Yes, the NFL playoffs are finally here. Even
though the regular season was fantastic as always, there is nothing in
sports like the NFL playoffs. Every team in the post season deserves to
be there. Sort of. Denver ended up being a very mediocre 8-8 but due to
winning their awful division they get an invitation to the playoffs.
Even though their record isn't very good, winning the division is an
accomplishment so I guess their place is deserved. The Tennesee Titans
ended up with a better record but they did not win the division. It
doesn't seem fair but those are the rules, and these rules are likely
never going to get changed. The Patriots, Ravens, Packers and 49ers all
have a bye this week due to their spectacular regular season. It is
going to be a great playoffs, and I can't wait for them to begin.
I ended up nearly .500 on the season, as my final
record against the spread was 122-125-9. It doesn't look all that
fantastic on paper, but with the way the NFL works I am pretty happy
with my performance. My final record straight up was a sparkling
162-94. I will take that any day of the week. Of course I have no
choice.
Let's get to the very important playoff picks.
As always, home team in CAPS.
Houston 3 1/2 Cincinnati
A lot of people don't like the Texans, and several are picking the
Bengals in an upset. I like Houston, and I am having trouble
understanding why many think tat Cincinnati will pull the upset. All
opinion of course, and mine is that the Texans will win. The Bengals
only beat one team with a winning record this year, though they were
close in others. They are starting a rookie quarterback, and many
forget that Houston has a very good defense. The Texans will start T.J
Yates under center, which I don't agree with, but with their powerful
running game and home fans rabid for the Texans' first playoff game, I
think Houston will win in a pretty low scoring game.
Texans 20-13
New Orleans 10 1/2 Detroit
What a matchup for Saturday night. The Saints are arguably the hottest
team in the NFL right now, and the Lions can score with anyone. I think
the Lions might have gone pretty far except for their unfortunate first
round opponent. I don't see much defense being played here, so anything
short of a shoot out would be very surprising to me. Both teams play in
a dome which is why I think the point spread is very high. I like the
Saints to win but I think the Lions have enough fire power to keep it
fairly close.
Saints 43-36
Pittsburgh 8 1/2 DENVER
There is a reason why the Broncos are a pretty big underdog at home.
They aren't that good. They do have a pretty good defense but their
offense is stagnant, and Tim Tebow is really struggling lately. The
Steelers will be without Rashard Mendenhall, but I don't think it is
going to make much of a difference here. I think the only thing that
might save Denver is Pittsburgh possibly looking ahead to a likely New
England matchup next week. But this being the playoffs, I think that is
highly unlikely.
Steelers 23-10
New York Giants 3 1/2 Atlanta
I still have a feeling that the Giants could do some damage in the
playoffs. Eli Manning had a fantastic year, and their defense is coming
together at the right time. The Falcons really haven't impressed me
this year, but may be because most of the focus in the NFC was on some
other teams. I think New York is better than their record, but they
better come ready to play. I like the Giants here.
Giants 27-21
Final Record for 2011 Season: 122-125-9
Final Record Without Spread: 162-94
Game of Week Final Record: 10-6-1
Stinker of Week Final Record: 5-12
Jim Poore has been a long time contributor to Patriots Insider with his weekly picks column. Let him know what you think. Email him here:
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