Arizona : Boldin and Fitz tower over Atlanta’s DB’s. James is running for one more big paycheck from another team when he is released. Arizona also plays pretty good at home.
Baltimore: I like the Ryan Defense and an offense that actually moves the ball. A close game, but I feel Baltimore D gets it done.
Philly: Inside the dome, they will box AP from running over them to much and will use Westbrook on shot passes to get him past the Williams twins in the middle of the Vike’s D
San Diego: I know the Colts should take this one, but San Diego will play them tough. Not sure why but I think if any of the underdogs will suprise us it will be them.
Also, expect Boldin to start the contract bitching as soon as the season is over. TO and Chad Johnson haven’t exactly distinguished themselves this year so Boldin could be in a strong position to demand a trade or a very lucrative new deal. So, Boldin wants very much to have a good run in the playoffs.
Just letting you guys in the NFL threads know I’m trying to run a contest to predict the results of the playoffs and everyone is welcome to submit an entry.
As an Eagles fan, I agree with all that, actually. The difference is that the Eagle’s D is just as good as Minnesota’s. I’m seeing a 21-10, 17-13 kinda game, with Minny making more turnovers.
Boldin was complaining during training camp about his contract. However, once the season started, he shut up and played. He came back 2 weeks after getting carted off the field in a frightening hit on a meaningless play in a blowout loss to the Jets.
He’s also been hurt the past two weeks. Boldin is scheduled to return for the playoffs and this will be a time for him to shine in front of a national audience. He is under contract for 2 more years so there isn’t too much he can except bitch. Still, depending on if the Cardinals decide to bring back Kurt Warner or not, Boldin might be traded in the off season. If the Cards decide to let Warner go and start Leinart, then I could see Boldin traded. The Cards are going to let Edge go after this year, so we need a running back.
If I were a betting man, I’d put money on all four home underdogs. I know the numbers are all close to even, but nothing beats taking a home underdog in the playoffs (used to even more true before the expansion to 8 divisions, leading to some weaker division champs).
But I’ll pick only three - San Diego, Arizona and Miami. I think Philly wins the first of four on the road in Minnesota.
Unfortunately for Minnesota, you’re probably right; I think lately someone started greasing up the Viking’s uniforms or something. Turnovers could easily kill the Vikes, just as they did in the game against Atlanta, where Minnesota outplayed Atlanta in almost every way, but coughed up the ball so many times that several Minnesotans that I know of nearly broke their TV sets in rage.
I predict that Favre will throw at least two interceptions in this game. I realize he’s not expected to play, but his propensity to heave the ball up for grabs is so strong that I think it’s wise to assume he’ll find a way.
I gotta say - between the dome, wearing purple, and not being able to sell out a fucking home playoff game (as of last night, at least) - I think I’ve got to root against the Vikings.
I predict that since Favre has lots of free time on his hands, he will make the trek to all four Wild Card games and throw at least one interception for each team.
There’s no one in the playoffs I’d feel too good about rooting for. Tennessee I guess - run and play defense outdoors team.
Arizona - I generally like to see consistently bad teams finally succeed for a change, but the way they just laid down 2 weeks ago because there was some snow was pathetic.
Atlanta - Atlanta football fans are some of the saddest bandwagon fans in the NFL. If they aren’t successful with big stars their attendance per game is -4.
Minnesota. They can’t sell out a home playoff game? Dome team? PURPLE? Fuck them.
Colts - Fuck Tony Dungy and his wink wink nod nod laying over week 17 2007 bullshit.
Miami - I guess I don’t feel too strongly about them. I guess I should root for them as an underdog story - 1-15 to 11-5 and deep in the playoffs would be a nice story.
Baltimore - Stabbin’ Ray and friends will hopefully all be pulled from the game in the middle of the first half due to STD-related complications. Then Baltimore should be nuked from orbit, since it’s the only way to be sure.
Pittsburgh - There will be a big upsurge in genetic problems in the Pittsburgh area if the Steelers win as their sister-humping hilljack fanbase forgets to use condoms in their elation over the victory.
Philly - I sort of have a soft spot for any city whose fanbase becomes notorious. I guess they’re alright.
Carolina - nothing really to object to, nothing really stands out. I guess a Titans-Panthers superbowl would be pretty unobjectionable.
Giants - I’ve been starting to like them despite my general hatred for New York sports teams as a rule.
I was actually hoping for the Pats to make the playoffs despite hating Boston teams as much or more. I wanted to see what Belichick could do without Brady. Would’ve certainly made things interesting.
Matt Ryan finally looked like a rookie on that throw (the INT with 2:40 left in the third). He looked like Eli Manning from 2006, tossing it up for grabs.