Once again 2-2 last week, putting me at a mediocre 4-4 for the playoffs. That's a little upsetting but at least the Jets are alive and kicking!
This week we bring in Sean Perry to tell me why I'm wrong about this and I'm sure he's got some good reasons. So without further ado, here are the Championship Sunday Picks for the right to play in the Super Bowl.
Sunday, Jan. 24: Jets (+ 8) @ Colts:
Sean's Pick: A rematch of the week 16 game that saved the Jets season and the ’72 Dolphins special place in NFL history. The Jets are an eight point underdog, and seem to have more confidence in their chances than the Vegas odds makers (ask Rex Ryan). The Colts have won all 15 games in which their starters have played four quarters this season, and are led by legendary pitchman Peyton Manning. The Jets are faced with a tall order going into the Colts building, Manning and the Colts are precise and well timed on offense and minimize the weaknesses of their undersized but speedy defense at home, thanks in large part to a friendly crowd and dry turf. The Jets best bet is to confuse and pressure Manning, forcing him to turn the ball over and provide their run-heavy offense with beneficial field position, allowing them to shelter rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez. I think a few quick strikes by the Colts offense (minus Reggie Wayne who will be stranded on Revis Isle) will force the Jets away from their run-first offense and force turnovers from the inexperienced Sanchez. The Jets are still a year away from where they need to be, and Manning has been here too many times in the past to let this one slip away.
My Pick: Colts 23, Jets 13
Alex's Pick: I'm no different than any Jet fan and I won't pretend to be. I really want this game, perhaps worse than I've ever wanted this team to win, but I need to be objective. The Colts are a different animal than the Chargers, but not that different. The Chargers are a Donkey, the Colts are a Mule, a little extra pizzaz, but same general idea. Big TE that can catch, star QB, star WR, only difference is that the Colts aren’t so likely to choke as the Donkey’s did last week. The key for Gang Green is to play their game. Run the football, play the defense and score enough points to win. Everyone wants to look at the first matchup earlier in the year and talk about the Colts pulling their starters, but the Jets were winning at halftime in Indianapolis. Poise and field position will be huge for both teams. The Jets had five turnovers for 37 yards compared to the Chargers 10 for 87, last week and it mattered. The Colts will be better prepared, but as much as it seems like nothing has changed, Tony Dungy isn’t the coach anymore. Peyton is great and I thought in week 16 he moved the ball as well as anyone has against the Jets highly touted secondary all year. Kerry Rhodes against Dallas Clark is the matchup to look for. Also, how does Peyton handle the blitzes? Whichever team does better on 3rd down when the Colts have the ball will win. OK, I’ve done my diligence, looked at this from an objective view. Don’t roll out of bed and reach for a beer on Monday, all the green won’t be for St. Patrick’s Day.
My Pick: Jets 16, Colts 7 (same as Super Bowl III)
Sunday Jan. 24: Vikings (+4) @ Saints: America’s sweetheart Brett Favre ventures down to Bourbon Street in a game that is sure to provide plenty of offensive fireworks. Each team looked impressive last week, dismantling their opponents with relative ease, and I expect a close one to decide this year’s NFC champions. It will be a fast-paced and entertaining game that will come down to playmakers and turnovers. The Saints have a stable of running backs including Reggie Bush, who returned from Witness Protection last weekend, as well as a capable and deep receiving corps. The Vikings have emerging stars Sidney Rice and Visanthe Shiancoe who have developed a great rapport with their elderly quarterback. The problem with the Vikings coming into this game is the disappearance of golden boy Adrian Peterson, who has struggled to produce as the Vikings have shifted toward a more pass-oriented attack. The difference in this game will be crucial turnovers by Favre, who seems to have wrestled control of the Viking’s offensive playbook away from head coach Brad Childress, a man who is perhaps better suited for the job of night shift manager at Arby’s. Each team will make big plays, but the Saints will make more.
My Pick: Saints 37, Vikings 31
Alex’s Pick: Hey, just because the Jets are playing earlier in the day doesn’t mean you should sleep on this one! Come one, come all to see the Saints and Vikings star in the hit NFL Film “The Greatest Show on Turf….X2!) High flying offense, shots down field and best of all, no defense allowed! OK maybe I’m pumping up the offense too much, but there will be touchdowns in this game and lots of them. I think the fact that the Saints are favored is because they’re at home, as well they should be, but if I’m handicapping this one, it’s a pick ‘em game if there ever was one. The focus will be on Favre as far as ESPN and the rest of the world is concerned, but Adrian Peterson is well over due for one of his dominant insane performances. He breaks a run early, the Saints battle valiantly, but the teams trade scores, Vikings hold on and then maybe, just maybe we’re all truly two weeks away from seeing America’s Hero, Brett Favre retire (for good?).
My Pick: Vikings 41, Saints 34
Be sure to comment and check Back for a wrap up with Sean on Monday!
No comments:
Post a Comment