediction: Colts 35, Steelers 24
Divisional: Minnesota at Philadelphia
This is the game I have the least confidence in predicting since T.O. got injured. All of the Eagles wide receivers apparently have cousins in Seattle the way they drop the ball, but Randy Moss is due to blow up as the pressure gets to him once it can make its way through his afro to his scalp. If this game was in Minnesota, I'd be going the other with this call, but you gotta think Andy Reid has to have this whole playoff business figured out by now.
Prediction: Eagles 31, Vikings 28
Divisional: St. Louis at Atlanta
Love Mike Vick, would never want him to be in charge of winning my team a championship (at least not yet). I'm picking the upset with the Rams continuing their hot streak. And they're playing in a dome, too. Game over, man! Game over!
Prediction: Rams 24, Falcons 20
NFC Championship: St. Louis at Philadelphia
Should the Eagles survive Minnesota, they've got to be able to over come Busta Rhymes, I mean Stephen Jackson, and the rest of the Rams attack, right?
Prediction: Eagles 24, Rams 17
Super Bowl XXXIX: Philadelphia vs. Indianapolis
I love Donovan McNabb, but without T.O., he doesn't stand a chance. I wouldn't be surprised if Jim Sorgi gets playing time in this game.
Prediction: Colts 38, Eagles 20
2 Comments:
I like the Dolphins with Marino at the helm, over the incredible D of the Chicago Bears. I hate the Patriots, they don't have a chance against the Dolphins in the AFC championsh.....what....leave me alone, let me go back to sleep....wouldn't it be great if someday there was a show called I love the 80's?
The Bengals at the end of the regular season: 8-8
The Rams at the end of the regular season: 8-8
Dave's pick that the Rams win the Super Bowl is therefore like saying the Bengals could win the Super Bowl (using common logic).
Yeah, I don't think so.
Post a Comment
<< Home