We should have seen this coming. At least in a couple of the games. In case I missed something, Norv Turner is still the coach of the Chargers and Wade Phillips is still coaching the Cowboys. So why is it that so many people thought somehow instantly these guys could win big playoff games. Let’s face it, these teams are never going to make a run deep into the playoffs with those guys on the sidelines. Somehow, Wade and his stout defense of the last few weeks was made to look bad by Brad Childress? Really? Yep Dallas, its that bad. Unfortunately for Cowboys and Chargers fans, both of those guys have been told they will be back for next season. Expect more of the same. Rex Ryan on the other hand is showing the league his worth immediatly. The defense for the Jets turned in another huge performance proving to everyone that defense still wins games in this league. That sets us up for a couple of interesting matchups this week. Let’s get on with the picks. After week 2 Chad is 4-4 and John is 2-6.
 New York Jets vs. |
Chad: I’ve given up knowing what to expect when the Jets step onto the field. I, along with the rest of the world, have picked against them the last 2 weeks and they have proven me wrong. I think everyone has to agree that Rex Ryan has his defense playing better than any defense in the league. Opposing coaches just have no idea what to expect and the Jets are imposing their will on offense. But, the Jets have not yet squared off against Peyton Manning. I think we are seeing in Peyton Manning the best cerebral quaterback to ever play the game. His grasp on the offense is better than any coach, much less player. If he gets a little help from his defense and they can contain the running attack of the Jets, I expect Peyton to do what it takes to win. Colts |
| John: Shakespeare wrote great tragic plays, the Jets wrote a tragic playoffs. The tragedy being that they won two games, and now we may have the most uninteresting AFC Championship game since the Bills beat the Raiders 51-3 in the 1990 championship game. The Colts are methodical, predictable, but successful. They are great at what they do, which happens to be winning. The Jets are somewhat exciting in that they are a surprise to get here, but you know exactly what they will do: run, run some more, and let Sanchez make short passes to keep the D honest. There’s just no flash to this game. I must admit Sanchez has played well in the playoffs, and has made very few mistakes. However, the best D in the post season belongs to the team that he will be looking up at all game. I think that this game will be closer than many expect, and the Jets will not go down without a fight. My decision is based on one thing: I can’t bet against Peyton, he’s just too dang good. Colts |
 Minnesota Vikings vs. |
Chad: This is the game we have all been waiting for. Its Favre against Brees. The two best teams of the NFC squaring off and the footballs will be flying all over the field. Reggie Bush and the running game stepped up big last week for the Saints, and they will need a lot more of that if they hope to stand a chance against that Vikings D. Jared Allen and the boys made Dallas’ O-line look like chumps last week, and I don’t see New Orleans doing any better unless the running game comes alive for a second week. Speaking of running games, the Saints don’t exactly have a great run D. You think Adrian Peterson is aware of that? My guess is that he is, and if Brad Childress has the guts to tell Favre to hand him the ball a lot late in the game, I think the Vikings dance into the SuperBowl. Just please don’t let it be with anther Favre “Pants on the ground”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONmEVro8Fog&feature=player_embedded in the locker room. Vikings |
| John: Well, well. If it isn’t the match up that everyone has talked about all year. We have #1 & #2 facing off for the right to play for all the marbles. Honestly you might be able to call this the best game of the year, not only because of the stakes, but because there are good arguments that these are the best two teams in the NFL. Between Favre’s quest to win one more and the entire city of NO riding their team’s success, I think that this game will be intense. I’m pretty sure I can feel the electricity from the game already. Normal football thought would say that because these are such offensive oriented teams and we’re expecting lots of points the game will be a low scoring struggle. This match up defies the norm. I think that the Minn pass rush will give NO trouble, but I also believe that they have enough ways to score that they will adapt. I think we are in for a great show with 50-60 combined points possible. When it comes down to it, I’m going with who I’d like to see win. Saints |
