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NFL Playoffs Predictions
Friday, January 2nd, 2009Let’s see if I can beat Bill Simmons picking against the spread.
This week’s games:
Falcons (-1.5) over CARDINALS
All the road teams are favored this week, which tells you just how screwed up the NFL’s seeding system is. Atlanta finished second in the toughest division in football. Arizona snuck in at 9-7 after beating up on a weak division (they were 3-7 outside the NFC West). Arizona has home field and a playoff experienced quarterback in Kurt Warner, but I like Atlanta’s run defense and running game, here. Atlanta rookie QB Matt Ryan doesn’t need to be perfect, just adequate.
Atlanta 27, Arizona 13
Colts (-1) over CHARGERS
The Chargers play us tough, but my Colts are the hottest team in the league, and probably the best road team this year. We’ll have Bob Sanders back on defense, and the offensive line seems to be gelling, at least when it comes to pass protection. Our running game is still a disaster, but that doesn’t seem to have mattered in big wins at Pittsburgh, at Baltimore, at home against New England, and, yes, at San Diego. Also, I just can’t fathom an 8-8 team that shouldn’t be in the playoffs, much less hosting a game, knocking off a 12-4 team on a nine-game winning streak with the league MVP behind center. Also, Norv Turner. He’s good for five Colts points all by himself.
Colts 31, Chargers 10
Ravens (-3) over DOLPHINS
Tough call. The Dolphins are consistent and impressive, but young. The Ravens sport their usual badass defense, but have shown an inconsistent offense that’s been both anemic and explosive. In the end, even if Flacco and the Ravens’ offense sputters, I just can’t see the inexperienced Dolphins coming through in the playoffs against a grizzled, experienced, tenacious Ravens defense. I think we’re looking at a bruising, low-scoring game.
Ravens 13, Dolphins 3
Eagles (-3) over VIKINGS
I’ve watched a lot of Vikings games this year, because Adrian Peterson was on my fantasy team. Peterson aside (and that’s a huge aside), they’re just not that good. They don’t score a lot of points, and rely too much on their (admittedly good) run defense. Philly is probably the second hottest team in the league right now. But there have also been times when they’ve looked really bad. Still, I’ll go with the team with the veteran, Super Bowl-experienced quarterback and the dual-threat running back. I like that even if the Vikings defense shuts down Philly’s run, Westbrook can catch the ball out of the backfield and still present some problems. Philly’s run defense isn’t too shabby, either (fourth in the league). Contain Peterson, and Minnesota has to rely on Tavaris Jackson and a crew of mediocre receivers. Contain Westbrook, and Philly can fall back on the league’s sixth-best pass attack (matched up against the 18th-best pass defense). I like Philly, big.
Philly 34, Minnesota 9
Good predictions. I tend to lean towards Miami pulling off against the Ravens, but you could well be right. That’s a really tough game to call, as far as I’m concerned; and it should be a great game to watch. All in all, I don’t really see much that I can disagree with here.
Since my Pats were knocked out of it (yes, I’m still bitter), I think I’ll concentrate on rooting for Atlanta. I’m a BC fan all the way, so obviously I love Matt Ryan.
[...] The Agitator » Blog Archive » NFL Playoffs PredictionsOne Response to “NFL Playoffs Predictions”. #1 | Chris Berez | January 2nd, 2009 at 7:46 pm. Good predictions. I tend to lean towards Miami pulling off against the Ravens, but you could well be right. That’s a really tough game to call, … [...]
I’ve followed Rivers… the chargers Quarterback… since he was at ncsu his freshman year… no way to hold any offense he leads to 10 points… Watch and see… i know I will… damn I can’t wait!
Just got back from the future and Radley got everything right except that Philly shut out Minnesota.
San Diego is fortunate to even be in the playoffs, the team with the worst record in over 20 years, if I remember correctly. I’m here in SD and nobody much cares! :)
Radley, I hope all is well with you. I’ve not been here for a while. I used to drop in when you were covering “The Straight” stories. Glad to be back.
All the best,
Shane
Vikings are gonna anilhiate the eagles. Wont even be close.
:D
Not enough love for the Dolphins. They should take the Ravens out.
As a life-long Vikings fan I know not to trust this team. Vikes will play the Eagles a lot like they played the Falcons…turnovers and a pathetic loss.
Vikings will once again break the hearts of loyal fans. The long cold winter is about to set in.
Sigh.
I think you picked the right teams, but your scores are a bit off.
Arizona has a great offense and will pass the ball all day long against Atlanta. They can’t stop the run, however, so Turner will have a great day. It will be a close game and I expect Arizona to be in it, and maybe even ahead, late in the game.
Atlanta 27 Arizona 24
Baltimore’s offense is underrated. Flacco is great at throwing the ball downfield on play action and I expect him to throw for at least one TD. McClain will run for two TDs to compliment Flacco. Miami, however, won’t be able to overcome the great Baltimore Defense.
Baltimore 38 Miami 13
The Chargers are finally healthy and have been the hottest team these last four weeks. Philip Rivers has been outstanding during that stretch, too, and Sproles in a great return guy. But the Colts have Payton Manning and you can never count him out when healthy. With Bob Sanders back, I find it hard to pick against them.
Indy 31 SD 27
Philadelphia will run all over the Vikings. AP is great, but he won’t go over 100 yards against the Philly defense. I’d watch Berrian here, tho, as he might sneak by the banged up secondary. Westbrook shines, however, and leads the team to victory.
Philadelphia 24 Minnesota 14
Falcons, Chargers, Ravens, Eagles.
Not calling scores, but they’ll all beat the spread.
I hope the Vikings beat the Eagles — I’d love a rematch between my Giants 2nd-string offense against the Vikings first-string defense. We almost beat you guys last week.
Good luck against the Eagles. lol
I am a Vikes fan too. I’d like to see them win but I’m keeping my mouth shut on this one. If the crowd at the Metrodome would get off their collective asses this time that would help.
The others: Falcon, Colts, Dolphins
I try not to over-analize these things. I just go with my gut. Seems to work pretty well as long as I dont put money on it.
Here’s my prediciton: doesn’t really matter cuz the Giants are gonna beat everybody’s asses anyway!
G-men!
Tough to go with all of the favorites in all four games. I mean, it’s the
playoffs and things very rarely ever go according to plan. There will be at
least one upset, and the likely scenario is two, considering that all four
dogs are playing at home. What’s worse, is that Baltimore (79), Indianapolis
(72), and Philadelphia (81) are all receiving over 70 pernt of the public
action. Not good.
Home dogs in this round of the playoffs are 9-2 ATS since the playoffs
expanded. Going to be interesting to see what happens. I actually am
focusing most of my attention to totals. But that’s a whole ‘nother
ballgame!
Welp, you’re already down one against Simmons.
And I was hoping Atlanta would pull it off, too. :(
We’ll see how Colts/Chargers comes off now, especially with all the talk flying over LDT’s injury.
Man, don’t quit your day job.
CHARGERS!!!
Oh man, I love SD so much right now.
I love a whale’s vagina too.
/anchorman
I’m going out on a limb to predict the Eagles will win the Superbowl.
Hey, when’s the Rose Bowl start?
Looks like Radley will be two for four but his bit about Westbrook looks genuis after the 73 yard screen pass he just took down for a TD after having a terrible run game.