The NFC is really a total crap shoot. The Dallas Cowboys and the Seattle Seahawks are limping into the first round, but one of them are going to survive the opening week. It says here that the San Diego Chargers and the Chicago Bears are the two favorites to make it to the Super Bowl. But the way the NFL has gone this season, that is definitely just a guess.
As for my picks, my final record against the spread was 118-135-3. Not great, but considering the topsy turvy world of the NFL, that really isn't too shabby. I had two terrible weeks-back to back as a matter of fact-where I went a combined 7-25 against the number. As it turns out, that was what kept me at below .500 for the rest of the season. If I turned in reasonable efforts those two weeks ( I understand I didn't ) I would have been very close to .500 for the year, which would actually be pretty successful. My record without the spread was pretty stellar. I went 159-97, which is pretty respectable. Hopefully I can nail all of this week's playoff games. As always, I will do the best I can.
INDIANAPOLIS 6 1/2 Kansas City
Many are eliminating the Colts from a serious Super Bowl run because of their lack of defense. But that has always been their downfall and they have come pretty close before. The Chiefs backed into the playoffs, but to their credit, they did win their last game when other teams did not. This game has all the makings of a shootout, and I think it will be. The fast carpet will help the Chiefs Larry Johnson, who should be able to run wild. I am not sure it will be enough though. I think the Colts will be able to pass fairly easily on Kansas City. I like the Colts here, but unless their run defense improves, this is going to be their only playoff win.
Colts 42-31
SEATTLE 3 Dallas
Both of these teams are playing their worst football at the worst times. Neither deserve to be in the post season, but due to the ineptness of the NFC, they will get a chance. The Cowboys have been lousy for a month, and Tony Romo has been the second lowest rated quarterback in that time. He has been awful lately, and his lack of experience is going to cost the Cowboys here. The Seahawks aren't much better, but Matt Hasslebeck is certainly more experienced, and the Seahawks do have the home field. Seattle might be able to make a run IF they get their act together. But that is a big if. But they will get out of the first round at the very least.
Seahawks 27-20
PHILADELPHIA 6 1/2 New York Giants
The Eagles came out of nowhere to win the NFC East, and right now they could be the toughest out in the NFC. The Giants have been better lately, but I am not sure if it will last one more game. Jeff Garcia has been playing amazingly well. That's why it is always good to have a veteran for a back up quarterback. I think the Giants might have too much internal strife to advance far in the playoffs. They have been a disappointment, and could be in for a total house cleaning come this off season. I like the Eagles here to continue to roll, at least for this week anyway.
Eagles 28-20
NEW ENGLAND 9 New York Jets
The points here really surprise me, but I guess it is the Bill Belichick factor. Generally when he sees an opponent more then once in a season, he has their number. Generally. It might be the other way around this time, and Eric Mangini might have the upper hand in this game. But I don't think that upper hand will be enough. The Jets have over achieved, and though I think the Patriots are vastly overrated, they are the better team here. I like the Patriots to win, but I don't think they will cover. This will likely be the Patriots last win for the season.
Patriots 23-17
Final 2006 Record: 118-135-3 ( 159-97 without spread )
Final Game of the Week Record: 10-6
Final Stinker of the Week Record: 8-8
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