Well, it looks like we're down to 8 teams in the
NFL. I missed last week's games, but from the scores, it doesn't look like I missed that much. Here's a brief analysis from someone who hardly follows the NFL these days except to find out if the
Jets will get Eric Mangini, Patriots Defensive Coordinator, as their head coach.
Washington at SeattleThe
Seahawks are generally tough at home, but the
Redskins have been really tough down the stretch, which reminds me of teams like the 2001 Patriots or 2000 Ravens. So which will be a bigger factor here, injuries to the Redskins or Seattle's recent playoff futility? Seattle the last two years has reminded me of the recent iterations of Colts or Vikings that made the playoffs strongly and then lost tragically. I'm not sure what will be the stronger factor, but I think the Redskins keep this one close. Washington takes the 9.5 point spread and possibly even the game.
New England at DenverI don't like to bet against Tom Brady who is undefeated in the playoffs. The fact that the
Broncos beat the
Patriots earlier this year doesn't mean much to me. A strange Monday Night game in 2003 where the Broncos with Danny Kannell as QB nearly beat NE (and Belichek took a safety in the end zone) gives me hope that Shanahan could be the coach to beat the Patriots, but I'm not banking on it. Patriots take this one. By the way, a Patriots victory would further prolong the Jets coaching situation, so my pessimistic inner-Jets fan has to go with New England here. I'll take the Pats. I think if you can only watch one game this weekend, this might be it.
Pittsburgh at IndianapolisIf the
Steelers win this, I'd be shocked. The
Colts were playing great, got a little derailed, but should be back on track, and at the dome. I'm not so sure about that spread, though. While the Colts destroyed the Steelers in the first match-up, this one should be a little closer, but even closer means the Colts cover.
Carolina at ChicagoThis game made me wonder, "what's the over/under?" since both teams aren't known for their offense. I think the
Bears can take this one but it's not really based on any fact or observations, other than that the
Panthers are pretty inconsistant. I think there's some home advantage here as well. I suspect the game will come down to the turnovers and Steve Smith. If Chicago keeps the ball safe and contains Smith, they should win. This will be a close game where field position will make the difference. I'll take Chicago.
So the KFB predicts that next week we will see:
Washington at Chicago
New England at Indianapolis
Tags: NFL Playoffs, Playoffs