Back in the Saddle

I'm not over it, but I'm back in it.

Last Sunday was a long time ago, and I'm trying to forget everything. I was trying to be smart and logical, and if I had gone with my gut, I actually would have picked the Cards, the Ravens, and the Chargers. I would have finished 2-2, but I would have called the two most startling upsets.

In terms of the Giants, I believed they could lose that game, and they did. But when it comes to picks, you can never pick against your boys, and you should never bet your heart. So that means speak with pride, but don't lay any money. And as I'm only poor, and not broke, I haven't started gambling yet. So here I am, 2-6 in the playoffs, and here we go...

Arizona (+4) over Philadelphia - Arizona is getting points at home, after proving it can handle the second best rusher in the NFL (at home) and then going on the road to knock off one of the most complete teams in the playoffs (easily I might add). They have the nobody believed in us factor, they have God and Puppies as Bill Simmons writes, and they have Larry Fitzgerald, Kurt Warner, a rejuvenated running game, DRC, and a whole host of factors. This game is for the Cardinals. The Eagles have won their past two games, but not in any impressive fashion. They have looked good enough to win at the best of times and never really impressed me. Except in a) protecting McNabb against the Giants b) playing tight D on the Giants receivers - none of whom are amazing wideouts. McNabb is winning, but I don't see him being impressive, maybe I'm blind and hate the Eagles, but I'm putting it on Arizona to cover and Win. Mark it, baby.

Balitmore (+6) over Pittsburgh - Now before anyone starts getting angry, and you know who you are, I am picking Baltimore to cover, but not to win. In two games this season, when Baltimore didn't look even remotely as good as it does now and the Steelers were looked much better and were much healthier, the Steelers won both of those games by a COMBINED total of 7 points. The porous O-line of the Steelers is going to mean Ben will be on his back a LOT. But I'm not willing to bet the farm on Flacco. I think the Ravens have won only because they haven't allowed Flacco to beat them with mistakes, and they got lucky to have that situation in Tennessee, but I don't think the Steelers are going to afford them the same opportunity. The Steelers are more polished, and more experienced. I can't put my faith in a Rookie QB to take Baltimore all the way, even though the Steelers are going to get extremely banged up along the way. Ohhhh it's going to be an amazingly physical game. But again, Baltimore to cover, not to Win.

-Jobimoto out.
"The Baltimore defensive line will do everything to Big Ben short of actually having sex with him..."