| Mike Camerlengo. 9th January, 2006 - 10:54 pm
 I know it is only Monday night, but already I am getting the itch for this weekend. Not the regular itch that goes along with the burning after I go the bathroom; no, I mean the ‘football itch.’ Is there anything better than the NFL playoffs? Sure, March Madness is always fun and we all love the World Series for the last few innings of every game.
But this is different. Football in January not only gives us a reason to drink alcohol and eat in excessive amounts, (while the only other reasons before that were made up to make ourselves feel better) it also provides us with that jolt of excitement that is lost only with age and the development of gray hairs and bellies not caused by pregnancy. Now I know there is almost a full week before the Divisional round of the playoffs, but I got my picks for the AFC and I’m going to share them with you because that’s the kind of guy I am.
AFC
Patriots @ Broncos
This match up is very intriguing as the two teams met in Week 6 with Denver beating the Pats 28-20 in a game that was never that close. But this is a different Patriots team in a different season (the playoffs) and although Denver is undefeated at home this season, my pick has to be the New England Patriots. Their defense is much improved and firing on all cylinders, they have key players back from injury (Kevin Faulk, Richard Seymour, Tedy Bruschi to name a few) and they have the Brady/Belichick connection. Never mind that Brady is 10-0 in the playoffs and seemingly unflappable, Belichick never misses his mark when he sees a team for the second time in the same season. Coach Mike Shanahan is a great X and O’s guy, but he hasn’t won a playoff game since John Elway retired and although ‘Jake the Snake’ has played well, he is no number 7. Although Denver is solid in the run and will be at home, I look to the Pats to prevail in a tough, hard-fought game. Pats 24- Denver 20.
Steelers @ Colts
All season we have heard about how good the Colts are, (rightly so, going 13-3) but it is playoff time and that usually means they should be heading home. However, this year seems a bit different. With their defense finally playing like it has a pulse and a newfound commitment to ball-control and the run, the Colts look like they are ready to make their push to Detroit. The Steelers are always scary in the postseason and you knew that if they could find a way to make the playoffs, playing them would not be fun. They are more physical than the dancers at the Foxy Lady and have that hardnosed attitude that gets it done in the postseason. Although they won last week, winning in Indy is going to be a lot tougher. Last week’s victory on the road marked the first playoff win for Cowher outside of Pittsburgh. It’s true the Colts backed in to the playoffs, losing three straight, but look for them to come out firing and get up early. I don’t see this game being a blowout as was the case in late November when the Colts thrashed Pitt 26-7. If the Steelers can slow that Indy offense, look for a tight game: that, however, remains a bigger question than the sex of my 4th grade gym teacher. That being said, I think they will keep it tight the whole game with Peyton and Co. pulling away at the end.
Colts 31- Pitt 17
How solid are my picks? Well if this were the Old Testament they would be set in stone somewhere. But unfortunately, it is 2006 and you are just going to have to trust me. Join me again on Wednesday for my NFC picks. |
