NFL Playoff Picking

Damn, I am the worst prognosticator since Michele Nostradamus’ relatively unknown cousin Murray Dunnosquatus. You remember he was the guy who predicted Canada would win the Civil War and a guy named Mussolini would invent Pizza Hut.

I picked the Eagles over the Giants based on my belief Eli Manning is the most overrated quarterback in the game. Give me Plaxico as a target and I’ll get him the ball. Eli’s arm is mediocre and he has the face of the spoiled kid who would pout if he didn’t get to play quarterback.

I thought the Panthers were the best team vying for the Lombardi Trophy, but the Cardinals stepped up and took the Carolina’s running game away. I kind of thought Warner was over the proverbial hill, but the guy can make a four progression read in 3 seconds.

I called the Pittsburgh game right. San Diego had too many key people hurt to match the Steelers, who finally got a running game going.

Kudos to the Poe Birds for making Tennessee pay dearly for their mistakes—and making my prediction record 2-2 for the divisional round. Johnson’s injury changed the game and Baltimores defense took over. Make no mistake, the Ravens take the ball away. They are not just being given the ball. There is a difference between a running back losing the handle and having a linebacker strip it from his mitts. Either way, Baltimore takes advantage

CHAMPIONSHIP WEEK

Overall I’m 4-4 in my playoff picks so far. I need the next three winners to give myself the title of Prognosticator in Chief. But, it’s much more likely I Dunnosquatus.

The Cardinals were impressive against the Panthners where they never have been–on defense. I’ve got great respect for Andy Reid and Donovan McNab, though. They’ve both persevered through some rough personal and professional problems. I have to go with Philadelphia. The Eagles have been here and tried to do that once in three NFC Championship tilts, but they have seen the promised land. The Red Birds haven’t flown this high in six decades. They do benefit with Whisenhut’s Pittsburgh experience and Warner’s Super Bowl performances. I just don’t think that will be enough to stop the Eagles from blitzing their way to Tampa.

EAGLES 34 CARDINALS 24

I really do hate those Black Birds but, they play great defense. However, a closer look at the Titan game does make me wonder if 17 straight weeks of intense football isn’t taking a toll on the Ravens. Tennessee turned the ball over four times deep in Raven territory. The Titans gained nearly four hundred yards on offense; Collins gouged the Raven’s secondary for 275 yards and the T-Men ran for over a 116.

Baltimore is tired. Of course, they deny it, but I think Lewis and Company will be hard pressed to beat Pittsburgh—with the resurgent Willie parker—on the road, in the cold. Rothlisberger was throwing darts and hitting bullseyes against San Diego.

If the Steelers take care of the ball and stay patient, it’ll be a Keystone State Super Bowl.

STEELERS 24 RAVENS 10

• January 12, 2009 -- Divisional Round Dish (0)
• January 24, 2009 -- U Kan Koach in the NFL (.com)! (3)
• February 1, 2009 -- The Big Question (0)
• February 4, 2009 -- Super Bowl Penalty Flags (6)
• February 2, 2009 -- Super Bowl Recap (5)