Sat, writer of the High Road/Low Road, which should be up sometime Friday
January 5, 2008
No. 6 Redskins (9-7) at No. 3 Seahawks (10-6)
Justin Pelletier: Redskins - Saying that the Skins will win because Sean Taylor will be pulling strings is a nice thought. Truth be told, Washington will win because they have been running the ball like mad and Shawn Alexander hasn't been Shawn Alexander all season.
Ken Schmidt: Redskins - This is the easy upset pick here and i will give you the numbers here (or check the Office returning after sick leave). The Seahawks, easiest regular season schedule of all teams in playoffs and the Skins, the hardest. Seriously. Collins is yet to throw a pick this year and if he doesn't make any mistakes Clinton Portis wins this game. You can't win in the playoffs with no ground attack.
Larry Csonka: The Washington Redskins - Washington had a great close out to the season, winning four games while losing their starting quarterback. Todd Collins has come in and done a good job of game management, while they have been able to run the ball very well. Seattle isn't nearly as good as most make them out to be, and basically they don't fool me. Alexander is a shell of his former self and Hasselbak is coning off of a wrist injury. Washington should win and win soundly I feel.
Nick Wallander: Redskins - Everyone is going to say that the Redskins have momentum and that they are inspired to win and yada yada yah. Yeah, we get that. Sure those reasons do factor to some extent, but if you get a good look at the Seahawks, picking the ‘Skins just makes a lot more sense. The Seahawks are basically an underwhelming team this year. Shaun Alexander does not seem to be the back that he used to be and add to that the fact that the NFC West was arguably the weakest division in the NFL this season. Also, go back and look at the Seahawk's schedule. They only beat one team that has a record above .500. That was Tampa Bay early in the season before they had their act together. The Redskins will be a great challenge for them. 28-20 Redskins on this one. Watch out Dallas.
John Meehan: Redskins - Call me biased because I just so happen to reside in our nation's capital, and all... but the 'Skins have absolutely been ON FIRE for the past month plus. True, the Washington media is never particularly known for its probing insight or lack of bias when it comes to reporting on their beloved sports teams (as compared to, say, the NYC media -- who have absolutely ZERO problem calling for Eli's head on a platter on any given Monday morning), but this is one of those rare occasions where I think the kind folks from The Washington Post (Kornheiser and Wilbon, for example) are hitting the nail right on the head: The 'Skins are playing the best football they have all season. No reason to bet against them just yet.
Ian Smart: Seahawks - From nearly every vantage point, the Washington Redskins have the advantage in this match up. They are riding the emotional tidal wave in the wake of Sean Taylor's death, they are hitting their stride at the right time, and they are going up against an underperforming Seattle Seahawks team. That being said, picking the Redskins means placing your confidence in Todd Collins during a playoff game; something that you simply cannot bring yourself to do in good conscience. The Seahawks may be underachievers, but they have an incredibly talented team, which has shown flashes of brilliance and they have one of the best front seven in the NFL. Led by NFL sack runner-up Patrick Kerney, the Seahawks will be able to put pressure on Collins early and often, forcing him to make poor throws and limit the downfield presence of Antwaan Randle El and Santana Moss. On offence, the Seahawks can rely on their multi-pronged passing attack to exploit weaknesses in the Redskins secondary and put points on the board, and if Shaun Alexander can get on track they should be able to protect the lead at home.
Sat: Redskins - I would not be surprised to see Seattle win because they are a good team and they will be a home. But, something tells me that the Redskins are going to win here. They have an impressive running game and they are motivated to win for their fallen teammate. Add the fact that they got hot at the right time and I see them winning and going to Dallas next week.
The 411: Redskins 6 Seahawks 1
January 5, 2008
No. 5 Jaguars (11-5) at No. 4 Steelers (10-6)
Justin Pelletier: Jaguars - Technically another upset but Jacksonville is the hottest team (south of Boston, Mass) heading into the playoffs. Add to that the facts that the Jags boast TWO pro bowl quality running backs and the Steelers losing theirs and Jacksonville advances.
Ken Schmidt: Steelers - I rode the Jags wagon since preseason and people told me I was stupid, they can't do it with Garrard. Well I was right and I am going to be right again. America is loving the Jags to be the upset team this year and upset everyone in the playoffs. Once America starts thinking that way they blow it, plus I love the same season revenge storyline here.
Larry Csonka: The Pittsburgh Steelers - The Pittsburgh Steelers suffered a close loss to the Jags not that long ago, but that served notice for the team to step up and they rolled over the Rams after that. The bad news is that Willie Parker is gone for the season, and we know the running game is the lifeline of the Steelers team. Last week the Steelers rested the big guns, and I feel they are ready for this. Davenport is severely underrated by many, and while he doesn't have some skills Parker does, his experience and knowledge will be valuable. The Steelers avenge the previous loss and keep rolling.
Nick Wallander: Jags - Pittsburgh just seems to be in limbo since mid season and were lucky that the Browns didn't win one more this season. Of course it does not help that Willie Parker went and got himself put on injured reserve. Najeh Davenport is a capable backup. I should know this since he was up here in Green Bay all those years. However, all he was to us was a backup and the guy who shit in some girl's dorm room closet. He was no Ahman Green, and is definitely not a long term solution for replacing Parker. Expect to see the Jags pound the ball on the ground and run all over the Steelers just like they did back in week 15. Jaguars take this one 34-17
John Meehan: Steelers - Unlike Czonka, I'm no Steel-City fanboy -- so I really don't see the need to waste keystrokes debunking that "served notice wake-up call" myth that he so readily dispensed. But what I can say is that 'dem Stillers are notoriously tough, ESPECIALLY a) in cold weather, b) at home, and c) in the playoffs. Plus (Fast Willy or not), they've looked absolutely terrible in at least three of their last five games and *should* be playing like they've got something to prove. The 'Jags are impressive, no doubt, and I expect them to play some great football... but I'm thinking their offense is just a bit too one-dimensional to come out ahead of the Steel Curtain when all's said and done.
Ian Smart: Jaguars - Over the last four weeks, the Pittsburgh Steelers have struggled defensively, allowing over twenty points in each of those games. Jacksonville has looked strong as of late, and has the momentum going into Heinz field having between the Steelers the last time they were there. The absence of Willie Parker is a back-breaker for the Steelers, because Big Ben will now be more heavily relied upon, and will need to utilize an underneath passing game, which he is not as a accustom to using. The Jaguars will use edge blitzes to force Roethlisberger out of the pocket and exploit the mismatch at the left tackle spot since the Steelers will be down to their third stringer Trai Essex. Pressure from the Jaguars front four will force the Steelers to rely heavily on Najeh Davenport's ability to pound through the heart of the Jags defence. When the teams met in December the Jags managed to sack Roethlisberger 5 times; the absence of Parker and the vulnerability at left tackle will only make Big Ben even more susceptible to pressure from the front seven. The one-two punch of Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew were able to run well against the Steelers in December and they will likely be able to replicate their performances, controlling the time of possession game, especially since the Steelers will be without Defensive End Aaron Smith. With the poor field conditions in Pittsburgh look for Troy Polamalu to spend much of the game up in the box in an attempt to neutralize the Jaguars' run game or to line up in man coverage against Jones Drew in short yardage situations to marginalize the screen pass, which the Jags use to pick first downs in key situations.
Sat: Jaguars - I really like the Jaguars in this situation. First, the Jaguars have already defeated the Steelers at home this season. During that game, Pittsburgh had Willie Parker and they will not have him this time around. The Steelers also have injuries on their offense line and they will be missing their defensive end. Plus, Jacksonville's big three will be rested because they did not play the previous week.
The 411: Jaguars 4 Steelers 3
January 6, 2008
No. 5 Giants (10-6) at No. 4 Buccaneers (9-7)
Justin Pelletier: Giants - Another upset based on the running game. Brandon Jacobs is back in full effect and his bruising runs will be enough to bail out Eli, if he gets erratic. Tampa been a nice team all year but they just don't give me the impression of a team poised to make a run.
Ken Schmidt: Bucs - This is the showdown of the two quarterbacks the differentiate a good playoff team and a bad one. Eli makes mistakes and he makes them a lot, playing the Bucs, a team with a stellar D will kill them in this game. Meanwhile, the Bucs play to win in sneaky fashion, no QB mistakes, great run attack, great D, beware of this team.
Larry Csonka: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Everyone is happy because the Giants fought the good fight against the Patriots, they went out there and played hard when they didn't have too. Well, that is going to bite them in the ass. They should have rested the team as well as they could have, because last year they crashed down the stretch. That will happen again here as The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be ready and be running on that Garcia magic. Plus Eli sucks.
Nick Wallander: Bucs - I am not sure I had a good reason for picking the Buccaneers in this win. Something feels right about it. They are the home team and managed to win their division. The Giants struggled to make the playoffs. Both teams have great defenses that get pressure on the quarterback. Some will argue that the Giants have the offensive edge between these two teams. Sure, maybe they scored a few more points this season, but that doesn't mean jack when you are playing in January. I see this one coming down to which quarterback plays better. Jeff Garcia has won a few playoff games during the course of his career. He doesn't make many mistakes and that is key in the playoffs. Eli Manning on the other hand doesn't always bring his A game. He might be the liability on this New York team. I envision Garcia showing the kid how it is done in the playoffs. Bucs blow out the Giants with a great defensive effort 24-6. Then they head up to Green Bay for hot cocoa.
John Meehan: Giants - Ignoring the facts that Eli Manning is all sorts of inconsistent, that Jeremy Shockey is done for the year, and that the G-Men simply forgot how to put points on the board in the second half of last week's showdown against New England, the bottom line is that the Giants are still a very, very good football team, and they boast one of the most impressive defensive lineups in the NFC. If "defenses win championships" and we see good games out of Osi, Strahan and the rest of the boys in blue, there is no reason to believe that the New York Football Giants aren't going to walk away victorious. This weekend, at least.
Ian Smart: Buccaneers - Despite an impressive showing against the undefeated Patriots, Tampa Bay represents an enormous challenge for the New York Giants. The Buccaneers finished the regular season ranked second in the NFL in yards allowed per game (278.4) and third in points surrendered (16.9 per game); they were also No. 1 against the pass, allowing just 170.5 yards a game. Offensively the Buccaneers will be well rested an in the competent hands of Jeff Garcia, who is not a dynamic Quarterback, but is talented and has great patience and an ability to take what the defense gives him. The Giants strategy will likely be to come out firing – similar to what they did in week seventeen- which could cause Eli Manning to try and do too much against Monte Kiffin's defense, leading to some early troubles and potential turnovers. On the other side of the ball, the Giants pass-rush is overrated and inconsistent as Osi Umenyiora and Michael Strahan failed to register a sack in 9 and 10 games respectively; look for Justin Tuck to be used on passing downs to add pressure. The Giants success will depend heavily on their ability to put pressure on Jeff Garcia and if they can find holes in the Buccaneers stingy defense, neither of which I can foresee them doing effectively.
Sat: Buccaneers - I have no faith in the Giants. They can be really good one week and awful the next. But, that is not the reason why I am picking the Buccaneers. My reasons for picking the Buccaneers are for two reasons. These two reasons are that the Buccaneers are at home and the fact that they do not turn the ball over that much. Plus, I think the Giants will be spent from battling the Patriots last week.
The 411: Buccaneers 5 Giants 2
January 6, 2008
No. 6 Titans (10-6) at No. 3 Chargers (11-5)
Justin Pelletier: Chargers - The upsets stop here. San Diego is hitting on all cylinders and have the best player in the league taking hand offs. Tennessee got in by the skin of its teeth and even, miracle worker, Vince Young can't disguise the fact that the team has no other legitimate weapons against a team like the Chargers.
Ken Schmidt: Chargers - A no brainer here the Titans just aren't ready. They snuck into the playoffs thanks to Cleveland's huge choke job. They are lucky to be here but LT and the Chargers take this by 10.
Larry Csonka: The San Diego Chargers - To me this is the real toss up game. Both teams have looked great at times, but at other times have looked absolutely atrocious. The San Diego Chargers should easily have the advantage, Vince is hurt for Tennessee and in all honesty, The Chargers are just a more well rounded team. And that is why I have selected them to win.
Nick Wallander: Tennessee - Notice how I picked three out of four road teams this week? Well, that is because all of the wild card teams came out of real competitive divisions this year. It was two divisions to be exact. They were the NFC East and the best division in football, the AFC South. Tennessee managed to go 10-6 while battling Jacksonville, Indianapolis, and the emerging Houston Texans twice this season. The Chargers on the other hand were at one point 1-3 and looking to go nowhere. Some would argue that they turned their season around. I would argue that they just sucked less than the rest of their division. Also, I get the sense that Tennessee is the type of team that is going to find a way to win important games. So I see them squeaking this one out, potentially in overtime, 20-17.
John Meehan: Chargers - The 2007 Titans remind me a lot of the 'Pats of last year: a great team, alright -- but one that's certainly seen better seasons, and ultimately one that's been more lucky than good when it counted the most. Their backdoor entry into the playoffs was no exception, and I just don't think their luck will hold out long enough to make any real dent in the postseason. Of course, the 'Bolts have been equally spotty this year... but I'm gonna' give the edge to San Diego simply because their bread-and-butter run offense has traditionally been a smart bet in January.
Ian Smart: Chargers - In no other game will the Quarterback matchup be as important as it is in this game; both Phillip Rivers and Vince Young will look to overcome disappointing regular seasons and lead their team to victory. In their last meeting Rivers' early mistakes nearly cost the Chargers the game, but they were able to persevere and take the win in an incredibly physical game. Their success was largely due to LaDainian Tomlinson's 146 yard rushing performance and the ineffectiveness of Vince Young throwing the ball. The Chargers hold the edge in nearly every personnel matchup and will likely be able to use their speed advantage on both sides of the ball to maintain control in this game. The Titans also enter the game with injury troubles. Kevin Mawae- who has missed the last two weeks with a calf injury-, guard Benji Olson (back), defensive end Albert Haynesworth (hamstring), defensive end Antwan Odom (team decision), running back Chris Brown (back) and Lendale White (knee) all missed Wednesday's practice, while Vince Young (quad) and wide receiver Roydell Williams (ankle) were limited due to injury; the Titans will also be without their third leading receiver tight end Bo Scaife. Mawae has the important task of blocking the returning Jamal Williams who will be looking to clog up the lanes of the fifth ranked running offense in the NFL. This will be another physical matchup between these two teams, which make these injuries all the more significant, especially those on the lines. In the end, the Chargers will simply be too much for the Titans to handle.
Sat: Chargers I really like the Chargers here. The Chargers have been on a roll as of late and they have just been beating team up. I was worried about the Chargers early in the season, but they have played awesome down the stretch. The Tennessee Titans have a ton of banged up players and I do not even see them putting up a fight.
Well good choices all! I saw this up a little late, otherwise I would have joined in. I'm moderatley shocked at the lack of love for the Seahawks and Giants. The Redskins HAVE been playing well lately but I think the Seahawks have been a consistantly good team all year long and deserve some credit. As for the Giants? Sorry, I'm not sold on the Bucs. The Giants convinced me to buy in with their performance last week. Whatever the case, good job guys. I hope to get in on the round table next week!
Posted By: Derek Robbins (Registered) on January 04, 2008 at 04:53 PM
"but I'm gonna' give the edge to San Diego simply because their bread-and-butter run offense has traditionally been a smart bet in January. " ....yeah, because falling short in the playoffs in consecutive years makes them a smart bet.
Posted By: uh (Guest) on January 04, 2008 at 06:32 PM
No love for the Seahawks? Underwhelming I will give you, weak division - also a yes. However, take a good look at the Seahawks' D. They have FOUR Pro Bowlers on defense this year - all starters - for the first time in years. This is no coincidence. Julian Peterson and Patrick Kerney have been monsters this year, and Lofa Tatupu has been the real deal from day one. I agree that the Seattle running game needs to wake up and quick, but I also want remind everyone that this team has incredible explosive ability on offense. The defense was 4th in the NFL in sacks this year, and the front 7 has been the best in a decade. I agree the Redskins pose a serious threat, and are playing some solid ball, but no one better underestimate the small, fast and physical Seattle defense that is often overshadowed by their star QB. There will be lots of hard hits and hopefully a good football game!
Posted By: Matt G (Guest) on January 05, 2008 at 01:57 AM
6 out of 7 morons pick the redskins to beat the Seahawks. Funny how the only one (not a moron) who actually had any detailed, intelligent predictions about the game picked the Seahawks.
GO SEAHAWKS!!!!!!!!!
Posted By: seahawks (Guest) on January 05, 2008 at 09:06 PM
What did I say? Seahawks D puts up more than a dozen QB hits, 4 sacks and 14 points. Hate to say "I told you so," but.......
Posted By: Matt (Guest) on January 05, 2008 at 11:24 PM
Good picks so far Larry you fuckin dickhead
Posted By: FuckCsonka (Guest) on January 06, 2008 at 10:46 AM
Yeah baby, go Giants! Great win for Eli and gang.
Posted By: Ramon Aranda (Registered) on January 06, 2008 at 11:48 PM
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