We are inching closer to the Super Bowl and before we finally arive, I would like to publish my NFL playoff predictions so that next Monday I can come to school and prove to everyone that I have Nostradamus-like skills. So, without further ado, here are my playoff predictions:
NFC
Redskins at Seahawks
After watching the Washington Redskins manage only 120 yards of offense in a win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it’s easy to pick them as losers against a Seahawks team that houses the league’s new single-season touchdown leader, running back and league MVP Shaun Alexander. However, jumping to a conclusion that Seattle has this game in the bag overlooks several factors.
First, Seattle played in the NFL’s weakest conference. Racking up six wins against the Rams, Cardinals and Niners does not qualify a team as a Super Bowl contender. In fact, only two of Seattle’s 13 wins came against playoff teams: one over the Colts when they were resting before the playoffs and one over the Giants because Jay Feely missed three game-winning field goals. Last week, Washington shut down Cadillac Williams, a running back who, unlike Alexander, contributes in all areas of the game. This week’s defensive coordinator will tweak the scheme but maintain the pressure, as Washington will have no trouble tackling Alexander and his enlarged head.
Unfortunately for Washington, the Seahawks are one of the most well-rounded teams in the league, and the Redskins are not. Though Washington won earlier in the season, Seattle is better prepared now. The Seattle defense and offensive line will do the real work, Alexander will get a couple cheap touchdowns and all the glory, and the Seahawks will win the game.
Joe’s Pick: Seattle Seahawks
Panthers at Bears
The Bears have the number-one defense in the league (statistically, Tampa Bay can claim superiority, but again, having locked up position early allowed the Bears to rest many players and hand the Vikings a 34-10 win). This a team with no overt individual egos, simply because their star running back was supposed to be a backup, their starting quarterback played cheerleader for most of the season and their middle linebacker and best player, Brian Urlacher, lets his game speak for itself.
On the other hand, the Carolina defense might have been a little overrated this year. Sure, defensive ends Julius Peppers and Mike Rucker are a great duo and cornerback Ken Lucas has been steady, but defensive tackle Brentson Buckner’s best attribute is his personality, and the loss of fellow DT Kris Jenkins for the second straight year has hurt. Even though the Panthers are still playing, it’s not for lack of failure. They have only won two games over fellow playoff teams and already lost once to these Bears, mustering only three points. And yet, I still find myself ignoring the old “defense wins championships” adage. Carolina wide receiver Steve Smith was completely humbled after last week’s win, running back DeShaun Foster still has fresh legs after watching Stephen Davis carry the early season load and with Jake Delhomme’s steady leadership and southern charm, the Carolina offense can make enough of a dent into the Chicago defense that will leave Bears QB Rex Grossman struggling to keep up. As long as this Carolina team can avoid turnovers and missed field goals that result in touchdowns for the opponent, they should be OK.
Joe’s Pick: Carolina Panthers
AFC
Steelers at Colts
For much of the season, the biggest sports story was whether or not the Colts could go undefeated. That was the second-biggest sports story, but only because Terrell Owens is like crack to the news media outlets. Of course, the Colts pipedream came to an end at the hands of San Diego’s own SuperChargers!
The Steelers beat Cincinnati last week in tough, hard-nosed football with a sprinkle of running back Willie Parker’s speed, a dash of Antwaan Randle El’s versatility and a chunk of Troy Polamalu’s hair. They have a young quarterback in Ben Roethlisberger, but one who has played in the big games before and is not fazed. Plus, their top wide receiver, Hines Ward, is one hell of a receiver.
The strength of the Steelers has been defense since before Bill Cowher was sporting that porn-star moustache on the sideline. This year the Colts have defense too. Picking up defensive tackle Corey Simon solidified their line with ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. And Bob Sanders has been a leader in an extremely improved secondary. For all the troubles of past seasons, and even late-season obstacles this year, the Colts are strong as steel on both sides of the ball.
Joe’s Pick: Indianapolis Colts
Patriots at Broncos
Imagine the fans across the NFL landscape rejoicing early in the season, as the New England Patriots dynasty appeared to be finally over. The team lost to the Panthers early on, and then was demolished by the Chargers and Colts and an abundance of injuries that decimated the defense. The only thing holding the team together was quarterback Tom Brady and his Joe Cool style of football.
Unfortunately, the Patriots are now back, and in a dominating late-season shutout of the Bucs and a 28-3 beatdown of the Jaguars last week, they showed they might be better than ever. They play smarter football than any team in the league, and the return of linebacker Tedy Bruschi has been more than just a heart-warming comeback.
In the end, Denver might have home-field advantage and an underrated team, but the Patriots have three of the last four Super Bowl titles and an AFC title matchup with the Colts looming.
Joe’s Pick: New England Patriots
