NFL Picks

OK the NFL playoffs are upon us. That means I am almost obligated to share my picks for this weekend's games:

St. Louis vs. Seattle

Seattle is favored by 4 points. Hmmmm....

The last time they played in Seattle, the Rams were able to pull off a miracle victory. Not this time. Everybody in the NFL hates Rams coach Mike Martz and Saturday Martz and the Rams get their comeuppances.

Michael Martz and comeuppances both have 12 letters. Coincidence? I think not. (I know I'm stretching it with "comeuppances" but "son of a motherless goat" was way too many letters.)

Take Seattle and give the points.

New York at San Diego

The Chargers are favored by 7 and the over/under is a relatively low 42 points.

My gut tells me that Chad Pennington's shoulder is hurt worse than what's being said (much like Tom Brady two years ago). The Chargers have a good defense and should be able to keep Curtis Martin in check. I think that the Chargers cover at home and I think the game goes over 42 points but those lines may just be trying to sucker me in. Maybe there's a return to Martyball as Schottenheimer reverts to his old self and tries to win a 6-3 game.

Screw it - always go with your first gut reaction. Take San Diego giving 7 and take the over.

Denver at Indianapolis

Indianapolis is favored by 10 points. Everybody and their brother is picking the Colts in a walk in this one. Not me. Take the Broncos and the points.

Denver was 5th in the league in offense this year and Jake "Hey do I look like the Unibomber" Plummer threw 27 touchdown passes. The Broncos have a very good offensive line and a very good running game. I think they match up very well against the Colts.

Two defensive observations to share. First - did you know that Denver defensive stud Champ Bailey finished the year with the same number of interceptions (3) as New England wide receiver Troy Brown? Second - enough already with all the talk about Dwight Freeney and how the Colts D-line has so many sacks. Of course they have so many sacks! Everybody is always passing against them (both because the Colts offense scores so much and opposing teams are playing catch-up and because the Colts defensive backfield sucks).

Minnesota at Green Bay

Packers are favored by 6 1/2.

Green Bay fans always bet loads on their team in the playoffs and the line is always tilted to them because of it. I know that right now the least popular team in the playoffs is the Vikings but 6 1/2 is a lot of points for a game that will be played in Green Bay. Outside!

Hold your nose and take the points and the Vikings.