Championship Sunday *Quickie

By Dan Rodgers

Hey all, I'm 20 years old now and I don't feel any different, oh what a surprise. I will be in Tennessee this weekend for a Bar Mitzvah so I am not sure if I will be back in time to write before the games.

NFC

Minnesota Vikings @ New Orleans Saints (-3.5)

The Saints offense proved last week that they didn't miss a beat after benching their starters and having a bye week. Even though Arizona's defense has been dreadful, you have to execute against bad defenses before you can do so against the good ones. Minnesota's defense was as good as can be against Dallas last week but I think Drew Brees can find any holes that might be in the defense. The Vikes have been stopping the run fairly easily so I see Brees throwing at least 45 times including an attempt to utilize Reggie Bush's unique ability in space by throwing some screen passes. Due to the Brett Favre factor the game will be close, but I do like the Saints to cover the spread in a game that might look closer than it is.

My prediction: Saints (-3.5) 27 Vikings 23

AFC

New York Jets (+8) @ Indianapolis Colts

The Jets have been hot as hell and with San Diego/Dallas out of the mix, they look to be the hottest team. The Colts looked mediocre last week against Baltimore, but came away with a win due to the ineffectiveness of the entire Ravens team. I look for the Jets to run the heck out of the ball not only to move it down the field but also to keep Peyton on the sideline. They should have a good day since Indy isn't to good at stopping the run, but might be in trouble if they have to throw. Sanchez has been playing well but the Colts have filled in their injury-shaken secondary nicely. Look for the Jets to cover the spread and the Colts to get demolished in the time-of-possession statistic. Shonn Greene and Thomas Jones should both surpas 75 yards while Peyton will throw a touchdown or two.

My prediction: Jets (+8) 16 Colts 20

Rodgers That

Jets, Vikes advance

By Dan Rodgers

Divisional Round - Sunday

Dallas Cowboys (+2.5) 3 Minnesota Vikings 34

My prediction: Cowboys 27 Vikings 20

Ugh, not exactly "on" with my picks involving the NFC. This has been a pretty frustrating post-season because a team might show up one week and then just blank the very next without reason. The Cowboys were outplayed in every aspect of the game and shot themselves in the foot numerous times when they were unable to convert in their opponents territory. Tony Romo threw an interceptions and lost two of his three fumbles. Favre had another good game picking up the slack from AP. He threw for four touchdowns, three of them to Sidney Rice. They play the Saints on Sunday for the NFC crown.

New York (+7) 17 San Diego 14

My prediction: Jets 20 Chargers 24

So I was definitely on target with my Jets covering the spread, but they did one better...the won the game straight up. I'll be damned it was quite remarkable if you ask me. Down seven at half, the Jets showed poise and allowed the Bolts to make the majority of the mistakes so Gang Green could capitalize. Mark Sanchez turned the ball over for the first time in three weeks, but responded well by throwing the go-ahead touchdown pass to Dustin Keller. Shonn Greene had another great game scoring on a Jets franchise record 53-yard touchdown pass that nearly put the game out of reach. However, the game truly over when Nate Kaeding missed his third field goal of the day in an attempt to cut the lead to seven. Kaeding also missed the potential game winning field goal in a 2004 playoff game against the Jets. I guess we're his kryptonite.

The Jets head to Indy to face the NFL's MVP. Should make for a great match up.

Rodgers That

Looking ahead: NFL Sunday

By Dan Rodgers

Cowboys (+2.5) at Vikings

This is an interesting game because, I can't believe it's actually true, it's playoff time and the Dallas Cowboys are red hot. Besides the Chargers I think Dallas is the hottest team in the NFL right now. Right now Tony Romo is playing very well and even Roy Williams is getting into the mix. Miles Austin is having a break out season (sucks for the Jets who chose not to sign him) and the Cowboys are using all three running backs very effectively. The defense, led by DeMarcus Ware, is playing very well as they were second in the NFL in points per game (15.6). The Vikes are winning games but not playing their best football. The defense is playing well as expected but I don't see how they can slow down the Dallas offense which is ranked in the top 10 in passing and rushing. I like Dallas to edge out the Vikes in a game that will have more offense than expected. Look for Brett the...Viking...to turn the ball over a time or two.

My prediction: Cowboys (+2.5) 27 Vikings 20

Jets (+7) at Chargers

The Jets come into this game winning six out of their last seven, impressive right? Well, it would be if the team they were facing hadn't closed out the season winning their last 11 in a row. The Chargers momentum might have been slowed due to the bye week, but that doens't mean that they aren't playing great football. They are my AFC Super Bowl pick. Unfortunately that means they will have to go through my Jets which is going to be devasting for me. I can be realistic though and and see right now that the Chargers are the better team. However, don't be surprised to see my Jets put up a hell of a fight because they match up so well. They play stellar pass defense which is San Diego's strong point. The Chargers aren't too good at stopping the run (117.8 ypg) and the Jets lead the league in rushing with over 170 yards per game. The primary match up is going to be Phillip Rivers combined with his three targets of six foot four inches or taller against Darrelle Revis and the Jets undersized defensive backs. However, also keep an eye on Mark Sanchez and his ability to pass the ball and potentially stretch the field with Braylon Edwards.

My preciction (unfortunately): Jets (+7) 20 Chargers 24

Rodgers That

Looking back: NFL Saturday

By Dan Rodgers

Divisional Round - Saturday

Baltimore Ravens (+6.5) 3 Indianapolis Colts 20

My prediction: Ravens 26 Colts 20

I predicted the Colts score on the money, but the Ravens decided to end their season and I wasn't expecting it. I want to apologize to everyone about that the Ravens' decision to lay down against a rival in a playoff game. I assumed that they would show up like the did last week and at least put up a fight. BUT, you all know what assuming does, it makes an ASS out of U and ME. The Colts didn't play well, but they forced a few mistakes and watched the Ravens shoot themselves in the foot...over and over again. I don't want to hear about penalties and complaints about the refs because nothing would have changed the Ravens playing so terrible. Talk about a recent sophomore slump, Flacco looked pretty good early on this season but his "injuries" have just completely thrown off his game. Better luck next year.

Arizona Cardinals (+7) 14 New Orleans 45

My prediction: Cardinals 38 Saints 44

So, I was kind of spot on in the Saints/Cards game, but I figured the Cardinals wouldn't suck like they did and at least put up half the points they did against Green Bay. However, they laid a second half egg and were held to only fourteen points. I was pretty on target in predicting the Saints score and the over was money. The Saints kept the game exciting putting up 45 points including a few electrifying plays from Reggie Bush. The Cardinals gave up a remarkable 45 points in consecutive weeks. The more impressive thing is that they won one of those games. The Saints will roll in the NFC Championship and will face Dallas or Minnesota. This is the first time that New Orleans has hosted the big game so they will be pumped and that dome will be rocking.

Rodgers That