Monday, February 4, 2008
Giant Killers
What can I say --- when I'm wrong, I'm WRONG. Anyhow, just getting this post out of the way (I'm going to take some time off to try to heal my psyche). Congratulations to the Giants, who really deserved to win, congratulations to the Pats for an otherwise perfect season, and congratulations to the RTSP for thoroughly kicking her old man's butt in the playoff prognostications.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Super Bowl, Baby!!!
I know it's been a while since the last post, but such is life with kids. Speaking of kids, my little girl kicked my butt on championship weekend, going 2-0. I, of course, went 0-2. Nothing shocking there. Hopefully, this week I can save a little face.
Before we jump into the thoughts around the Super Bowl, here's a link that I told CW I'd post. Enjoy.
Since this weekend marks the 6th Super Bowl appearance by the Pats, I thought I'd share some thoughts from the first 5. Feel free to click the comment link below and add your fondest memories.
Super Bowl XX - Chicago 46, NE 10
I had just turned 14, and though I'd been watching the Super Bowl for some time (the earliest that I can remember is Oakland vs. Philadelphia), this was the first one that I watched EVERY play of. Actually, now that I think about it, this might say a lot about why I turned out the way I did! What an experience. I watched the game with my buddy Jeff, and by the half he was ready to turn it off. I should've listened, but the optimist in me kept saying that they could make something happen. On the plus side, they scored the first points (a field goal that should've been a TD) and the last points (whoppee!). Of course, the Bears scored 46 points in between. I'm just thankful that a few years later the 49er's pummeled the Broncos 55-10 to take the Pats off the hook for the biggest Super Bowl throttling. I'm also thankful that the Pats never did anything as embarrassing as this.
Super Bowl XXXI - Green Bay 35, NE 21
I really don't like Desmond Howard. The man torched the Pats, and ended up becoming the game MVP as a SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER. Unreal. The biggest sucker-punch was right after the Pats had scored a TD to pull within 7 (28-21). Howard ran the ensuing kick-off back 99 yards to account for the final score of the game. On the plus side, this was the first year that I made my now famous Jambalaya. Trust me, it's tasty.
Super Bowl XXXVI - NE 20, St. Louis 17
Awesome. Just awesome. I don't even know where to start. So many great memories from this game, but I'll just comment on the two most obvious. Right at the beginning, you got the sense that something special was going to happen. After the Rams were introduced in the traditional fashion (the starters, individually), the Pats chose to come out as a TEAM. As a sports fan, as a Pats fan, it's hard to describe how this made me feel. I was bursting with pride to be a supporter of these guys. Of course the second major moment was the game-winner. Beyond the exhultation of seeing them win, two thoughts stand out. At the beginning of the game-winning drive, I could not believe that Madden said they should take a knee and play for OT (to be fair, he often pokes fun at himself for doing this). The way I looked at it (and I thought this was an obvious point) was that best case scenario, the Pats would win the toss in OT and probably be back where they were at this moment. Why not go for it in regulation? Regarding the kick, as excited as I was (literally jumping up and down), my psyche was so damaged as a NE sports fan that I didn't realize the game was over. I honestly thought there was still a couple of seconds on the clock, and that the Rams would have a chance to run the kick-off back. That wasn't the case, though, and now we Pats fans have a whole new outlook on things.
Super Bowl XXXVIII - NE 32, Carolina 29
Another game that came down to the final seconds. This was an unusual one, in that the first half was pretty much all defense, and the second half was a shoot-out. Of course, we all know what half-time was. As good a game as this was, my clearest memory (aside from the game-winning kick) is from the half-time show. This was the last Super Bowl party that I've been to, and all the guys that were watching the game went downstairs to shoot pool until the second half started. I decided to stay and watch the half-time show with my mom and my soon-to-be wife. I watched the beginning of the Janet Jackson performance, then I'd seen enough so I got up to use the bathroom. No sooner had I entered the bathroom, I heard my fiancee scream out "Is that her boob?". I've never moved so fast in my life. What can I say? There's a few phrases that can get you moving, and that's one of them. Anyway, thanks to Janet (Miss Jackson, if you're nasty), I almost wound up like the hero of this movie. That's enough about that.
Super Bowl XXXIX - NE 24, Philadelphia 21
This one wasn't as exciting as the final score would indicate. To be honest, I don't really have many interesting recollections about this game, other than two thoughts about the Eagles. First, think what you want about the guy, but Terrell Owens can PLAY. The guy came back from a pretty bad injury (I think he lost a limb or something), and pulled in 9 catches for over a hundred yards. That's big time. Second, the Eagles killed themselves on their last scoring drive. They couldn't get out of their own way, and ended up taking WAY too much time off the clock. That's all I got.
Now on to the big pick. Since she wiped the floor with me last week, I'll let the little one go first. Also, she's been upgraded to the Roaming the Sidelines PRINCESS (RTSP).
RTSP's Pick: New York (taking the points). I've actually managed to get her psyched-up to cheer for the Pats. I'll take it.
New England Patriots over New York Giants (+12) 6:18pm, Sunday
I feel good about this game, even with the point spread. I really think that the Pats are going to win in a blow-out. I know that the Giants have been playing some good football for the past 5 weeks, but I don't think it will be enough. The first time they played, the Pats didn't put much pressure on Manning until the second half, and that really made a difference. Also, I don't think you can put too much emphasis on the fact that the Pats have been here before (10 players have been on all 3 championship teams). I think that this can be highlighted just by the behavior during the past week. Most importantly, I think the 2-week layoff is going to adversely effect the Giants. I liken it to the past World Series. Colorado was the hottest team in baseball, then they had to wait something like 8 days between the NLCS and the World Series, which obviously affected their momentum. So at the risk of jinxing the Pats, I'm feeling pretty good about Sunday. Plus they inspired this pretty cool tune.
Hopefully, we'll have a happy re-cap next week!
Before we jump into the thoughts around the Super Bowl, here's a link that I told CW I'd post. Enjoy.
Since this weekend marks the 6th Super Bowl appearance by the Pats, I thought I'd share some thoughts from the first 5. Feel free to click the comment link below and add your fondest memories.
Super Bowl XX - Chicago 46, NE 10
I had just turned 14, and though I'd been watching the Super Bowl for some time (the earliest that I can remember is Oakland vs. Philadelphia), this was the first one that I watched EVERY play of. Actually, now that I think about it, this might say a lot about why I turned out the way I did! What an experience. I watched the game with my buddy Jeff, and by the half he was ready to turn it off. I should've listened, but the optimist in me kept saying that they could make something happen. On the plus side, they scored the first points (a field goal that should've been a TD) and the last points (whoppee!). Of course, the Bears scored 46 points in between. I'm just thankful that a few years later the 49er's pummeled the Broncos 55-10 to take the Pats off the hook for the biggest Super Bowl throttling. I'm also thankful that the Pats never did anything as embarrassing as this.
Super Bowl XXXI - Green Bay 35, NE 21
I really don't like Desmond Howard. The man torched the Pats, and ended up becoming the game MVP as a SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER. Unreal. The biggest sucker-punch was right after the Pats had scored a TD to pull within 7 (28-21). Howard ran the ensuing kick-off back 99 yards to account for the final score of the game. On the plus side, this was the first year that I made my now famous Jambalaya. Trust me, it's tasty.
Super Bowl XXXVI - NE 20, St. Louis 17
Awesome. Just awesome. I don't even know where to start. So many great memories from this game, but I'll just comment on the two most obvious. Right at the beginning, you got the sense that something special was going to happen. After the Rams were introduced in the traditional fashion (the starters, individually), the Pats chose to come out as a TEAM. As a sports fan, as a Pats fan, it's hard to describe how this made me feel. I was bursting with pride to be a supporter of these guys. Of course the second major moment was the game-winner. Beyond the exhultation of seeing them win, two thoughts stand out. At the beginning of the game-winning drive, I could not believe that Madden said they should take a knee and play for OT (to be fair, he often pokes fun at himself for doing this). The way I looked at it (and I thought this was an obvious point) was that best case scenario, the Pats would win the toss in OT and probably be back where they were at this moment. Why not go for it in regulation? Regarding the kick, as excited as I was (literally jumping up and down), my psyche was so damaged as a NE sports fan that I didn't realize the game was over. I honestly thought there was still a couple of seconds on the clock, and that the Rams would have a chance to run the kick-off back. That wasn't the case, though, and now we Pats fans have a whole new outlook on things.
Super Bowl XXXVIII - NE 32, Carolina 29
Another game that came down to the final seconds. This was an unusual one, in that the first half was pretty much all defense, and the second half was a shoot-out. Of course, we all know what half-time was. As good a game as this was, my clearest memory (aside from the game-winning kick) is from the half-time show. This was the last Super Bowl party that I've been to, and all the guys that were watching the game went downstairs to shoot pool until the second half started. I decided to stay and watch the half-time show with my mom and my soon-to-be wife. I watched the beginning of the Janet Jackson performance, then I'd seen enough so I got up to use the bathroom. No sooner had I entered the bathroom, I heard my fiancee scream out "Is that her boob?". I've never moved so fast in my life. What can I say? There's a few phrases that can get you moving, and that's one of them. Anyway, thanks to Janet (Miss Jackson, if you're nasty), I almost wound up like the hero of this movie. That's enough about that.
Super Bowl XXXIX - NE 24, Philadelphia 21
This one wasn't as exciting as the final score would indicate. To be honest, I don't really have many interesting recollections about this game, other than two thoughts about the Eagles. First, think what you want about the guy, but Terrell Owens can PLAY. The guy came back from a pretty bad injury (I think he lost a limb or something), and pulled in 9 catches for over a hundred yards. That's big time. Second, the Eagles killed themselves on their last scoring drive. They couldn't get out of their own way, and ended up taking WAY too much time off the clock. That's all I got.
Now on to the big pick. Since she wiped the floor with me last week, I'll let the little one go first. Also, she's been upgraded to the Roaming the Sidelines PRINCESS (RTSP).
RTSP's Pick: New York (taking the points). I've actually managed to get her psyched-up to cheer for the Pats. I'll take it.
New England Patriots over New York Giants (+12) 6:18pm, Sunday
I feel good about this game, even with the point spread. I really think that the Pats are going to win in a blow-out. I know that the Giants have been playing some good football for the past 5 weeks, but I don't think it will be enough. The first time they played, the Pats didn't put much pressure on Manning until the second half, and that really made a difference. Also, I don't think you can put too much emphasis on the fact that the Pats have been here before (10 players have been on all 3 championship teams). I think that this can be highlighted just by the behavior during the past week. Most importantly, I think the 2-week layoff is going to adversely effect the Giants. I liken it to the past World Series. Colorado was the hottest team in baseball, then they had to wait something like 8 days between the NLCS and the World Series, which obviously affected their momentum. So at the risk of jinxing the Pats, I'm feeling pretty good about Sunday. Plus they inspired this pretty cool tune.
Hopefully, we'll have a happy re-cap next week!
Saturday, January 19, 2008
NFL Playoffs, Conference Championship Games
Hey, at least I'm consistent. Since I apparently have no idea what I'm talking about when it comes to picking games this playoff season, I've decided to ask my almost three-year-old daughter for some insight into this week's games. I've included her picks next to mine below. For the purposes of this blog, we'll call her the Roaming the Sidelines Daughter (RTSD). Note that when I asked her why she chose her picks, she said "because they like to win" in both cases.
As a quick, non-sports related aside, I just want to say that if you're a horror/sci-fi fan, you should check out the movie Cloverfield. I just saw it today, after following the internet viral campaign since last July, and I found it to be worth the wait. I won't get into the details here, but if you want to learn more about this movie and it's back-story, check out this blog.
Last week's record 1-3 (the point spread giveth, the point spread taketh away). Now, on to the picks (home team in bold). Please note that all lines are as of the time of this writing.
New England Patriots over San Diego Chargers (+14.5) 3:00pm, Sunday
I'm actually a bit terrified about picking this game. On the one hand, I don't think that the Pats can lose this game. On the other hand, this point spread is ridiculous. The Bolts deserve credit for taking out the Colts last weekend, but I really believe that the ride ends in Foxborough. I just can't conceive of a universe where a Norv Turner coached team beats a Bill Belichick coached team in a game of this magnitude. Of course, I'm mildly concerned about what's going on with Randy Moss this week.
RTSD's Pick: San Diego --- I'm obviously quite distressed over this. Of course, if she's right we're taking a family trip to Vegas.
Green Bay Packers over New York Giants (+7.5) 6:30pm, Sunday
Green Bay should win this game, even giving the points. Keep in mind, though, that this is coming from a guy who's picked against the Giants each of the past two weeks. I will say this, if either of these teams is going to get a boost from the football gods this weekend, it will be the Giants based on this story. Have people in Wisconsin ever heard of portable DVD players? More importantly, a year ago did anyone think that we'd see the day when an opposing team was trying to get inside Eli Manning's head? It also does my heart good to know that if the football thing doesn't work out for him, Eli's been able to take a page out of his brother's book and prostitute himself out for an extra buck.
RTSD's Pick: New York.
There you have it. If the Pats secure a spot in the Super Bowl, I'll be dedicating a blog to my most vivid Super Bowl memories (especially if there's going to be a re-match of Super Bowl XXXI). If the Chargers pull off the upset, you might want to send someone to check on me --- I'm not sure how I'd handle it, but let's hope it goes better than the days following this.
As a quick, non-sports related aside, I just want to say that if you're a horror/sci-fi fan, you should check out the movie Cloverfield. I just saw it today, after following the internet viral campaign since last July, and I found it to be worth the wait. I won't get into the details here, but if you want to learn more about this movie and it's back-story, check out this blog.
Last week's record 1-3 (the point spread giveth, the point spread taketh away). Now, on to the picks (home team in bold). Please note that all lines are as of the time of this writing.
New England Patriots over San Diego Chargers (+14.5) 3:00pm, Sunday
I'm actually a bit terrified about picking this game. On the one hand, I don't think that the Pats can lose this game. On the other hand, this point spread is ridiculous. The Bolts deserve credit for taking out the Colts last weekend, but I really believe that the ride ends in Foxborough. I just can't conceive of a universe where a Norv Turner coached team beats a Bill Belichick coached team in a game of this magnitude. Of course, I'm mildly concerned about what's going on with Randy Moss this week.
RTSD's Pick: San Diego --- I'm obviously quite distressed over this. Of course, if she's right we're taking a family trip to Vegas.
Green Bay Packers over New York Giants (+7.5) 6:30pm, Sunday
Green Bay should win this game, even giving the points. Keep in mind, though, that this is coming from a guy who's picked against the Giants each of the past two weeks. I will say this, if either of these teams is going to get a boost from the football gods this weekend, it will be the Giants based on this story. Have people in Wisconsin ever heard of portable DVD players? More importantly, a year ago did anyone think that we'd see the day when an opposing team was trying to get inside Eli Manning's head? It also does my heart good to know that if the football thing doesn't work out for him, Eli's been able to take a page out of his brother's book and prostitute himself out for an extra buck.
RTSD's Pick: New York.
There you have it. If the Pats secure a spot in the Super Bowl, I'll be dedicating a blog to my most vivid Super Bowl memories (especially if there's going to be a re-match of Super Bowl XXXI). If the Chargers pull off the upset, you might want to send someone to check on me --- I'm not sure how I'd handle it, but let's hope it goes better than the days following this.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
NFL Playoffs, Round 2
Okay, I've been clean and sober for the past 7 minutes, so hopefully this week's picks will be more on the mark. Before we jump into the predictions, a quick aside about the Sox. I just got the NESN-produced DVD of the 2007 season for my birthday, and it is definitely worth picking up if you don't already have it. Great re-cap of the entire season (including post-season, obviously), and some cool special features --- including one on Buchholz's no-hitter. Good stuff.
Last week's record 1-3 (thank God for the point-spread). Now, on to the picks (home team in bold). Please note that all lines are as of the time of this writing.
Green Bay Packers over Seattle Seahawks (+7.5) 4:30pm, Saturday
Favre's magical season might come to end soon, but it shouldn't be this weekend. Seattle has a solid team, but the emotional lift that Lambeu Field provides for the home team should be enough to lift the Packers to victory. Besides, can a team whose kicker is planning on wearing heated pants really be taken seriously?
New England Patriots over Jacksonville Jaguars (+13.5) 8:00pm, Saturday
I know that this a pretty big point spread, just like I know that Jacksonville is playing some pretty good ball these days. I just don't think that they will be able to shut down Lawrence Maroney the same way that they shut down the Steelers backs. I also think that the mild weather is going to favor the Patriots passing attack. If the Pats get off to a quick lead, I'd be shocked if Garrard is able to air it out against them with much success.
Indianapolis Colts over San Diego Chargers (+10) 1:00pm, Sunday
If the Chargers had as much trouble as they did playing at home against Tennesse last weekend, how can they be expected to win in Indy? I actually think that the Colts are going to win by 3 TDs. Let's face it, FINALLY winning a playoff game last Sunday was like the Super Bowl for these guys. They're not going to have anything left for the Colts.
Dallas Cowboys over New York Giants (+7.5) 4:30pm Sunday
The Giants have had some pretty good karma going the past few weeks, but it ends now. Romo is probably bursting at the seems in anticipation of proving to everyone that having a little fun with your girlfriend does not mean that you can't focus on getting the job done. Additionally, Terrell Owens knows a thing or two about playing hurt in the money games. The only thing that remotely concerns me is the coaching match-up. Though he's come short of making it to the big game (twice), Coughlin is a better coach than Phillips. I don't see that making that much of a difference in this game, though. I will say that if I'm wrong about any of these picks, I hope it's this one.
After re-reading this, I can see that I've really gone out on a limb this week --- picking all of the favored home teams. Wow, that's daring. I just can't see the sense in picking an underdog, unless you're just trying to be different. And that's dumb.
I'll check back in after the dust settles. Go PATS!!!
Last week's record 1-3 (thank God for the point-spread). Now, on to the picks (home team in bold). Please note that all lines are as of the time of this writing.
Green Bay Packers over Seattle Seahawks (+7.5) 4:30pm, Saturday
Favre's magical season might come to end soon, but it shouldn't be this weekend. Seattle has a solid team, but the emotional lift that Lambeu Field provides for the home team should be enough to lift the Packers to victory. Besides, can a team whose kicker is planning on wearing heated pants really be taken seriously?
New England Patriots over Jacksonville Jaguars (+13.5) 8:00pm, Saturday
I know that this a pretty big point spread, just like I know that Jacksonville is playing some pretty good ball these days. I just don't think that they will be able to shut down Lawrence Maroney the same way that they shut down the Steelers backs. I also think that the mild weather is going to favor the Patriots passing attack. If the Pats get off to a quick lead, I'd be shocked if Garrard is able to air it out against them with much success.
Indianapolis Colts over San Diego Chargers (+10) 1:00pm, Sunday
If the Chargers had as much trouble as they did playing at home against Tennesse last weekend, how can they be expected to win in Indy? I actually think that the Colts are going to win by 3 TDs. Let's face it, FINALLY winning a playoff game last Sunday was like the Super Bowl for these guys. They're not going to have anything left for the Colts.
Dallas Cowboys over New York Giants (+7.5) 4:30pm Sunday
The Giants have had some pretty good karma going the past few weeks, but it ends now. Romo is probably bursting at the seems in anticipation of proving to everyone that having a little fun with your girlfriend does not mean that you can't focus on getting the job done. Additionally, Terrell Owens knows a thing or two about playing hurt in the money games. The only thing that remotely concerns me is the coaching match-up. Though he's come short of making it to the big game (twice), Coughlin is a better coach than Phillips. I don't see that making that much of a difference in this game, though. I will say that if I'm wrong about any of these picks, I hope it's this one.
After re-reading this, I can see that I've really gone out on a limb this week --- picking all of the favored home teams. Wow, that's daring. I just can't see the sense in picking an underdog, unless you're just trying to be different. And that's dumb.
I'll check back in after the dust settles. Go PATS!!!
Monday, January 7, 2008
Wildcard Weekend Re-cap
Well, if Wildcard Weekend taught me anything, it's this --- don't make picks immediately following steak and beers with Uncle Charlie. Thankfully, only two people read this blog, and one of them is my wife. Fortunately she's known for awhile that I don't know what I'm talking about, so the inaccuracy of these picks came as no surprise to her. Although I went 0 for the weekend, I take some solace in the fact that Jacksonville did not cover the spread. Not much solace, but a little. And yes, through the better of the Chargers game I was having a good time imagining what LDT (there was only ONE true LT, and he retired a long time ago) was going to cry about after the game. Oh well, there's always next week.
Speaking of next week, here's my list of 3 (semi) compelling storylines for next Saturday's Patriots/Jaguars game (in no particular order) ...
Speaking of next week, here's my list of 3 (semi) compelling storylines for next Saturday's Patriots/Jaguars game (in no particular order) ...
1. Bulletin board material. Jacksonville defensive lineman Paul Spicer feels that the Pats got off too easy for violating the league policy on sideline taping. Apparently, losing a first round draft pick, 250k for the team, and a half million dollars for the coach isn't enough. No, Mr. Spicer feels that the Pats should be excluded from the playoffs. I guess that's one way for Jacksonville to get past this round. Can't we just put this whole "spygate" thing to bed? They broke the rule, got caught, and paid the punishment. Where was all of this indignation last year when Shawn Merriman was suspended for steroid usage? Wasn't he still allowed to play against (or should I say "lose to") the Pats in the playoffs last year? Anyone who is still holding this grudge against the Pats needs to get over it.
2. Head-to head playoff results. Hopefully, the Pats can continue their dominance of the Jags. In Jacksonville's short history, they've played against the Pats 3 times, losing twice --- including an AFC Championship game.
- Jan. 12, 1997 - AFC Championship - New England 20, Jacksonville 6
- Jan. 3, 1999 - AFC Wild Card - Jacksonville 25, New England 10
- Jan. 7, 2006 - AFC Wild Card - New England 28, Jacksonville 3
3. David vs. Goliath. The Pats had 8 players selected for this year's Pro Bowl, the Jags had 0 --- though a strong case could be made for perennial Pro Bowl snub, Fred Taylor. Added to that is the fact that Belichick received "Coach of the Year" and Brady was named League MVP. I personally think that this storyline has a chance of being mentioned 753 times during the broadcast. I'll keep you posted.
Well, it's getting late, and I need to go start studying up on how I can screw up next week's picks.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
NFL Playoffs, Round 1
So, I just got back from having a nice steak and a couple of beers with my Uncle Charlie. What does that have to do with the NFL playoffs, you ask? Absolutely nothing, of course --- which is exactly what LaDainian Tomlinson will be doing after this weekend ... except for maybe whining about the fact that his team has made yet another early exit from the playoffs. But more on that later.
Before I jump into my predictions for the games this weekend, I just wanted to mention a pretty good column that Bob Ryan wrote about the current state of Boston sports. If you've got the time, I recommend giving it a read. After growing up experiencing the heartaches of the local teams (with the exception of the Larry Bird led Celtics), it truly is amazing to sit back and reflect on just how good we have it right now.
Now, on to the picks (home team in bold). Please note that all lines are as of the time of this writing.
Washington Redskins (+3.5) over Seattle Seahawks 4:30pm, Saturday
Something tells me that the 'Skins are going to make some noise in the playoffs. They've dealt with tragedy this year. They've got a resurgent QB, and Joe Gibbs has some experience in this department. Also, as much as I like Matt Hasselbeck and Deion Branch, I just don't think that Seattle has it in them.
Pittsburgh Steelers (+2.5) over Jacksonville Jaguars 8:00pm, Saturday
I know, I know --- Jacksonville is the team du jour right now, and nobody wants to meet them in the playoffs ... blah, blah, blah. Listen, Pittsburgh is not going to lose to them again this year. The Steelers have guys wearing championship rings, and know how to win big playoff games --- unless they're playing the Pats (sorry, I couldn't resist). The most entertainment this game will have to offer for Jacksonville fans will be watching the coach who bears a striking resemblance to a certain actor, walking the sidelines. That's right, I'm talking about Jack Del Rio and Ben Falcone.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-3) over New York Giants 1:00pm, Sunday
I'd love to pick the Giants here, but I can't. They really impressed me with the game that they put up against the Pats, but I think they might be in for a bit of an emotional let-down. Also, I think that Earnest Graham is going to run all over them --- and I'm not saying that just because he was a stud on my fantasy football champion team this year. Okay, maybe just a little.
Tennessee Titans (+10) over San Diego Chargers
The Chargers cannot win big games. Norv Turner cannot win big games. Until I see otherwise, I'm always betting against these two entities --- regardless of who's playing QB for their opponent. Plus, I'm REALLY looking forward to watching LDT's meltdown after this game.
Those are my picks, and I'm sticking to them.
Before I jump into my predictions for the games this weekend, I just wanted to mention a pretty good column that Bob Ryan wrote about the current state of Boston sports. If you've got the time, I recommend giving it a read. After growing up experiencing the heartaches of the local teams (with the exception of the Larry Bird led Celtics), it truly is amazing to sit back and reflect on just how good we have it right now.
Now, on to the picks (home team in bold). Please note that all lines are as of the time of this writing.
Washington Redskins (+3.5) over Seattle Seahawks 4:30pm, Saturday
Something tells me that the 'Skins are going to make some noise in the playoffs. They've dealt with tragedy this year. They've got a resurgent QB, and Joe Gibbs has some experience in this department. Also, as much as I like Matt Hasselbeck and Deion Branch, I just don't think that Seattle has it in them.
Pittsburgh Steelers (+2.5) over Jacksonville Jaguars 8:00pm, Saturday
I know, I know --- Jacksonville is the team du jour right now, and nobody wants to meet them in the playoffs ... blah, blah, blah. Listen, Pittsburgh is not going to lose to them again this year. The Steelers have guys wearing championship rings, and know how to win big playoff games --- unless they're playing the Pats (sorry, I couldn't resist). The most entertainment this game will have to offer for Jacksonville fans will be watching the coach who bears a striking resemblance to a certain actor, walking the sidelines. That's right, I'm talking about Jack Del Rio and Ben Falcone.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-3) over New York Giants 1:00pm, Sunday
I'd love to pick the Giants here, but I can't. They really impressed me with the game that they put up against the Pats, but I think they might be in for a bit of an emotional let-down. Also, I think that Earnest Graham is going to run all over them --- and I'm not saying that just because he was a stud on my fantasy football champion team this year. Okay, maybe just a little.
Tennessee Titans (+10) over San Diego Chargers
The Chargers cannot win big games. Norv Turner cannot win big games. Until I see otherwise, I'm always betting against these two entities --- regardless of who's playing QB for their opponent. Plus, I'm REALLY looking forward to watching LDT's meltdown after this game.
Those are my picks, and I'm sticking to them.
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