NFL Divisional Playoffs: Open Thread

by Brian Galliford on Jan 12, 2008 2:50 PM EST in Blog Series

When you correctly predict all four of the Wild Card playoff games' outcomes - as I was fortunate enough to do last week - you're almost obliged to try again. So in lieu of Bills talk today - and let's face it, nothing is going on - let's talk playoffs. Some very interesting matchups this weekend; this is your spot to talk about them. And yes - leave your predictions as well, if you're so inclined.

Prediction time!

Seattle Seahawks (11-6) at Green Bay Packers (13-3)
- This is the matchup I'm most looking forward to seeing this weekend - and it starts in less than two hours. I love watching football at Lambeau, and with the Brett Favre intrigue - along with the obvious ties between the two franchises - it's going to be a fun one to watch. Seattle probably has the best shot of any road team at winning this weekend; I don't think they get it done, however. Green Bay is too balanced offensively (Seattle isn't), and if Favre can avoid a strong Seattle pass rush with some screen passes, et al, the Seahawks will be playing catch-up.

Final: ~~Packers 21, Seahawks 16~~ Packers 42, Seahawks 20

Jacksonville Jaguars (12-5) at New England Patriots (16-0)
- Rarely do I expound as much energy into my NFL fandom as I do when I watch the Bills. Tonight will be a different story - I will be just as antsy, uptight and frustrated watching the Jaguars try to beat the Patriots as I am when the Bills undertake that exercise in futility. Jacksonville's efforts shouldn't be futile; they have the power run game, big-play defense/special teams and overall physicality to give New England a run for their money in Foxboro. Count on this one being close for three quarters; don't count on the Jaguars having enough firepower to pull off the upset of the season. (But GO JAGUARS!)

Final: Patriots 31, Jaguars 20 (Wow! I predicted the correct score, even! This means that the Colts and Cowboys are doomed tomorrow.)

San Diego Chargers (12-5) at Indianapolis Colts (13-3)
- Many are expecting that since the Chargers beat the Colts earlier in the season by two points, this one is going to be close again. They're very wrong. The Chargers will very likely be without Antonio Gates (doubtful - toe), the Colts are at home, and for the first time in what seems like a calendar year, they're healthy. This one will be close for all of a quarter and a half. Colts win this one big.

Final: ~~Colts 34, Chargers 12~~ Chargers 28, Colts 24 (Boy, when I'm wrong, I'm really wrong.)

New York Giants (11-6) at Dallas Cowboys (13-3)
- You may believe that the Cowboys - and more specifically, Tony Romo - are distracted heading into this game; I assure you that's not the case. Anything you've read about the Cowboys not being ready to play this game is crap. With that said, they've got their hands full tomorrow night - sure, they've beaten the Giants twice this season, but the Giants are on a tear (a tear that, unfortunately, started with a win in Orchard Park). T.O. will probably play in this one, but it will be Jason Witten and Marion Barber who give the Giants headaches. Don't ever forget about the Cowboys' defense, either - somehow, all of the attention in Dallas is focused on offense. Dallas' defense will likely erase Brandon Jacobs, forcing the ball into Eli's hands. A one-dimensional Giants offense won't get it done in Texas.

Final: ~~Cowboys 31, Giants 23~~ Giants 21, Cowboys 17 (Do I get credit for saying both Indy and Dallas would lose today after I correctly predicted the Pats/Jags score yesterday?)

(Yeah, so what if I'm ultra-conservative and picked all of the home teams to win? If you disagree, I'd love to hear about it in the comments section.)

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As I'm reading this I was saying "Jeez Brian, how about picking an under-dog." But then you point it out yourself. You don't seem worried that you have the #1 & #2 seeds going up against each other in both divisions.(that rarely happens.)

I'll take the Giants over the 'boys, no particular reason, just that I never got over hating the Cowboys.

who would have thought I'd miss Pete Metzelaars?

by sireric on Jan 12, 2008 3:09 PM EST reply actions

Only disagree on Dallas/NY

I honestly believe that the Giants will win against the Cowboys. I still believe that Romo is overrated and has been given too much credit and stardom too fast. The Giants defense is ruthless and will attack Romo without mercy. T.O. will be less than 100% and for some odd reason, the Giants play great on the road.

-Giants 27 Cowboys 17

I too am rooting hard for the Jags (my favorite team outside of Buffalo). I think they have a great chance but I already forsee Garrard forcing a pass here and there and the Pats taking advantage.

-Patriots 31 Jaguars 21

The Colts will wear the Bolts out. The Colts have a much better defense than people realize and will make Rivers beat them, which he wont.

- Colts 35 Chargers 17

I really like the Packers and playing at home always gives them an advantage unless they are playing Mike Vick (and that won't happen for a while). The Seahawks can't run and it will cause mistakes late in the game.

- Packers 27 Seahawks 14

by RabidBuffalo on Jan 12, 2008 3:14 PM EST reply actions

Props to both of you

For taking NY over Dallas. You guys are so smart...

Create a free account to join in the discussion, Bills fans!

by Brian Galliford on Jan 13, 2008 8:08 PM EST up reply actions

Thanks

I had a wierd feeling the Giants would win. Or...I just really hate the Cowboys and wanted the Giants to win. Either way, I'm happy.

I was shocked watching the Colts game. I don't know if the San Diego offense is underrated or the Colts defense overrated. I would love to use injury excuses for the Colts but the Chargers were missing their three top guys and still won. Amazing. Reminds me of when the Bills beat the Steelers without Kelly, Thomas, Bennett, or Smith about, oh, 15-16 years ago.

by RabidBuffalo on Jan 13, 2008 9:52 PM EST up reply actions

So happy Colts lost...

I really can not stand all the attention that Manning gets. Yes, he is a very good QB and is going to end up with some of the best individual stats ever. But, he has been surrounded by great offensive weapons his whole career. I mean, shouldn't he should put up some pretty good numbers with Harrison, Wayne, Clark, James, Addai, Pollard, Gonzalez, Stokley, etc.?

But as far as when it really matters, when you really judge a QB to be one of the greatest ever, he usually comes up short. His career postseason record is now 7-7. Multiple times he has had the bye week and home field advantage and been "one and done". Now, I understand that it is not entirely his fault that his team has lost 7 playoff games and, for the most part, he played well today. But, for supposedly one of the greatest ever, and heck, the way he is marketed, you would think the only good QB in the league, he doesn't have a history of winning big games. Even last year, the Super Bowl win that supposedly put to rest the "can't win the big one" stuff, he really didn't play that great. And, really, it was more about Grossman's horrific play giving Indy the win than Manning's play being good.

Plus, he always seems to blame others for his mistakes. And, is it just me, or does he always look like he is about to cry?

Anyway, as you can tell, not a Manning fan. Sorry for the rant, but I feel better now. :) Now, I just hope that somehow the Chargers can beat the Patriots.

by fletcherjd on Jan 13, 2008 5:06 PM EST reply actions