Jay’s NFL Playoff Picks

The NFL Playoffs kick off this afternoon and it has me in a football mood.  It’s probably because the Eagles won the NFC East and have a stake in the post-season action (screw off Cowboys and Giants fans), and Oilers are just too painful to watch.  Since I have nothing going on today except drinking too much coffee, I figured I’d join the legions of fans and media in giving their input with some predictions of my own.

Chiefs at Colts – Under Andy Reid the Chiefs had the biggest turnaround in the league going from the worst team in the league to a Superbowl contender.  I don’t think Reid is the reason for this turnaround, but more so of having a quarterback not named Matt Cassel (they already had a ProBowl defense), but I will give Reid some props.  The Chiefs are a dangerous team with the potential to go deep in the playoffs.

The Colts picked up from where they finished last season and won the AFC South.  With their balanced attack they managed to pick up wins against the 49ers, Seahawks, Broncos, and Chiefs.  They were also blown out by the Rams and Cardinals getting outscored 80-36.  To me those losses outshined all the big victories over playoff teams.

This is a tough call as both teams are very evenly matched.  The Chiefs have an advantage with their running game, but the Colts have the edge with passing.  Normally when teams are this evenly matched the advantage should go to the Colts because they are the home team, but not in this case.  If it wasn’t for a local grocery store, the game wouldn’t be televised locally because there were over 1,200 unsold tickets.  There’s no excuse for that Indianapolis.  For that alone I can’t give you any support.  Chiefs 34 – Colts 17.

Saints at Eagles – The Saints had an admirable season going 11-5, but limped into the playoffs after back-to-back losses to the Rams and Panthers.   This caused them not to win the NFC South, but secure a Wildcard.  Even though they finished the season 1-2, this team is stacked.  Drew Brees is a monster and with the weapons they have, can score at will.

Chip Kelly proved his up-tempo offense could work in the NFL as the Iggles finished the season 7-1, winning the NFC East (10-6).  Nick Foles established him as a bona-fide NFL starter throwing for 27 touchdowns with only 2 interceptions.  LeSean McCoy set an Eagles record for total offense from scrimmage (2,143 yards), and led the NFL in rushing yards (1,604).

For obvious reasons I can’t wait for this game.  This has the makings for a classic shootout.  I think the Eagles are going to struggle to find a way to stop Jimmy Graham and Darren Sproles, but I don’t think the Saints have an answer for McCoy.  Pierre Thomas will not be playing so if the Saints are going to establish a running game it’s going to be up to Mark Ingram.  That’s not going to bode well.  It’s also supposed to be in the low teens here in Philadelphia at game time with some wind, which also doesn’t help a dome team.  This is going to be a high scoring game.  The Saints have never won a road game in the postseason and it’s not going to happen tonight.  Eagles 46 – Saints 41.

Chargers at Bengals – The Chargers made the playoffs by the skin of their teeth (I never really understood that phrase), in Week 17 by beating the Chiefs in overtime and the Dolphins and Ravens losing.  Regardless they are in.  Philip Rivers had an outstanding season (4478/32/11), and I really like the running combo of Ryan Mathews and Danny Woodhead.

The Bengals won the AFC North with an 11-5 record, their best record since 2005 (where they again finished 11-5).  They have a strong offense led by Andy Dalton and AJ Green but this team is winning on defense.  The Bengals rank third overall in total defense and first in the AFC.

This is a tough game to call.  The Bengals went undefeated at home this year, but they haven’t won a playoff game since 1990.  Rivers has a reputation of shitting the bed in the big game, but Dalton has never won a playoff game.  The Bengals are the obvious favorite, but I think the Mathrews/Woodhead combo gets it done.  Chargers 24 – Bengals 17.

49ers at Packers – The Niners 12-4 record was only good enough to clinch a Wildcard as the Seahawks finished 13-3.  Even so, 12 wins is a reflection on this club as they are the most balanced team playing this weekend.

The Packers made the playoffs despite losing Aaron Rogers for seven games.  In those seven games the Pack went 2-4-1.  Rogers is healthy and ready to play.  Eddie Lacy stepped up in his rookie season, finishing 8^th in rushing yards.

It’s supposed to be -3 degrees at kickoff tomorrow, so it’s going to be fucking cold.  This is an advantage for the Pack but it’s even cold by Green Bay standards.  The clear advantage between these two teams is the Niners defense.  There might be a couple Lambeau Leaps tomorrow but it’s not going to be enough.  49ers 27 – Packers 17.

Well these are my picks for the weekend.  What are yours?  Email me at gimmeasign@gmail.com and let me know.  Follow my on Twitter @JayPlatt.  It’s full of Oilers complaints.