Bob Haynie: Are You Ready For Some Football ... Picks?
After a brutal regular season of picking NFL games, I rose to the occasion during Wild Card weekend and went 3-1.
Damn you Bengals.
It seems so easy, picking the winners. I've been watching football since the mid-70's. I would like to think that I have learned some things over the years.
But even though we like think that we know what we are doing in regards to choosing the winning team, often times, we are dreadfully incorrect.
If picking football games were an exact science, we would all be very rich.
That is, if you were into that sort of thing. You know. Gambling.
Anyhow, I'm feeling good about my selections for the National Football League's Divisional round.
Let's do this.
LISTEN:
Podcast
NFC:
Packers @ 49'ers:
These two teams met in the season opener at Lambeau Field. The 49'ers, led by Alex Smith's two TD passes, pulled out a 30-22 "W". Since then, Smith has been replaced by second-year QB Colin Kaepernick. The rematch is being played at Candlestick Park. It won't help the home team. Rodgers, returning to his home state, will be the difference as the Pack advances.
Seahawks @ Falcons:
For the second time in three years, Atlanta is the top-seed in the NFC playoffs. QB Matt Ryan has posted impressive numbers during his career for the Falcons, but is 0-3 in the post-season. Seattle's PK, former Raven Steven Hauschka, is out with an injury and will be replaced by Ryan Longwell. Look for this to loom large as the Falcons win at home.
AFC:
Texans @ Patriots:
New England went to Houston and clobbered the Texans on December 10th. QB Tom Brady tossed four touchdown passes during the 42-14 drubbing. The rematch might not be as one-sided, but the same team will emerge victorious. The Patriots move on the host the AFC Title Game.
Say what?
Ravens @ Broncos:
A lot has been made this week of Denver QB Peyton Manning's record in cold weather games in the playoffs. Manning is 0-3 in his career when the temp is less than 40 degrees. And it is expected to be in the 20's on Saturday. Keep in mind however, that Manning has now had a full season to get accustomed to the weather conditions in Denver. Something we should consider is that Manning has been to playoffs 11 times. Seven times, he has lost the in first game of that post-season. With their defense healthier and a strong running attack, Baltimore shocks the world, 20-17.
Keep in mind, I'm usually wrong.
Enjoy the games this weekend.
BH
