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Anyone watching the playoffs this year?

I predicted the Falcons win against the Rams, although I was expecting a closer game. I think they're going to take care of Philadelphia also this weekend, given the Eagles are without their starting QB (I guess they're already considered the underdogs in this game - completely agree). The Falcons could certainly get back to the Super Bowl this year. Just depends on whether Minnesota is as dominant in the post season as they've been all year. New Orleans' offense is looking pretty good this year, but their run game, the strength of that offense, was stymied big time by the Panthers' D. I kind of consider them pretty vulnerable. While Sean Payton is a great play caller, I often find his aggressiveness not brave, but dumb.

As for the AFC, it sure looks like an inevitable Pitts/NE conference championship game (which would suck, only because one of them would have to win). I'm holding out hope that the Jags defense can do to the Steelers the same thing they did in week 5. And the Titans at NE? All I can say is... Oh well.

I'm kind of feeling like we may just have a Super Bowl rematch this year. Just depends on whether Atlanta's offense can match the performance of their defense, which just keeps getting better (such a weird thing to say regarding the Falcons).

Predictions, anyone?

Philly-Atlanta: first time a 6th seed has been favored over a 1 seed. All comes down to Nick Foles. Atlanta looked like last year against the Rams, but even if they beat Philadelphia they will probably head to Minnesota for the championship game. Beating LA, Philadelphia and Minnesota on the road is a tall order. If they get to the Superbowl, they will have earned it. At this point, I like Minnesota, but if Atlanta can play at the level they did against the Rams, it will be a tough game.

Like you, I think it's Pittsburgh or New England. My heart says Pittsburgh, my head says New England.

Super Bowl:





Pittsburg v Minnesota


Winner - Minnesota Vikings

.

I watched the KC Chiefs lose in the playoffs again. They have now lost six straight home playoff games.

The Jacksonville Jaguars could end up beating the Pittsburgh Steelers this weekend. They did beat the Steelers during the regular season.

MeDotOrg wrote:At this point, I like Minnesota, but if Atlanta can play at the level they did against the Rams, it will be a tough game.

Yep. The other X-factor is the Vikes' relative lack of recent playoff experience. Minnesota is another of those teams I have a soft spot for, and it wouldn't upset me to see them win it all, but I just don't think they'll get it done. Perhaps it's the pessimist in me who's gotten used to teams I dislike winning the big game.

MeDotOrg wrote:Like you, I think it's Pittsburgh or New England. My heart says Pittsburgh, my head says New England.

Yeah, ultimately, it's hard to imagine any of the seven remaining teams beating NE. Ugh.

It's not hard to imagine why NFL ratings are down, however. NE losing Tom Brady would likely be the best thing to happen to the league in a while.

Brackite wrote:I watched the KC Chiefs lose in the playoffs again. They have now lost six straight home playoff games.

It's a weird thing, but it seems like I forget every year just how awesome KC is at giving away playoff games they should win.

Brackite wrote:The Jacksonville Jaguars could end up beating the Pittsburgh Steelers this weekend. They did beat the Steelers during the regular season.

I have been very focused on this fact. Go Jags, go!

Ceeboo wrote:Winner - Minnesota Vikings

That would be very cool. It's doubtful, but that would make it all the sweeter.

Ceeboo wrote:Super Bowl:





Pittsburg v Minnesota


Winner - Minnesota Vikings

.

(Remember: Two pressings of the "Enter" key, not three. Dangling period completely unnecessary.)

SS's (<- ha) favorite part of an NFL game:


paste image host

That said predictions follow:

Pats.
Sacksonville.

Atlanta.
Nola.

- Doc

Some Schmo wrote:Predictions, anyone?

I am deciding not to predict rationally but emotionally.

So, immediately out of the gate NE and Pitt are out. I hate them both.

Jacksonville is my pick for the AFC champ.

I couldn't care less about the NFC teams that are in, but of them I'm ambivalent towards Atlanta and Minnesota, don't feel a desire to Brees with another championship, and don't want to listen to Philadelphia fans for a full off season. Philadelphia fans suck about as much as Bronco and Cowboys fans when it comes to listening to them talk about football. So, Atlanta or Minnesota is a coin flip for me. Let's go with Minnesota because why not?

Jacksonville v. Minnesota...don't care who wins but that's what I'm cheering for this year.