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!!!