THROWING KNIVES: OBLIGATORY NFL PLAYOFF PREVIEW

by BD, Staff Writer

Each time the playoffs kick off in a given sports I feel compelled to preview the upcoming action. The NFL is no exception as the Wild Card round kicks off this weekend. A weekend in which none of the consensus Super Bowl contenders will be playing. The big names of Manning, Brady, Romo and Favre will be resting easily on their couches while the best of the rest fight for the right to face them. Rather than pick every weekend I'm going to run through the whole shebang and just leave it. Though I intended to offer my calls against the spread each week.

Washington @ Seattle (-3.5)
My initial though on this game was Washington, but as the week has worn out I've become a bit clouded on which way to go with this one. Everyone and their cousin in on Washington's jock and that's something I'm just not digging. It's not a slam-dunk pick. If the 'Skins can pull this off, a whole lot of things need to go their way. Despite his many years on the sidelines this is Collins' first playoff start and Seattle's defense is a lot to deal with. Seattle cannot run the ball though and I like Washington's secondary against what is, in my opinion, an average group of receivers, plus DJ Hackett isn't fully healthy. I'm expecting a lot of turnovers and a close game in the Northwest. The difference? Clinton Portis allows Washington to control the ball and keep Hasselbeck on the sidelines.
The Pick: Washington
Against The Spread: Washington

Jacksonville (-2.5) @ Pittsburgh
This one is becoming more and more interesting to me as the days tick by. My initial thought was the same as when they first played: Jacksonville. But as I look at the road-favored Jaguars it's difficult for me to imagine a Steelers team I've been calling overrated for months losing twice to Jacksonville in a month. Can they really continue to tackle this badly? Or will the defense show up and make the difference? The latter seems their only shot to win any scenario that has Big Ben deciding this game late points to a large L for the Steel City folk. Factor in the loss of Willie Parker against the spectacular player of Fred Taylor and everything seems to be favoring the Jags. It feels a lot like Jags rout. A feeling I just don't dig. Thus I'm going to ignore all of the signs and go they other way. Call it a gut feeling, despite how much I hate this team and hope they lose.
The Pick: Pittsburgh
ATS: Pittsburgh

NY Giants @ Tampa Bay (-3)
I like Tampa defense and Jeff Garcia is the epitome of a safe quarterback. But I don't really like anything else about this team. The Giants have a fantastic defensive line that will get to Garcia often and keep the suspect secondary hidden for the week. I just feel like the Giants are the much better team. I know they're not much better and the game is in Tampa Bay. But here's my measuring stick. Both teams went to Detroit this season and looked like absolute shit. The difference? The Giants won. They'll do the same in Tampa Bay even it's ugly.
The Pick: NY Giants
ATS: NY Giants

Tennessee @ San Diego (-10)
Theirs not a lot to say here. The Titans are in bad shape and the Chargers have looked great the last few weeks. If the Chargers lose this game it's because of Norv and Rivers. That's about all there is to it.
The Pick: San Diego
ATS: Tennessee

Divisional Round
AFC
Indianapolis over San Diego
Indy takes away LT and Rivers sucks.
New England over Pittsburgh
The spread should be at least 17 for this one.

NFC
Washington over Dallas
I think the Seattle game will be tougher for the 'Skins.
Green Bay over NY Giants
This might be a rout.

Conference Championships
AFC
Indianapolis over New England
Indy's running game controls the clock and it appears these two have officially traded styles. Baw-Ston fans heads explode, rest of nation immediately cheers.

NFC
Washington over Green Bay
Bad weather favors the running team as this time the 'Skins win (rather than lose) by 3 at Lambeau. The Pack would have been better off traveling to Dallas.

Super Bowl #Whatever
Indianapolis over Washington
The game will be played indoors in Arizona. The venue couldn't favor the Colts any more. I think Manning and Co. make it back-to-back in a nail biter.

Ideally the above all takes place except Jacksonville wins it all, but I took one long shot in Washington. That's enough. Enjoy the football, people.