Not Another Predictions Column! Conference Championship Games

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS @ NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Philip Rivers is hopeful about playing Sunday against New England; but coach Norv Turner has said he will be a gametime decision. While the Chargers’ game-winning drive of last week was of the stuff that builds legends, how much of that stuff can be left? San Diego barely managed to defeat the Colts, and that was with Peyton Manning looking like the Eli Manning of old. Patriots fans are chortling with glee as once again Peyton Manning failed to get it done in the playoffs, making them even more convinced that last year was a fluke as it pertains to Manning and postseason success. In fact, there isn’t much for Patriots fans to not be chortling about this year – it has been a perfect year for Patriot fans, in more ways than one. Despite the Spygate issue at the beginning of the season, Pats fans have been able to enjoy an undefeated season rife with blowout victories, close calls, and the knowledge that they will have a Top Ten draft pick in this year’s draft regardless of the fact that New England is still in contention for a Super Bowl berth. Speaking of which, by the end of the day tomorrow we will know exactly who will be participating in Super Bowl XLII. That fact, that thought, always mystifies me. We go four or five months attempting to predict whom we think will end up ultimately vying for that silver trophy; but in the end, because of the mere passing of a single day, all our speculation turns into either fact or fiction. This, of course, marks the countdown of only two weeks of real football left to watch, before such things as the Pro Bowl and the Arena Football League become prevalent on the football viewers’ scope. It is then that NFL fans begin to disperse, to get back into their football-less everyday lives. Only the diehards stick around, nervously scouring the free agent newswires, and anxiously following all Draft-related news. Enough of this waxing philosophical, it is time to get back to football. Billy Volek may be making the start at quarterback for San Diego, but even if he does not, expect to see him playing at some point. San Diego will have to rely on Norv Turner’s masterful playcalling now more than ever, but just as their hopes were dashed by the Patriots last year, so it shall be again. New England pulls off the victory, catapulting themselves into the Super Bowl. It amazes me that I have not once picked against New England this year. Part of me is pulling for San Diego this week, but if Brett Favre is to win another Super Bowl ring, it would be sweetest to defeat New England.

NEW YORK GIANTS @ GREEN BAY PACKERS

Somewhere up in Wisconsin, there lies a small city of roughly 100,000 people. This small city lies near a Great Lake, and gets 47.7 inches of snow a year. This little city is where one will find perhaps professional football’s most famous football field – Lambeau Field.This city’s name is Green Bay. Ages ago, Bart Starr once inspired frenzied fans with his play on Lambeau Field, but since 1992, there has been one man, and one man alone, who has captured the heart of millions. Brett Favre, once drafted by the Atlanta Falcons, has shown that loyalty does still exist in sports at the professional level. For sixteen years, he has worked, played, bled, tackled, passed, ran, laughed, and amazed the Green Bay faithful. No one knows when or how the legend will end, when the reality will eventually become the stuff of myth, tales passed on from generation to generation. Stories will be told 100 years from now of his on and off-field exploits. And rightfully so – for what other player has done what he has done? There is no one who comes close, except perhaps Cal Ripken, JR, in Major League Baseball. Favre has played through injuries, family sorrows, trials and tribulations. He has taken hit after hit from the media, from critics, and from opposing defensive ends. But yet, when the snow settles on the field, one man still stands. That man is Favre. Favre, a gladiator in his own right, takes none of the credit for himself. Ever gracious, he praises his teammates, and respects his fallen foes. He sheds his battlegear, and goes back to his home to spend time with his family. He stands tall as a protector; a deliverer, a father, and a hero of mythical proportions. Through the years, he has had many a different supporting cast, but some familiar faces are still there. Chad Clifton still protects Favre’s blindside. Donald Driver still catches Favre’s passes. Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila still rushes opposing quarterbacks. Nick Barnett still tackles opposing runningbacks. The rookies and young guns have started earning places on the team as well. Players like James Jones, Greg Jennings, and Ryan Grant have bolstered the offensive attack. On defense, young stand-outs Cullen Jenkins and AJ Hawk assist Barnett and Gbaja-Biamila.

Of course, in all of the talk of Green Bay, no one should overlook the Giants. Eli Manning and company have gotten on a roll, gelling at a time when in years past they have melted. Eli Manning has started to carve his own name for himself, perhaps starting to scrape his way out of elder brother Peyton’s shadow. Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw have solidified the backfield, picking up yards and touchdowns. Amani Toomer and Plaxico Burress bookend the wide receiver position, consistently making plays. Kevin Boss has stepped in and filled All-Pro Jeremy Shockey’s shoes quite nicely, looking to provide an excellent two-pronged tight end assault next season. The defensive line has been amazing all year long, harassing opposing quarterbacks without ceasing. The secondary has been picked on, but has fought scrappily. At times they give up the big play, but then somehow they seem to bounce back and make their own big plays. The linebackers are banged up, but they still make the tackles. The Giants are not an overly strong team, but they are not a weak team either. They fight, and they do not stop fighting. Give them an inch, and they will take a corner office. Give them a corner office, and they will take the building. The Giants have never been given a chance this postseason, but yet, they are still here. Seattle is gone. Washington is gone. Tampa Bay is gone. Dallas is gone. Two of those fell at the hands of these very Giants. Will they fell one more opponent before playing in the Super Bowl? Whatever happens, the answer to that question will be known tomorrow night. The Giants will not go down without a fight, but neither will Brett Favre and the Packers. Green Bay will win, taking Brett Favre to the Super Bowl.

By Robert “RingLeader” Gilbert

Last week I went 3-1 and am 6-2 in the playoffs.

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Not Another Predictions Column! Divisional Round

Not Another Predictions Column! Divisional Round of Playoffs

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS @ GREEN BAY PACKERS

It almost ended up happening that I would be missing this game, this week. However, my schedule worked out, and I should be able to see almost all of this game. I will be watching with my Brett Favre jersey on, anxiously waiting to see who gets the ball and who scores. Matt Hasselbeck has probably heard quite enough of that. In fact, I am willing to bet he has a speech in place for it now: “Fourscore and seven years ago, I walked onto this hallowed field, and made perhaps the most infamous mistake of my career when I said those ill-fated words ‘we want the ball, we’re gonna score.’ Just as Tony Romo will have to deal with the mention of his ‘Seattle Slight’ for years, so have I dealt with these stones flung by you in the media. And so, I come before you today to redeem myself. We want the ball, and, this time, we’re going to take it and go home.” Look, Seattle did not play that well against Washington. They were winning 13-0 before Washington came back into it. The offense was not doing much at all. The defense scored the game-clinching scores. If this game becomes a shoot-out, and the Seattle offense of last week shows up, Seattle will get blown away. If Green Bay messes up on offense and lets that defense start wreaking havoc, well, then, Green Bay gets blown away. Yes, this is extremely basic analysis. Here is what it comes down to: Green Bay is a very young team, and might be a little star struck in the playoffs. Key word? “Might.” I say that because none other than Brett Favre leads them, and he knows what he’s doing. Packers win it this week, advancing to the NFC Championship Game.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS @ NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

David Garrard ruined my perfect predictions column last week with his 32-yard run on fourth down. I would love to get on the Jaguars bandwagon. However, they have not been going up against teams that I have wanted to lose, which it makes it difficult to pick them. As my readers know, I have, and continue to, supported the Patriots throughout this season. If the Jags win this week, then I might definitely support them next week. Tom Brady was named the NFL MVP. This was to be expected considering the 16-0 season he and the rest of the Patriots crafted, but still, more than one vote should have gone to Brett Favre. Take away Brady, and the Patriots are likely still in the playoffs considering the division they played in. Take away Favre, and the Packers probably do not go anywhere this season. The simple fact is this – the Jaguars barely beat the Steelers, twice. The Steelers are nowhere near as good as the Patriots, and nowhere near as good at putting up points. The Patriots will expose the Jaguars this week – unless, and this is a big unless – the Jaguars can wear out the defense for the Patriots with their running game, keeping Brady off the field. This game will be close until the third or fourth quarters, when the Patriots will explode and win.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS @ INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

These two teams played one of the wackiest games I have ever seen several weeks ago, when the Chargers won despite every attempt to give the game away by both teams. Instead of it being a “whomever scores last” battle, it was a “whenever you want to just call this one, go ahead” battle. Peyton Manning was playing with scrubs at wide receiver, threw six interceptions, and only lost by two points. Well, the Colts should be healthy now, after having a few weeks off. They had been getting rather banged up with injuries. Marvin Harrison is expected to play this week, and that will provide a test for young Antonio Cromartie, interceptor extraordinaire. Cromartie must be licking his chops to take on Manning again – the last time they met, three of those six Manning interceptions went to Cromartie. I could see this game as out-doing the last one, but the result will be different. Colts win and go on to the AFC Championship game, again.

NEW YORK GIANTS @ DALLAS COWBOYS – WEEKLY UPSET GAME!

Eli Manning won a playoff game! The Sky Is Falling! The Sky Is Falling! After falling behind early, he executed quite well and led his Giants to a convincing victory over the Buccaneers of Tampa Bay. Terrell Owens says he will play this week. However, he still is dealing with the ankle injury, so how much will that hamper him? Tony Romo remembers his last playoff game, and his ‘Seattle Slight,’ as I’ve termed it. He wants to try to make new memories, ones that erase those. Oh, and he’s going to Mexico with Jessica Simpson. Does he want a football championship, or a woman? That’s the quintessential million-dollar question of the day. I am banking on Eli Manning continuing his newfound post-season success and giving me my upset game this week. The Cowboys do not want to be Facing The Giants – because they will lose. Cowboys are one and done this year, folks.

Last week I went 3-1 and am 3-1 in the playoffs.

By Robert “RingLeader” Gilbert

[Comments Will Be Taken In The PantherCoalition Forums]

Not Another Predictions Column! Lite Edition

NAPC! Lite Edition:
Week Eleven

WEEKLY UPSET GAME: Tampa Bay 5-4 @ Atlanta 3-6

Well, with two consecutive victories, the Falcons have improved to 3-6 and kept their playoff hopes alive. If they knock off Tampa Bay, it would really pollute the NFC South. If both New Orleans and Carolina were to win, there would be three teams at 5-5 and one team at 4-6 in the NFC South. If New Orleans and Carolina were both to lose, then there would be three teams at 4-6 and Tampa Bay with a slim one game lead over the rest of the division at 5-5. This certainly would cloud the divisional championship picture and make for an extremely tight race, as is to be expected in the NFC South. Divisional games will become key, as will all NFC games. It was announced that despite Joey Harrington’s performances in the two successive Falcons’ conquests Byron Leftwich will remain the starter upon his return from injury. Leftwich has returned to practice this week. Leftwich did not even last for an entire half of a game when he was first injured. This should not come as a surprise, since even his college days Leftwich has had injury troubles. His ankles, in particular, do not appear to be able to take much of a pounding. Since I want Carolina to get all the help it needs, I will go with Atlanta to pull off the upset at home and please the home crowd.

Cleveland 5-4 @ Baltimore 4-5

I called this game exactly right last week. The Browns DID give the Steelers a valiant effort – every bit of what I expected. Derek Anderson proved his mettle despite the loss. I hope Cleveland makes the playoffs and shocks the world. With Kellen Winslow, Braylon Edwards, Joe Jurevicious, and Jamal Lewis, the Browns have a number of options on offense and can mix and match depending on the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. Moreover, if for some reason the offense starts stalling, the Browns only need to turn to their special teams and give the ball to return ace Joshua Cribbs, who is aiming for his tenth straight game with a kick return of over 30 yards, to give the Browns a spark. The Ravens are going down, fast. Kyle Boller is starting for the injured Steve McNair this week, the offense is inept, and the defense is starting to crack. Willis McGahee has not rushed for over 100 yards since Week Seven – perhaps he gets on track versus the Browns’ weak defense, but it will not be enough. Browns win it on the road.

New York Giants 6-3 @ Detroit 6-3

Now, you want to talk about a huge game? Then look at this one. Both of these teams are in the same boat – each has been playing well and each has achieved a 6-3 record, but both trail division leaders with 8-1 records. Detroit, as well as Cleveland in the AFC, is looking to stun the world and make the playoffs. Both the Giants and the Lions need victories – not only to stay in some sort of running for their division titles, but to stay on top of the rest of the pack in the wildcard race. Eli Manning is set to become the only Giants quarterback outside of Phil Simms to post 3000+ yards and 20+ TDs for three consecutive seasons. These two teams have done a great job of spreading the ball between their top two receivers – the Giants’ Plaxico Burress and Jeremy Shockey have 41 and 43 catches respectively, whilst the Lions’ Roy Williams and Shaun McDonald have 49 and 44 catches respectively. There are 20 receiving touchdowns scored amongst these four. Detroit’s luck disappeared on the road against Arizona, but back at home, where they are undefeated, their luck is sure to appear again. Detroit wins.

Miami 0-9 @ Philadelphia 4-5

Andy Reid on Dolphins’ rookie QB John Beck: “I think he’s a very good football player.” Thanks, Andy, that might explain why he was drafted in the second round of the NFL Draft. So, the Dolphins announced earlier this week that John Beck would start in place of Cleo Lemon this week against Philadelphia. I have just one question: Who will he throw to? No, wait, I got it, WES WELKER! Oh, that’s right, they traded him. How about Chris Chambers? Nope, they traded him too. Uh, how about Randy McMichael? Oh, that’s right, the Rams took him. I have never seen one team get rid of so many offensive playmakers before. Now, with the team’s leading rusher (who is also still their leading receiver) and leading passer sitting on injured reserve, John Beck is out there throwing passes to Marty Booker and Ted Ginn, JR. Amazing, isn’t it? In other Dolphins news, running back Ricky Williams was re-instated to the NFL this week and returns to the Dolphins. He is eligible to play in their game on November 26th. That may give the offense some sort of lift. Apparently IKEA let Donovan McNabb return for this past week’s game. The Eagles should not need him this week, though. Eagles win it.

Oakland 2-7 @ Minnesota 3-6

The world can breathe a sigh of relief – Adrian Peterson is not seriously injured and will return later this season. In the interim, former starter Chester Taylor takes over the rushing duties. Taylor should find a good amount of running room against the league’s 29th rushing defense. Meanwhile, the Raiders look to be in trouble offensively coming into this game. The Raiders have a rushing attack, but Minnesota’s defense does one thing well – stop the run. The Raiders do not have a passing attack, unless throwing it to the other team counts. The Raiders will struggle to find points, particularly on the road. There may actually be an outside chance I attend this game – I will at least be in Minneapolis on Sunday. The Vikings will win it, but it will be ugly.

San Diego 5-4 @ Jacksonville 6-3

San Diego had the game against Indianapolis handed to them on a sterling silver platter and did everything they could to return the game to Indianapolis on a 24-karat gold platter. However, Indianapolis rejected that offer, and San Diego won anyway. Peyton Manning throwing six interceptions on a day when Carson Palmer and Tom Brady threw a combined zero touchdown passes is definitely something not seen often in this league. San Diego does not appear to be the same team as last year. Offensively, they should be one of the best in the league, but Philip Rivers appears to have regressed this season and is in a terrible funk. The Jaguars’ should receive a lift this week as starter David Garrard is expected to return from his ankle injury. Garrard has yet to throw an interception on the season, but young Antonio Cromartie may have something to say about that. The Chargers’ rush defense has a fearsome monster to stop between Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew, and even Greg Jones/LeBrandon Toefield, for that matter. Frankly, I have to go with Jacksonville in this game. Jaguars win it.

Kansas City 4-5 @ Indianapolis 7-2

*Whistling bomb drop noise* That would be the Indianapolis Colts, as just two weeks ago this team was being billed as one of the best teams of all time. Now they have lost two straight and are being challenged for divisional supremacy by the Jaguars, quarterback Peyton Manning had six interceptions in his last game, and Adam Vinatieri missed two field goals of under forty yards, either of which would have won the game. Second-year quarterback out of Alabama (ROLL TIDE ROLL), Brodie Croyle, receives his first career start this week, on the road in the RCA Dome. This should give Kansas City a little bit of a boost, but it will be interesting to see what happens with the running game. The Indianapolis defense is playing at a wonderful intensity level – a lesser defense would have given up many more points to San Diego what with the Colts’ offensive woes. Indianapolis should, however, snap this losing streak and win at home this week.

Arizona 4-5 @ Cincinnati 3-6

Arizona is only one game out of the division lead in the NFC West, but Cincinnati is essentially out of the running unless they start winning games at a major rate. This game should have a lot of points scored, although the Cardinals’ defense played very well against Detroit. Nevertheless, this is a road game for the Cardinals’ defense, not a home game, and they will have to contend with Chad Johnson, Chris Henry, and TJ Houshmandzadeh. They also will have to deal with Kenny Watson and Rudi Johnson at running back, although Johnson seems to be in an odd funk himself this season. Cincinnati did manage to defeat the Baltimore Ravens solely by fieldgoals, but they should be able to score more easily against Arizona. I’m going with the hometown Bengals here.

Carolina 4-5 @ Green Bay 8-1

The Carolina Panthers have a tough battle this week, taking on the legendary Brett Favre and the high-flying Green Bay Packers in historic Lambeau Field. Vinny Testaverde will be starting at quarterback for the Carolina Panthers, but star wide receiver Steve Smith will likely be in a limited role with a shin contusion. This certainly does not make things any easier for Vinny. If Smith is severely limited, expect rookie receiver Dwayne Jarrett to see more touches than usual. Just because it would seriously mess with people’s minds, I am predicting a break-out game for Jarrett. The Packers defense possesses two of the best cornerbacks in the league, Al Harris and Charles Woodson. Woodson has scored two defensive touchdowns and has three interceptions on the year. Deke Cooper, free safety for Carolina, is listed as probable on the injury report and will likely still play despite his injured shoulder. No one in the world is giving Carolina a chance in this game – except for me. Carolina wins it by a miracle.

Due to being in Minnesota and having limited time to write this space, the remaining games will just have the picks and no analysis. Sorry for the inconvenience – next week there will be a full-length NAPC!.

New Orleans 4-5 @ Houston 4-5

Houston wins at home, and I expect this to be an ugly game.

Pittsburgh 7-2 @ New York Jets 1-8

Tempting upset game choice, but no. Steelers win, and it should not be close at all.

Chicago 4-5 @ Seattle 5-4

Apparently we are not done with seeing Rex Grossman yet – and Rex is not done losing, either. Seattle wins at home.

St. Louis 1-8 @ San Francisco 2-7

St. Louis is starting to hit their stride on offense – Rams win this.

Washington 5-4 @ Dallas 8-1

Should be an exciting game – and it will be, for Dallas fans. Dallas improves to 9-1 on the year.

SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL: New England (unbeaten, 9-0) @ Buffalo 5-4

Looking like a great matchup here, but the Bills are overmatched. New England comes off their bye and wins.

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL: Tennessee 6-3 @ Denver 4-5

Apparently I am a fan of upsets – I really think Denver will win this game at home, but their rushing defense may be what undoes them. However, Denver wins it. Total points scored on MNF: 36

Last week I went 7-7 and am 91-56 on the season.

By Robert “RingLeader” Gilbert