Round one of the NFL Playoffs is behind us, and the lesson that "anyone can win on any given Sunday (or Saturday)" has been reinforced.
Last week, I had projected the Saints to win AND cover the 10+ point spread in Seattle. So much for that.
Seattle 41 - New Orleans 36
Seattle, down by ten points on two different occasions, overcame their slow start to outpace the Saints. Ahead 24-20 at the half, Seattle didn't look back and held on for the victory. Matt Hasselbeck proved his toughness, playing after having fluid drained from his hip. The Seahawks became the first team in NFL with a losing record to win a playoff game, and they also broke a record by winning after being down by ten points against a highly touted New Orleans team. Jokes were abounding-one person said that "Coach Payton was contemplating whether or not to rest his starters in the first round." A poor attitude to have when playing a team with nothing to lose.
Game Ball:
Marshawn Lynch. Despite Hasselbeck's rousing performance, his run sealed the deal for Seattle and was a perfect snapshot of this team's will and determination. He had 19 carries, 131 yards, and an average of 6.9 yards per carry.
New York 17 - Indianapolis 16
Colts' coach Jim Caldwell has moved himself into the "Clock Mismanagement Club" alongside Andy Reid, and Mike McCarthy. FYI: Only one of these coaches is still in the playoffs...he just mismanages the clock more efficiently. I would much rather allow my opponent to kick a 30-something yard field goal as opposed to a 50-something yarder. After all, it's good to be generous this time of year. Peyton Manning put the Colts in position to win and then had to watch as the Jets took advantage of Indy's defense-and poor coaching.
Game Ball:
LaDanian Tomlinson. 16 carries for 82 yards and two touchdowns.
Baltimore 30 - Kansas City 7
This game was close in the first half, but eventually the Chiefs couldn't hold back the Ravens. The Chiefs, who allowed 27 unanswered points, turned the ball over five times to a stingy Baltimore defense. They were able to do what New Orleans was not. Kansas City's youth was on display, but so was their promise, as this team looks to have a solid foundation for the future.
Game Ball:
Joe Flacco. He was 25/34 for 265 yards, 2 touchdowns, and no interceptions. (Compare that to Matt Cassel's 0-TD and 3-INT performance).
Green Bay 21 - Philadelphia 16
This game came down to the wire after Green Bay let off the gas and afforded Vick & Company the opportunity to make it a close one. The Eagles were nearly successful, but Vick got excited, chucked one downfield, and was intercepted in the endzone with close to 30 seconds remaining in the game.
Game Ball:
Aaron Rodgers. 18/27 for 180 yards, 3 TDs. Great game by an elite quarterback on the road in a rough environment.
PREDICTIONS
SATURDAY, JANUARY 15TH
Baltimore @ Pittsburgh
One player said this was "Armageddon." The two teams split their season series, each winning at the opponent's home field. The difference this time? Pittsburgh has a week of rest, is less banged up, and home field is different in the playoffs. Regardless of who has had rest and who hasn't, these teams always play a close, hard-hitting game. Mike Wallace will make the biggest impact offensively.
Prediction:
Pittsburgh 17 - Baltimore 16
Green Bay @ Atlanta
Atlanta has had some time to rest after laying a goose egg against the Saints, and beating Carolina. The Panthers? Want to go cheap, looking to rebuild. The Packers? Looking to keep rolling. I firmly believe that Aaron Rodgers is a better QB than Matt Ryan, and it will show in this game. Green Bay has it on the road.
Prediction:
Green Bay 24 - Atlanta 17
SUNDAY, JANUARY 16TH
Seattle @ Chicago
Seattle comes into Chicago after having pulled off one of the greatest playoff upsets to ever occur. Seattle might be able to hassle Jay Cutler-if their front seven can be on top of their game. Regardless, "Da Bears" will be well prepared and well rested. Don't expect them to lose at home against a makeshift Seahawks squad.
Prediction:
Chicago 28 - Seattle 14
NY Jets @ New England
Everything seems to be personal with Rex "Nice Foot" Ryan. It was personal with Manning, and now it's personal with Belichick. Perhaps the Patriots' 40+ points beatdown of New York in Foxborough earlier this season has something to do with it. Every Jets victory over New England seems to be close, while the Patriots are seemingly able to blow the Jets out of the water when they win. New England has had rest, more time to prepare for Ryan's scheming, and they are the home team. Advantage: New England.
Prediction:
New England 34 - New York 14
If we've learned anything this year, it's that you should never pick a road team laying 10+ points, especially if they're a dome team playing outdoors. It's a good thing I wasn't stupid enough to put any money on that pick. Sorry if you were. I guess Vegas always does win.
Enjoy your week and remember, stay classy.
