NFL Picks

It’s a couple of hours before the kickoff of the Colts versus the Ravens. I avoid at all costs watching or listening to any sports shows before making my decisions since I don’t like being influenced by morons. After having registering my picks, however, I like to see what the “pros” think.
It doesn’t take the insight of a washed-up, opps, I mean retired NFL player to note the Ravens have a superior defense that, if handled properly, will pressure Manning all day. The Colts have only two options, strike first and fast and/or forget about even trying to have a running game. Tony Dungy isn’t smart enough to try either. There’ll be an obvious, futile attempt to “establish” a non-existent running game and Indianapolis may just set a league record for the most 3 and outs in a playoff game. The current line has moved to Indianapolis +4. If you’re willing to accept that then you might as well bet the Colts to win. This game shouldn’t even be close. I picked the Ravens by nine and think that was being conservative.

The Saints and Eagles game has been over analyzed to death. The “pros” seem pretty much split on this one. Everyone is quoting previous records and stats. Fact of the matter is, New Orleans had a relatively weak schedule and lacks all kinds of experience. The eagles are peaking at the right time and have a firm grasp of their strengths and weaknesses. The Saints only bright spot was whipping the Cowboys. They defeated the Eagles by a field goal, but they didn’t have to deal with Jeff Garcia. This is a much better Eagles team they face and should be getting, not giving points. By the fourth quarter the stadium will be half empty and the Eagles will be playing their back-ups. The Saints had a decent run.

The Seahawks and the Bears has everybody questioning the ability of Chicago to mount an offense with one of the worst quarterbacks in the league. The question here is can the Bears win on defense? Seattle has the talent to score some points, and it certainly wouldn’t take much of a defense to hold Chicago to single digits. Unfortunately, Seattle has an idiot for a coach. With anybody else calling the plays Seattle would be a lock getting 9 ½ points. I recommend a pass, but if I’m right on Saturday I’d say take a shot with Seattle on Sunday.

San Diego and New England should be a dead-even game. The NFL pundits are all going with the experienced and proven Patriots. I did, too. Five points is a token line and should get money moved to New England. Either way, you have to take the points in this one.