Open Thread: NFL Wild Card Playoffs, Day 1
by Brian Galliford on Jan 3, 2009 12:00 PM EST
in Events
54 comments
The NFL's Wild Card Playoffs begin at 4:30 PM EST this afternoon! For whatever reason, I'm far more excited than usual for the start of the playoffs this year. I'm obviously a Buffalo Bills fan first and foremost, but I love getting the opportunity to watch good teams play for keeps - and I especially like the fact that we're going to see some different teams than usual today.
Feel like making some predictions, Rumblers? I know I do. This is your open thread for today's games, your predictions for today's games, and anything else playoffs-related.
Atlanta Falcons (11-5) at Arizona Cardinals (9-7)
4:30 PM EST, NBC
Falcons coverage: The Falcoholic
Cardinals coverage: Revenge of the Birds
Arizona, as poorly as they've played over the stretch run this season, is going to be a tough out at home. But the NFL playoffs are about doing two things well - running the football and playing solid defense. Arizona's D will be fine, but they can't run the ball. Atlanta can. If Atlanta can find a way to keep Arizona's solid offense from scoring quickly to open the game, the Falcons should win easily. If they can't, they'll win the hard way - on a comeback behind their rookie quarterback.
Prediction: FALCONS 27, CARDINALS 20
Familiar Faces: Falcons DT Jason Jefferson, SS Lawyer Milloy, LS Mike Schneck, LB Coy Wire; Cardinals OL Mike Gandy.
Indianapolis Colts (12-4) at San Diego Chargers (8-8)
8:00 PM EST, NBC
Colts coverage: Stampede Blue
Chargers coverage: Bolts from the Blue
These are two of the hottest teams in the NFL. The Colts have won 9 straight after starting 3-4, while the Chargers won 4 straight to close their season with an AFC West Division championship - with a giant assist from our Bills. This game is a lot tougher for me to call than I expected it would be. The Chargers beat the Colts in Indy last season in the divisional playoffs, and they always play well at home. In the end, however, I just like the Colts' running game better, and Peyton Manning will always trump Philip Rivers.
Prediction: COLTS 29, CHARGERS 24
Familiar Faces: DT John McCargo None, but it was a close shave.
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Colts vs Chargers will be a good game
I will take Manning at home.
Falcons should put away the “House of Cards” early.
"The Bills have no playoff aspirations"
by Joe P. on Jan 3, 2009 12:08 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
ooops....Colts are on the road I will still take the Colts
"The Bills have no playoff aspirations"
by Joe P. on Jan 3, 2009 12:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
“House of Cards”
haha, good one.
I could see that AZ offense keeping them in the game for awhile, especially at home, but it is only a matter of time before the Michael Turner pounding leads to the Cardinals lying down.
by kaisertown on Jan 3, 2009 12:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
LT has a torn muscle
PFT has the scoop. It sounds just terrible and that he won’t play much if at all…
by Ron From NM on Jan 3, 2009 12:34 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
The ticker on ESPN said LT has a detached tendon in his groin. Gametime decision. Bummer. He was just getting back into his groove.
everything goes better with a BIG MACK
by keuka121 on Jan 3, 2009 1:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
“Detached tendon in the groin” sounds like THE WORST injury anyone could possibly get ever.
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
by Brian Galliford on Jan 3, 2009 2:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think John Wayne Bobbit suffered from that one.......once upon a time
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 3, 2009 2:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think Bobbit lost a tendon....
by Ron From NM on Jan 3, 2009 3:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
"tendon".........
LOL
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 3, 2009 3:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think norcal meant THE WORST injury possible.
by thefourwinds on Jan 3, 2009 3:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah that too
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 3, 2009 3:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
His wife got flagged with unsportsmanlike conduct.
"The Bills have no playoff aspirations"
by Joe P. on Jan 3, 2009 4:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think she got some jail time, too...
She certainly deserved it. It would be like that scene from The Last Boy Scout playing out in San Diego. No, not the part where Willis asks if his wife fell over and, um, so on. I’m talking about the running back shooting a defender on his way to the end zone.
by Ron From NM on Jan 3, 2009 4:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
"Illegal use of the hands"
~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"
by Kurupt on Jan 4, 2009 1:47 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
said it halfway through the season
and my buddies ripped on me but I think it is more apparent now then ever. Colts will win the Super Bowl. Manning vs. Manning maybe?
Kawika Mitchell is a leader. He will help this young team develop.
by poz on Jan 3, 2009 12:48 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Good call
~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"
by Kurupt on Jan 4, 2009 1:47 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Haha. Not so much…
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
by Brian Galliford on Jan 4, 2009 8:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
predictions that won't come true
CARDINALS over Falcons 24-20
Colts over CHARGERS 31-20
Ravens over DOLPHINS 16-10
VIKINGS over Eagles 24-13
TITANS over Ravens 20-10
GIANTS over Cardinals 38-17
PANTHERS over Vikings 27-10
Colts over STEELERS 20-17
Panthers over GIANTS 24-16
Colts over TITANS 22-17
Colts over Panthers 27-23
Dick Jauron’s record playing Trivial Pusuit with his family this January: 7-9
by Benjamin Salem on Jan 3, 2009 2:03 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
HAHA rec'd......just for the 7-9 part
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 3, 2009 2:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I have a lot of respect for Kurt Warner. 37 yrs old and he looks as good as ever. He’s done a heck of a job without a D and a putrid running game. Saw a stat on the tube that the Cards averaged just under 77 yds running per game. Now THAT is awful.
everything goes better with a BIG MACK
by keuka121 on Jan 3, 2009 4:35 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
WOW What a catch by Fitzgerald! Stiff double team
everything goes better with a BIG MACK
by keuka121 on Jan 3, 2009 4:47 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
James is running well
I didn’t even know he was still in the league.
"The Bills have no playoff aspirations"
by Joe P. on Jan 3, 2009 5:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
So… Fitzgerald and Boldin are disgusting.
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
by Brian Galliford on Jan 3, 2009 5:33 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Playoff football is always good… Would have been nice to see a little “red, white, and blue” out there though…..
BILLS RULE !
by chaosthepitbull on Jan 3, 2009 5:39 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
You can just see the difference.........
Playoffs are all about Veterans taking care of business……and taking care of the ball. Atlanta had a good season and its a good building block for future years……they’ll be back…….If Arizona plays Carolina ( assuming a Eagles win tomorrow) They could give the panthers a good run…………..only if they play like they did today…….but if they have to play the Giants….then I dont see them having a chance.
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 3, 2009 7:17 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
and I spoke too soon.....
only down 6 with 4:15 to go………
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 3, 2009 7:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Good game by the Cards
Their run D made an appearance and the passing D did its job with the turnovers. If they can keep the ground game churning they may be a tough out come next round depending on the opponent. If its the Giants, they will probably lose, anyone else, its a close game.
Now if only this gopher could play DE, we would be doing better, I mean, who couldn't play better than the corpse brothers Kelsay and Denney?
by WABillsfan on Jan 3, 2009 7:56 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
bolts v. colts.....
both teams just feeling each other out right now
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 3, 2009 8:26 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Anyone see Peter King between games? He said Shanahan is taking a year off. That means Shanny and Cowher will be looking in one year. He even threw in Dungy in that discussion. Don’t know why though.
everything goes better with a BIG MACK
by keuka121 on Jan 3, 2009 8:45 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
There was an article about Shanny on SI.com about this very thing......
I made a fanshot bout it
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 3, 2009 8:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
from King
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 3, 2009 8:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Good ending to the game coming up here
SHould be a doozy
Now if only this gopher could play DE, we would be doing better, I mean, who couldn't play better than the corpse brothers Kelsay and Denney?
by WABillsfan on Jan 3, 2009 11:03 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Don’t usually see Peyton take sacks like that… Chargers have a golden opportunity to pull the upset; they’d better not play for the field goal.
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
by Brian Galliford on Jan 3, 2009 11:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Holy CRAP did the refs call that game for the Chargers
I mean, that was just ridiculous I have not seen that many penalty flags in a playoof game in my LIFE.
The NFL should be truly embarrased by what the Refs did tonight in costing the Colts a legit chance to win the game.
Now if only this gopher could play DE, we would be doing better, I mean, who couldn't play better than the corpse brothers Kelsay and Denney?
by WABillsfan on Jan 3, 2009 11:35 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
The holding call was total BS
"The Bills have no playoff aspirations"
by Joe P. on Jan 3, 2009 11:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
on #23
"The Bills have no playoff aspirations"
by Joe P. on Jan 3, 2009 11:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
completely agree Joe P., I guess whenever the QBs in trouble, throw up a pop fly and hope for the best
by Fucilli5 on Jan 3, 2009 11:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
or at least when Ron Winters Ref Crew has your game
by Fucilli5 on Jan 3, 2009 11:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I hate the fact that the Refs imposed their will on this game..
Sproles atleast made up for that fumble
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 3, 2009 11:36 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, either I way I think the Chargers would have won. They out-played Indy all night.
But you’re right – it’s the playoffs, refs. Let them play.
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
by Brian Galliford on Jan 3, 2009 11:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah the Chargers Defense and Special Teams won them this game
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 3, 2009 11:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That was one of my problems with the Refs tongiht
They tossed the flag WAY to much for a playoff game, that just killed the whole contest.
Now if only this gopher could play DE, we would be doing better, I mean, who couldn't play better than the corpse brothers Kelsay and Denney?
by WABillsfan on Jan 4, 2009 12:16 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Throw a billion dollars at UFA Sproles this offseason! I wish we had a playmaker like that….
~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"
by Kurupt on Jan 4, 2009 1:48 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Also, hey, at least the Bills beat a team this year that won a playoff game!
by Fucilli5 on Jan 3, 2009 11:42 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
So, Brian...
Hate to point it out, man- but you’re 0-2 thus far…
Nevermind that I would’ve picked the same way, that’s unimportant.
John Madden told me 90% of the game was half-mental...
by TheK-GunNeedsReloaded on Jan 3, 2009 11:51 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
lol it just goes to show............when you think you got it figured out.......
you only realize you know nothing at all.
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 3, 2009 11:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, my “predictions” have always been a kiss of death in the playoffs. I always do pretty well with regular season games, but I think I’ve correctly predicted like 4 playoff games in my entire lifetime.
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
by Brian Galliford on Jan 4, 2009 8:32 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
wow
this thread makes me laugh. go bolts
Sweet home Orchard Park.
by thurman on Jan 4, 2009 7:11 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Losing to an 8-8 team
is pretty pathetic. That play where Manning fumbled had Schonert written all over it.
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 4, 2009 10:44 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
That 8-8 team is clearly much better than its record indicates, talent-wise, and they had won 4 straight games and were playing at home. It’s hardly pathetic.
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
by Brian Galliford on Jan 4, 2009 12:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think you should change it to: “Losing to a team that lost to the Bills is pretty pathetic”
~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"
by Kurupt on Jan 4, 2009 3:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
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