Championship week predictions

by | Jan 18, 2009 | NFL Gambling

It was another 2-2 week during the divisional round of the playoffs – given the way some of these games have gone, I’ll take that.

Still, as good as Arizona has looked thus far and as much as Sir Whoopass likes to come on here and rip on my picking against them, I still apparently haven’t learned my lesson.

I just don’t think the Cardinals are that good – yet. Or, maybe I just can’t picture them in the Super Bowl.

My picks for this week? An All-Pennsylvania Super Bowl.

Philadelphia (-3) at Arizona: This is the week the bubble bursts – although I am convinced that if the Cardinals continue to emphasize the run they’ll not only make this a game, but they’ll be damn good next season as well.

Baltimore (+6) at Pittsburgh: This is a tough one. I’d be more comfortable betting the under 34. But in the game itself I think the battle-tested Steelers stop the run and rattle the rookie Flacco just enough to hang on for the win, something like 13-6.

Cardinals discover running game, advance to NFC Championship game

by | Jan 11, 2009 | NFL News, NFL Random Thoughts

A funny thing happened when the NFL playoffs began. The Arizona Cardinals, most people’s pick as the worst of eight division champions, discovered a rushing attack they’d been missing most of the season. In doing so, they’ve taken an already explosive offense and turned it dominant.

The Cardinals benefited throughout the season from playing in a weak NFC West division, sweeping six games against those foes. They struggled outside the division, especially in games on the east coast.

That’s why, heading into the playoffs, many figured Arizona would lose the first home playoff game the organization had hosted since the Cardinals were in Chicago in 1947.

Even those who thought they’d get past Atlanta in the first round had to be shocked by their dominance in dismantling Carolina Saturday night.

So let’s take a look at some numbers.

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Divisional playoff predictions

by | Jan 10, 2009 | NFL Gambling, NFL Picks

Hmm. Getting going a little late this afternoon, but so it goes. Here are my picks – both straight up and against the spread (Last week’s record 2-2):

Baltimore at Tennessee: Baltimore
I like the way the Ravens were playing at the end of the season. The defense should largely bottle up the Titans’ potent run game. It’ll be a low scoring game decided in the fourth quarter.

Arizona at Carolina: Carolina
Arizona mysteriously discovered a run game last week and it helped surprise and beat Atlanta. That won’t happen this week. The Panthers will be the dominant ground team and they’ll pull away in the second half to win handily.

Philadelphia at New York Giants: Giants
I think this is the most compelling game of the weekend. Both teams are playing well. In another low-scoring battle, I expect home field will win out in the end. The Giants’ three-headed run attack will wear down the Eagles just enough to pull it out.

San Diego at Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh
San Diego has been on a roll of late, but they’re heading into the cold weather minus a full-strength LaDainian Tomlinson. Not that Sproles isn’t a solid replacement, but the Steelers defense is too good for the Chargers to win at less than full strength.

Through good economic times and bad NFL keeps plugging along

by | Jan 8, 2009 | Business of Football, NFL Random Thoughts

While fans, media and other observers – even its own players – can occasionally and justifiably rip on the National Football League for being a bit stodgy and anti-fun over some of the rules that have been instituted over the years (see penalty and fine for Wes Welker’s snow angel) there’s no questioning the league’s strength in good economic times or bad.

While the news pages are filled these days with news of job loss, mortgage foreclosures and corporate fraud, the NFL keeps extending and adding corporate sponsors to the tune of seven and eight figure deals.

The Memphis Business Journal Wednesday reported that FedEx would cut its marketing budget by more than 25 percent for 2009, a move the company disclosed on its blog.

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Home teams take Saturday playoff games

by | Jan 3, 2009 | NFL Random Thoughts

Well, like I always say … or maybe should start saying, never bet against the home team in the playoffs.

San Diego dominated Indianapolis in the second Wild Card game Saturday evening. Though the overtime 23-17 score might not show it, if it weren’t for a fumble inside the five yard line and a defensive breakdown allowing Reggie Wayne to catch a 72 yard touchdown pass from Peyton Manning, the Chargers would have won hands down – as both John Madden and Matt Millen said on the NBC Post game coverage.

In the early game I underestimated the degree to which Kurt Warner’s veteran presence could impact the game. He outplayed rookie Matt Ryan in the Cardinals’ win over Atlanta. Interesting to see was the re-emergence of Edgerrin James, who was benched at mid-season and didn’t get more than a handful of carries until last week.

His 73 yards rushing gave Arizona a rare dual threat offense and he helped open up the passing game. I think James’ presence was the difference in the game.

At any rate, Saturday provided two exciting and interesting playoff games. If the Sunday games are as entertaining the NFL should be more than happy with its weekend.