PLAYOFF PICKS

Had to get these on before the games get underway. Last week I was 3-1 picking the winners, 2-2 against the spreads. Just know that, before you take these picks and run with them to your local Las Vegas sportsbook, that I have no clue this weekend. I'm just making picks because I like to do it. Also know that I am doing awfully in the pool that I am in, and this could be the last you hear of it - I need to have a humongous weekend in order to get myself back in the running. That said, here are my picks:

SATURDAY

Indianapolis at Baltimore (-3.5): I'm a dope, but I like Indianapolis. I know defense is what wins championships, but I just haven't bought into the Ravens this whole season. If one home team were to lose this weekend, this would be the team. So I'm going Colts 28, Ravens 20 (but I wouldn't be surprised if it was Baltimore, 23-20). Over/Under is 41.5. I'm putting half my remaining pool money on Indy plus the points, and the over. If I win, I continue, if I lose I'm out.

Philadelphia at New Orleans (-5.5): I'd go with New Orleans minus the points. I think the week off helps them a lot, they were stumbling down the stretch. I think they put on a strong performance here. Saints, 26-17. I only have 43 points there, so I guess I'm thinking under the 48.5.

SUNDAY

Seattle at Chicago (-8.5): This seems like a lot of points, but I also think Seattle is the weakest team left. And I think Chicago will play a safe game (run a lot) and win easily. I say Bears, 27-10. The over/under is 37.5. How about that. Barely under, I guess.

New England at San Diego (-4.5): My heart says San Diego easy, my head says the Patriots have a real good chance of winning this game. I will pick the Chargers by a touchdown, but it will come in the final two minutes, and it will be tight. Chargers, 31-24. The over/under is 46.5. I think there will be a lot of scoring.

I guess I'm thinking Bears-Saints and Chargers-Colts for the Championship games. That would be good for the ol' Super Bowl matchups chart. We'll see how these turn out.

POST SCRIPT: I forgot to mention one more thing about the classy coach of the New England Patriots, Bill Belichick. In the post-game press conference he almost referred to Eric Mangini as "The Guy", instead of referring to him by name. They asked about the photographer incident, and he said, "I was just trying to get to the guy....Eric...", cutting himself off halfway through the word 'guy'.

I think it's funny to imagine Bill Belichick's PR guy as Toby from 'The Office'.
Bill: I hugged Mangini, did you see that? You happy now? Everyone saw it on TV.
Toby: But...Bill....you pushed a cameraman.
Bill: He was in my way.
Toby: Yeah, but....you really shouldn't have done that.

Hours of fun right there.