Another year, another season in which Bills fans will be watching the playoffs Bills-less. So if you're looking to discuss this weekend's playoff action without having to deal with the jealousy of talking to fans of playoff teams, this is the spot for you. I won't be here to moderate the thread as I usually do - let's face it, without the Bills, it's hard to get overly excited - but I thought I'd put this space out there for y'all anyways. I might pop in with a comment or two if something sweet happens, so say hey in the comments if you're bored.
Prediction time!
Washington Redskins (9-7) at Seattle Seahawks (10-6)
- How can you not pull for the Redskins in this one? They're playing in honor of a fallen teammate, and they've won four in a row behind former Bills QB Todd Collins. (How sweet would it be to end the season saying the last team to beat Washington was, in fact, Buffalo?) With that said, Seattle is a very difficult place to play - and the Seahawks have too many playmakers, especially defensively, to lose this one at home.
Final: Seahawks 24, Redskins 16 Seahawks 35, Redskins 14
Jacksonville Jaguars (11-5) at Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)
- These teams met a few weeks back, with the Jags prevailing in Pittsburgh 29-22. Now, with the Steelers banged up on the O-Line and minus Willie Parker, it's hard to pick the home team in this one - even though it's going to take a great game from Jacksonville to pull it off. (For the record, it's hard to pick against the Jags, too.)
Final: Jaguars 26, Steelers 21 Jaguars 31, Steelers 29
Sunday's Games
New York Giants (10-6) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7)
- I love it when two teams are at each other's throats before the game starts. The Giants seem to be favored in this one - and for good reason, considering the Bucs have one of the worst home crowds in the league, and not much offensive firepower. This is going to be a defensive battle, but the road-warrior Giants have a bit more offensive punch, and it will allow them to steal a W.
Final: Giants 17, Buccaneers 13 Giants 24, Buccaneers 14
Tennessee Titans (10-6) at San Diego Chargers (11-5)
- With Vince Young a game-time decision, many "experts" are saying that if Vince can't play, the Titans are toast. Don't discount Kerry Collins - he played well enough this season in spot duty for some Titans fans to cry that he should be the starter. Whoever starts, it shouldn't matter much - Tennessee's defense will keep it close early, but the Chargers are one of the hottest teams in the league, and hey - this game, right here, is what Norv Turner was hired for. If they lose early in the playoffs again (the exact reason Schottenheimer was fired), where do they turn?
Final: Chargers 27, Titans 19 Chargers 17, Titans 6