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 NFC
NY Giants at TB Bucaneers
Well the Buccaneers come in having lost 3 of their last 4 games while the G-men were able to avoid their typical folding image by winning 3 of their last 5 games (two losses to the Redskins and the Patriots) to make the playoffs. I'm very leary about picking a team led by Eli Manning on the road, especially in the playoffs. However, Eli played out of his mind against the Patriots last weekend, tossing four touchdowns and almost leading an upset of the greatest (regular season) team of all time. I just feel like with Eli, Jacobs, and Burress the Giants should be able to ride their current momentum to squeak out a rare road win in Tampa. Tampa's just too cold right now and although Garcia doesn't make many mistakes he hasn't played particularly well of late and I like the Giants' D in this matchup.
Prediction: NYG 24 TB 20
WSH Redskins at SEA Seahawks The Redskins (9-7) are the hottest team in the NFL not named the New England Patriots, having won four consecutive games. They've gotten stronger in the season's final quarter and clearly have been fueled by the loss of a teammate. Meanwhile, Seattle's (10-6) biggest asset in this game might be their home-field advantage (they're 7-1 at Qwest Field this season). I think with the game management of Todd Collins (5 TD and 0 INT since taking over the starting job) and the hottest player in the NFL right now in Clinton Portis. Regardless this is a great coaching matchup. Gibbs is a lock for the HOF and I think when all is said and done Holmgren will eventually get in as well. Should be a very close, well coached game.
Prediction: WAS 20 SEA 14
AFC
JAX Jaguars at PIT Steelers The Steelers are extremely banged up right now. Pittsburgh has a myriad injuries. No Willie Parker. No Max Starks. No Aaron Smith, possibly no Hines Ward (gametime decision) and Big Ben is banged up. The Steelers also haven’t looked the same since going up to Foxborough and getting shellacked by the Patriots in early December. Since that game they’ve lost two of three, including one against Jacksonville at Heinz Field where the Jags racked up 224 yards on the ground, The Jags are healthy and have proved they can get it done on the hellish playing surface at Heinz Field. They're not afraid of the weather and Garrard doesn't make many mistakes. I like the Jags in this one.
Prediction: JAX 13 PIT 7
TEN Titans at SD Chargers This shouldn't really be much of a game. Vince Young's quad injury has a bit of a question as to who will be taking snaps for the Titans on Sunday.Kerry Collins is a better fit for attacking the Chargers defense through the air. Young is obviously the better option on the ground. It won’t really matter. LT has finally been running with the sense of fury and purpose I expected from Week 1. The Chargers and white hot and will continue to ride this. Their D will play tough of the banged up Titans and you can expect to see Philip Rivers trashtalking like a retard by the middle of the third quarter.
Prediction: SD 31 TEN 13
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