It has been an amazing NFL season once again, and every year
it seems to get better and better. And now that the playoffs are here,
I don't see any reason why the excellence won't continue. As usual, any
team on any given Sunday can win. That's why I wouldn't be shocked if
any team, with the possible exception of Cincinnati, won this year's
Super Bowl. Sure, there are the favorites, especially Denver right now.
But the parity is so unbelievable that anything can happen. I cannot
wait for this weekend's games. Saturday can't get here soon enough. I
am saying that. Imagine what the players are thinking. Let's get right
to the important picks for this weekend's games.
As always, home team in CAPS.
Houston 4 1/2 Cincinnati
The Texans have totally collapsed the last month of the season. May be
they weren't that good after all. I am starting to believe that Matt Schaub is not the answer at quarterback, and this will actually be his
first playoff game. The Bengals are good, and they are in their second
straight playoff game with Houston. Their defense is actually very
good, and lately the Texans' offense has been sputtering. Something has
to give. Houston has not been good lately, but there is absolutely no
way they lose at home here.
Texans 23-16
GREEN BAY 8 Minnesota
These two teams are playing for the second straight week, but I think
the results are going to be vastly different. Adrian Peterson has been
incredible this year, and I like how he showed a team first attitude
during the game. I think a lot of people are dismissing Green Bay. I
also think that is a big mistake. I still don't really believe in the
Vikings. I do believe in the Packers. I actually think Green Bay will
win this one fairly easily.
Packers 27-17
BALTIMORE 6 1/2 Indianapolis
The Ravens get Ray Lewis back, and it could be a big emotional lift as
he announced his retirement after the season. Baltimore struggled a bit
near the end of the year, but I still think they can be a very
dangerous team in the post season. Andrew Luck has led Indianapolis to
an incredible year, but they are a very different team on the road. And
the last time I checked, this game is in Baltimore. The Colts have a
very bright future, and the Ravens' time could be ending. But not yet.
Ravens 20-13
Seattle 3 Washington
The Redskins are an underdog at home, which is unbelievable to me. That
tells us the respect the Seahawks are getting, though it is absolutely
deserved. They are a very interesting team. I am still not sold on the
Redskins, at least not yet. I am not sure too many people are either
which is why they are a home underdog. Next year could be the year we
really see things take off in Washington. But that is next year. I
think Seattle will win here.
Seahawks 21-14
Record For Week 17: 8-8 ( 13-3 without the spread )
Final Record For 2012 Season: 117-124-4 ( 143-102
without the spread )
Final Game of Week Record: 7-9
Final Stinker of Week Record: 6-10
Jim Poore has been a long time contributor to
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