Gant Gridiron Challenge: NFL Playoffs, Week One

All of us struggled again last week, especially with the pre-2011 bowls – but Jay went 7-1 in NFL action to pull even with Chris again. Aside from the Saints, we have varying opinions on the other three games – if you want more in-depth analysis, look for Dave’s ‘Glass Eye’ column Friday afternoon! On to the picks…

The Last Word

Chris: “Colts: This game will come down to which team has the better quarterback, and it’s pretty safe to say that the Colts do. Even with the injuries mounting for last year’s AFC champ, I like Indianapolis in the dome in prime time.
Ravens: As much as I hate to admit it, the Ratbirds will have no trouble dispatching the Chiefs, who were dismantled by Oakland at home last week. Baltimore will earn a trip to Foxboro where it will give mighty Tom Brady and the Patriots a game.
Saints: This game is the joke of the week. The fact that Seattle is even in the postseason at 7-9 and has a home game to boot has to have NFL brass shaking their heads in disbelief. Drew Brees and company will have this one in hand by halftime.
Packers: The Eagles have dropped two straight and are stumbling into the postseason. This game will be a battle of QBs and defenses. Michael Vick is probably a little better than Aaron Rodgers, but I really like the way the Pack D is playing. It will be a close one at Lincoln Financial Field, with the Pack pulling it out in the end.”

Jay: “Really wanted to pick all four away teams, but I figure that can’t possibly happen in the playoffs – so I picked the last game as the home team. Though I hate to ever pick against Manning, the Colts just don’t look good – even against the Titans last week in a potential must-win game. The Jets have a swagger, but I don’t believe in them like I did earlier in the season. I say one win and done this year. Not sold on the Ravens like I was earlier in the year either, but I think their “D” can step it up one last time and knock off the Chiefs – a tall order in Arrowhead Stadium in the playoffs. Since we don’t have to worry about “the spread”, I’m sure everyone will pick the Saints. Like all year long, Seattle will either win the game, or lose big. More likely to lose big against the defending Super Bowl champs. Only picking the Eagles because they are at home and I’ve picked three road teams already. Both teams are very dangerous offensively, but Vick is just having one of ‘those seasons’ where I think he may be able to pull one off.”

Dustin: “In one way I’m glad one of my teams is playing this week, but at the same time I hate having to wait and see if they win.  I can’t see the Colts losing to the Jets because New York has been so unpredictable the last few weeks.  Peyton and company were simply on it this last month in winning their division.  I picked the Ravens for the simple reason of their defense.  I can’t  bet against Ray Lewis and his team.
On the NFC side, picking the Saints is pretty obvious.  How good is a 7-9 team hosting a playoff game, it’s just not right.  Drew Brees is going to be providing an aerial assault in that one.  The best game is definitely Aaron Rodgers against Michael Vick.  I think home field advantage will win that one.
It’s Wild Card weekend…the road to Dallas begins now.”

Rusty: “Well, it’s playoff time and you know what they say, “throw the records out the window.”  That’s my challenge this week, fellows – I’m willing to throw my record out the window right now.  Who’s with me?  I’m not sure even double points can save me. It’s hard to go against Peyton at home, especially when he seems to be playing much better.  The Jets have really only had two notable wins on the season – early when the Patriots were floundering and late against Pittsburgh in an ugly game that neither team played very well. Ravens have the #5 run-defense in the league while the Chiefs are the #1 rushing team – defense wins with everything else being pretty equal.  I will hate to be right in this one. How did the Seahawks get invited?  7-9?  They must have had the toughest schedule in the league – or not.  When these two teams met earlier this season, the Saints won 34-19 – Congrats to Seatle on giving the home-town fans something to forget. Perhaps the best game of the Wild Card round will be Green Bay and Philadelphia.  The Packers won an earlier meeting this season 27-20, but I seem to recall some quarterback issues with the Eagles.  Both QB’s are a bit banged up, but the Eagles offense seems a little more balanced right now.”

Dave: “As mentioned above, I’ll have a lot more to say in my column, but quickly: I think everyone is overvaluing the Ravens and undervaluing the Chiefs – the Ravens are not nearly the same on defense as they were the past few years, and I think Jamaal Charles will get 100 yards and wear down the Baltimore ‘D’. Saints will win but Seattle will put up a fight, and I think any other NFC team could make the Super Bowl – it’s that wide open.”