This has been a crazy year to be a fan, that’s for sure. Teams that were predicted to be favorites for a Super Bowl run have found themselves on the outside looking in (i.e. Washington Redskins, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans). While others have surprised by how well they’ve done (Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals, Kansas City Chiefs). It is going to be an exciting weekend of football, with 4 great match-ups on the horizon. I decided I would take this site away from all things “geeky” and appeal to the sports fans out there by picking this weekend’s games. Please feel free to leave your comments, whether you agree or disagree with my wisdom. :)
Game 1 - Kansas City Chiefs at Indianapolis Colts
Saturday January 4th, 4:35pm EST - NBC
The Chiefs started the season with an improbable 9-0, causing every reactionary out there to prematurely hand over the “Coach of the Year” honors to Andy Reid before realizing that he didn’t build this team, Romeo Crennel did. But Crennel was fired at the end of last season so Reid looks to get all the kudos. Since their bye week, the Chiefs have been a mess, though. They’ve lost critical games to both the Chargers and the Broncos, calling their toughness into question. Jamal Charles is a beast, and one of the best running backs in the league. The Colts beat the Chiefs pretty handily back on Dec. 22nd in a 23-7 stomping. Quarterback Andrew Luck continues to prove that he is the real deal. If KC’s defense continues to break down, Luck will have a field day picking it apart.
Jay’s Verdict: The Colts are hard to beat at home in their comfy little dome, and even though the Chiefs have not been playing their starters of late and haven’t been necessarily giving it their all, I don’t see KC winning this one.
Colts win, 31-17
Game 2 - New Orleans Saints at Philadelphia Eagles
Saturday January 4th, 8:10pm EST - NBCDrew Brees, one of the best quarterbacks in 20 years, versus Nick Foles, the back-up who replaced Michael Vick and has led the Eagles to a resurgent 10-6 record. The Eagles, under the leadership of new coach, Chip Kelly, claimed the NFC East title with his signature no-huddle offense, that made him so successful in Oregon. Add RB LeSean McCoy to the mix and the Eagles are red hot. The Saints have struggled lately, but they still have Brees, who should never be counted out. Neither defense is worth writing home about so I fully expect a shootout.
Jay’s Verdict: The Saints defense is less than stellar, and even with Brees under center they are going to struggle to contain the high-powered Chip Kelly offense of the Eagles.
Eagles win, 38-27
Game 3 - San Diego Chargers at Cincinnati Bengals
Sunday January 5th, 1:05pm EST - CBS
All I can tell you is that folks went crazy here in San Diego when the Chargers pulled out their overtime victory against the Chiefs on Sunday. I work right next to Qualcomm Stadium and the place was hopping. Never mind, that they just barely beat a team that didn’t even play its starters. Chargers fans were just happy to be in the playoffs again. Well, I wish them all the luck in the world . . . . because they’re going to need it. The Bengals are for real. Their defense is for real. Andy Dalton is for real. They are a tough, tough team and my sleeper pick to make the Super Bowl in the AFC. Philip Rivers will need to play better against them then he did earlier this season when the Chargers lost at home to Cincinnati, 17-10. Keenan Allen is very good, though, and there is always a slim chance the Chargers could pull this one out, but, like I said, Rivers has to be perfect.
Jay’s Verdict: The Bengals were my pick at the beginning of the season and I have no reason to abandon them now.
Bengals win in a close one, 24-21
Game 4 - San Francisco 49ers at Green Bay Packers
Sunday January 5th, 4:40pm EST - FOX
I don’t know if any of you know this, but, it’s fucking cold at Lambeau Field in January. The kind of cold that hurts. There’s a reason so many visiting teams go there to die in the playoffs. The 49ers, on paper, should be able to go in there and take care of business. QB Colin Kaepernick has to be consistent, though. He has yet to prove to me that he has the passing game of an elite quarterback. He has all the weapons he needs, he just has to execute. Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers is back, and when he’s at the helm, the Packers are an entirely different beast. The running game will be very important in this one which should give the edge to San Fran, having Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter to pound out the yards. But, it’s Lambeau in January . . . . .arrrgggghhhh . . . . .
Jay’s Verdict: The 49ers defense steps up and Kaepernick does just enough to eek out a win.
49ers win, 28-24
Well, that’s my picks. I’ll be back next week for Round 2. Enjoy the games!
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