NFL Picks

I am sorry for the lack of postings. I just needed a brief respite. I should be back with the normal 2-3 postings next week.

What a disappointment the National Championship game was earlier this week. And, by the way, can't they come up with something better than "National Championship Game" to call this thing? Florida was outstanding. They were well coached. They executed to perfection. They played with emotion and fire. But Ohio State was equally horrendous. They were clearly not ready to play, played with no emotion, and the rust of a 51-day layoff clearly showed. We need a playoff. And why should Boise St., the only undefeated team in the country, not get consideration for the National Championship? The whole system is broken.

As for the Dukies and college hoops, as I predicted in this space last week, they are going to (and already have) take some lumps this year. The key issue right now is their offense, and most specifically, the shattered confidence and poor quality of play from Greg Paulus, their point guard. What I really admire about Paulus, who has been terrible on the court, is that his attitude has stayed so positive. When he was not in the starting lineup against Georgia Tech, he was on the bench, cheering and helping to coach, and generally staying engaged. When he played and was pulled, and the coaches were in his grill, he was focused, and listening, and absorbing, and trying to learn and improve. I am really rooting for this kid, and not only because he is a must if Duke wants to win a game in the NCAA Tournament this year.

The NFL moves from the Wild Card round to the divisional round this weekend. Should be some great games, as the spreads for the most part, are surprisingly low versus historical precedents on this same weekend. Now, as you know, I had an amazing, unprecedented horrible week last week, going winless, so you can decide if you think I will stay cold or get back to the strong levels I have been at all year long. Personally, I would not bet against me. Here are the picks. I am 0-5 in the playoffs, still 54-48 overall.....

Indianapolis (+4) at Baltimore. Yes, I am aware Indy has been awful the past couple months on the road. And I am aware that Peyton Manning has sucked in big games his whole life, including last week, when he tossed three picks to a team that had no clue how to take advantage of it. And, yes, I am aware that Baltimore is a strong, smashmouth team that usually crushes teams like the Colts come playoff time. But no, I am not picking the Ravens. Call me crazy, but before the playoffs started (and my preseason pick of the Bengals was eliminated), I told people I thought the Colts could do it. I just think the Ravens are not very good, and that Schottenheimer is 5-12 lifetime with a QB who has never started a game, and they have already proven they could handle New England. So take the Colts here....

San Diego (-4.5) vs. New England. Yes, Belichick and Brady are 11-1 in the playoffs together, and Marty Schottenheimer usually gets a noose around his neck tighter than Saddam this time of year. But this San Diego team just has too much talent on both sides of the ball for the Patriots to handle. Look for the Bolts to win this one by double figures.

Seattle (+9) at Chicago. Quite simply, the Bears defense is a shell of what it was the first half of the season when it was healthy. And on top of that, there is no way I am laying 9 with Rex Grossman as my quarterback under any scenario.

E-A-G-L-E-S, EAGLES (+5) at New Orleans. Stop the running game to make Drew Brees one dimensional. Long, ball control drives. Do not lose the turnover battle. These are the keys to an Eagle victory. Sports Guy was way off base today in his column, saying Drew Brees will pick apart the Eagles blitz without Lito Sheppard. Duh. That is why the Birds will rarely blitz Brees Saturday night, and instead will force the Saints to beat them through the air with a bunch of young, inexperienced wideouts and a banged up Joe Horn. Birds will get it done......

Have a great weekend. Go Birds!