Wild Card Record: 1-3 (Correct: Colts Incorrect: Seahawks, Ravens, Bears)
Overall Record: 1-3
Indianapolis Colts over Kansas City Chiefs: Using history as the basis for my picks last week pretty much completely backfired. Were those incorrect predictions enough for me to stop this silly superstitious practice this week? Absolutely not. That being said, the Chiefs extensive struggles in the playoffs (1-10 record including 0 wins at home since 1994) isn't the primary reason I'm picking the Colts. Andy Reid's team simply hasn't been the same since Kareem Hunt was released and with their offense looking less explosive over the past month, a Colts squad that boasts a very solid defense and an offense with the firepower to exploit their terrible defense seem like they're more than capable of continuing this organization's extensive run of postseason suffering.
Los Angeles Rams over Dallas Cowboys: As it usually does this time of year, this seemingly even matchup between a high-powered offense and a top-notch defense should end up coming down to whose deficiency (Rams defense vs. any part of the Cowboys offense that doesn't involve Ezekiel Elliott) ends up getting exposed at a pivotal time. Ultimately, I'm going to give the narrow edge to the Rams because I have more faith in their shaky defense making stops than I do the Cowboys being able to get the passing game going on the road against a tough opponent if Zeke isn't lights out.
New England Patriots over Los Angeles Chargers: It's pretty easy to make a compelling argument for the Chargers as the AFC's dark horse Super Bowl representative. They have a sound defense with no glaring weaknesses, enough explosive offensive playmakers (Melvin Gordon, Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Austin Ekeler, Tyrell Williams) to attack opponents in a variety of ways and a great veteran quarterback in Phillip Rivers that has proven he isn't intimidated by the big moment. The huge problem with this potential Cinderella run to Atlanta is that were talking about a franchise that has a gift for pissing away every golden opportunity they earn (Example #24,617: the 4th quarter of their Wild Card contest with the Ravens). With the daunting task of enduring yet another cross-country flight, weather conditions they're not accustomed to and trying to take down a certain immortal QB/coach combo on their home turf, I don't think this will be the year where the Chargers finally capitalize on their contender potential.
New Orleans Saints over Philadelphia Eagles: I've picked against the Eagles in every single playoff game in each of the last 2 seasons and they've won every damn time. As I demonstrated earlier, I have a really hard time learning from my mistakes and as a result, am going to go against them yet again. Their performance against the Bears wasn't overly impressive and they don't have the luxury of facing another young, mistake-prone team that will hand them a W again in the Divisional Round. The Superdome is going to be a madhouse on Sunday and this well-rounded Saints squad should be hungry to prove itself after being a miracle play away from advancing to the NFC Championship Game last year. Plus the Saints were my preseason Super Bowl pick, so I'm kind of obligated to ride with them as long as they're in the dance.
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