Divisional Playoffs - Where Anything Can Happen

The divisional playoff round has historically been more predictable than other rounds (despite the headline for this article). Surprisingly, since 1990, when the NFL went to the current format, home teams have gone a whopping 52-12. Before you start placing bets on all the home teams, it should be pointed out that in the last 3 years, home teams are only 8-4. So, based on the trends, one team could lose this weekend, and hence “anything can happen.” Let’s take a look at what we got…

Indy @ Baltimore – By far, the most intriguing matchup of the weekend. Here are the storylines:
1) Good vs. Evil – No one likes Cobra, Cobra Commander, or the Ravens. No one (well, except maybe people from Baltimore).
2) The Team that Moved Away vs. Its Former City – I could be wrong about this, because I’m too lazy to see if it ever happened, but I don’t believe that a city has ever had its first franchise play its current franchise in the playoffs. Plus, a lot of people in Baltimore associated with the name “Colts” so much, that they even had a minor-league football team named the “Colts”, at least temporarily until the Colts succeeded in a lawsuit against this Baltimore franchise.
3) Offense vs. Defense – Sorry, I still don’t think the Colts have a defense, or the Ravens have an offense. Interestingly enough, as pointed out by SI.com, Manning has been surprisingly successful during the season against the Ravens. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/dr_z/01/08/playoffs/index.html

No matter which storyline you think is sexiest, it pretty much comes down to whether the Ravens can force turnovers, because that’s the only way they win against anyone. I tend to think Manning likes to choke, so I’m choosing Cobra despite my hatred for Cobra, snakes, Cobra-Kai, and Slytherin. Pick: Baltimore

New England @ San Diego – As I said last week, I think that if the Chargers can play from behind, Marty Schottenheimer will be forced to play aggressively despite the fact that he has no testicles. Pick: San Diego

Philly @ New Orleans – This is another exciting matchup, where both teams are fairly balanced and both have big play capabilities. Plus, it’s Philly WR Donte Stallworth vs. his old team! Nothing at this point is more American than the Saints, other than maybe “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan draping himself in an American flag and throwing and catching a 2 X 4.
Pick: New Orleans

Seattle @ Chicago – I don’t think we’ll really know until this weekend if the Bears’ D will be back in form. I tend to think it won’t matter, and that even the Seattle backup defenders can handle the poor decisions of Rex Grossman. Of course, if the Bears actually play Brian Griese, it could be a different story.
Pick: Seattle

Last week: 3-1 (I went with the Chiefs, and now, I’m never ever picking Herman Edwards in the playoffs.)

Finally, I’d like to give a CONGRATULATIONS to the Hitman, as winner of the “BSD 1000 Posts Spectacular Sweepstakes.” Many have entered, but there could be only one winner. When he posted his “Colts-Chiefs Recap” on 1/7/07, he actually posted BSD's 1000th post! Congratulation to Hitman and everyone else!