By Dalton Del Don – Senior Writer
Redskins +3.5 at Seahawks
Comments: The Redskins come in on a roll (winners of four straight) and with destiny on their side. Todd Collins has improbably been a major upgrade at quarterback, and Washington’s secondary has been a big reason for the winning streak as well. Still, homefield is a big deal here, as the Seahawks are very tough to beat in Seattle. While the team may be more one-dimensional (no running game), the Seahawks have a very good pass rush and secondary, which should spell doom for Washington. Matt Hasselbeck is also a big advantage, as well as Mike Holmgren over Joe Gibbs. The Seahawks are my bet of the week.
Seahawks 27-13.
Jaguars pick ’em at Steelers
Comments: At this point, I’m pretty sure even my mom is taking the Jaguars this week, and she doesn’t even know they are playing. Without a doubt, they are the hotter team entering the tournament, and David Garrard has really blossomed this season. Still, it will be awfully tough to go into Pittsburgh and win for the second time in the last month. Pittsburgh isn’t the same team it was earlier in the year (injuries to Aaron Smith and Troy Polamalu have hurt), but they have a significant advantage in net YPA (2.0 to 0.8) – the most important stat in football. Go contrarian; the Steelers win this week.
Steelers 23-20.
Giants +2.5 at Buccaneers
Comments: It’s interesting that these two teams meet round 1, since they could not have gone in more opposite philosophical directions toward the end of the season. While Tampa Bay may be rusty after sitting its starters for the final 1.5 games, the Giants enter sharper but with more injuries and the worry of a letdown after last week’s playoff like atmosphere loss to the Patriots. The Giants are 7-1 on the road this season, while the Bucs have an identical record at home. Tampa Bay’s defense is legit, and Jeff Garcia is much less likely to turn the ball over than Eli Manning. The Bucs come out on top.
Buccaneers 21-17.
Titans +9.5 at Chargers
Comments: Just a few weeks ago, the Titans had a 17-3 fourth quarter lead over these Chargers. They ended up losing that game, and the change in venue this week figures to have a dramatic effect. San Diego is really tough to beat at home, and the team has really come on over the second half of the season. A blowout is possible, but Tennessee seems to always find a way to at least hang around, despite having no stars on its roster (Albert Haynesworth isn’t one when hobbled). The Titans actually have a better net YPA, which suggests this line is way off base, but if San Diego’s ball-hawking secondary (30 INTs led the NFL by a wide margin) can force Vince Young into some turnovers, things could get ugly.
Chargers 24-17.
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