NFL Playoff Saturday

I was about as impressed with Peyton Manning as the next guy last Saturday and I am fully aware that he struggles with the 3-4 defense more than any other defense. However, there is just something about this INDY v. Ravens game that doesn't feel right. Baltimore talks and talks and talks about how good they are and they are right about one thing...their defense is really good. But their offense is pedestrian at best and Steve McNair is terrible...yes, terrible. Jamal Lewis hasnt been the same since he became Nasty Nate's bitch in prison. All week the Ravens have been talking smack to Indy and talking about their pending SuperBowl victory. Peyton, on the other hand has been silent...too silent. Peyton has probably watched 15 hours of video per day on the Ravens and he is going to have a BIG day. Everyone is on the Ravens and that usually means that everyone is wrong. Indy will likely win this game outright, and they will certainly cover 4 points.

INDY +4 (**)

In the night game, Philli goes to "America's Team", aka the Saints, to play a game against a team that everyone is rooting for. This is the fairy-tale season for the Saints, and it also gives an argument to the conspiracy theorists that believe the NFL is fixed. But the NFL is not fixed and this fairy tale will end badly for Saints. I like the Eagles to go into the Dome and win. The Saints have a very good offense, but a poor defense. The Eagles have a balanced attack and a defense that schemes better than anyone besides maybe New England. This game will be settled by a field goal either way, but I believe it will be the Eagles who win it. Also, the Sixth Man told me today that when the bookmakers set a line at 5, they are begging you to take the favorite, but you should ALWAYS take the underdog (this is not to be confused with a 4 point spread which screams "favorite"). That being said, Take the Eagles.

Philli +4 (**)