Canon Fodder – Sports Blog

By Joe Moskwa

I would have to say this is my favorite playoff weekend of the entire NFL season. But before I get to my rambling, let’s recap last week’s games.

It was like the Seahawks were saying to the ‘Skins in the third quarter last week, “Miss this field goal and you’re DONE.”

Props to Eli for winning his first playoff game.

Titans? How did you make the playoffs without moving the ball an INCH all year?

And I heard the LAMEST statistic during the Steelers – Jags game last week. It went something like this: “The Steelers have never lost to the same team twice at home in one season before”. Let’s think about this for a moment. Look at any NFL team’s schedule any given season. Peep their home games. Yup, you guessed it; eight DIFFERENT opponents for eight different games. Great stat, Sherlock. If I hadn’t been pounding beers all day I would tell you who came up with this little nugget of non-wisdom.

Anyway, yes this is my favorite playoff week. We have four games to watch again, and I’d say at least six of these remaining teams are worthy of a title. As for last week? It looked nice on paper, but wasn’t as exciting as I had thought it would be. I did go 3-1 straight up, which I feel is a feat. Before I looked at the spreads for this week, I was pumped up at the thought of some good games. But Vegas says they are ALL going to be blowouts. I hope they’re wrong. I just want to see at least a couple of close games. If I were to wager? I’d probably (maybe) take the points in all games but the Indy game. I’m feeling an Indy POUNDING on the Chargers, but the game I’m most interested in watching is, of course, the Pats-Jags game. Which reminds me, I heard there’s another conference of teams playing some big games this weekend. I’m told they call themselves the “NFC”. (Okay, I made this joke a few days ago and someone said I should put it in the blog. I really don’t mean it, Brett, I swear. Same to you Terrell, I hope we’re still boys).

Onto the picks…

Divisional Playoffs – Saturday, Jan. 12
#3 Seattle Seahawks at #2 Green Bay Packers – Pack by 7.5
Let’s play a game while watching this. Let’s count how many times they show the Matt Hasselbeck “We want the ball and we’re gonna SCORE,” clip during the game. After that, let’s count how many times they mention Holmgren’s return to Lambeau. And that Holmgren was a mentor to Favre, and now a mentor to Hass. Also, I might have to break a Golden Rule of gambling. Pack at home always automatic? Right? Sure, I feel they’ll win. But something about Holmgren’s return says to take the points. Pack by 4-6.
PICK: Take the Waterfowl and the points (+7.5), but the Pack still wins.

#5 Jacksonville Jaguars at #1 New England Patriots – Pats giving 13.5
Well, here it is. Like I said, Jacksonville and Indy are the two teams with a prayer of knocking off the Pats. But what Vegas is saying here is the Pats aren’t going to let ANYONE stop them from finishing what they started. I’m calling a close game with New England making an extra play or two at the end, and winning by about 10.
PICK: Take the black cats and all those points (+13.5), but the Pats prevail.

Divisional Playoffs – Sunday, Jan. 13
#3 San Diego Chargers at #2 Indianapolis Colts – Bolts getting 9.5
It would be a total waste of NFL space if the Chargers were going to New England this weekend. I’m still just not sold on Philip Rivers. He does nothing for me. A total stud TE and the best RB in the game just doesn’t get an AFC team to the Super Bowl. Even with one of the FASTEST defenses in the game. I wonder if they would’ve kept Brees if he didn’t get hurt in his last game out there? I hope the Browns aren’t about to pull a ‘Chargers’ and dump their Brees (Derek Anderson) for their Rivers (Quinn). Anyway, this is the defending champions’ first playoff game of the season. ROLLLL Peyton roll.
PICK: Give the points and take the Colts.

#5 New York Giants at #1 Dallas Cowboys – ‘Boys by 7.5
The Cowboys and Jaguars are my sleepers this playoff season. Well, it’s hard to call the top seed a sleeper, but I don’t think people realize how close Dallas is to winning the Super Bowl this year. Terrell says get the popcorn ready for this one. As for the Giants? I don’t see them laying down. They’re gonna be able to move the ball. If I were to bet on this one, I’d have to take the points. Plus, they’re HOT. My bet is that this will be the best game of the group.
PICK: G-Men and the touchdown, (+7.5).

STRONGEST PICK: Indy –9.5
SECOND STRONGEST PICK: Giants + 7.5
BETTINGTIP: Tell your bookie that you’re staying away from the Pack and Pats this week. Just turn on the tube and enjoy the show.

This entry was posted on Friday, January 11th, 2008 at 9:36 am and is filed under Joe Moskwa, NFL, Sports Betting. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.