SUN, JAN 24
NY Jets at Indianapolis (-7.5) - I'll start this with some stats. Manning is 2-5 (1-5 previous to last week) against 3-4 defenses in the playoffs. The Jets have covered the spread in, I think, 7 of the last 8 games. the Jets defense is better than Baltimore's and their running game is better than Baltimore's. Revis has the ability to take away half the field, and with the Jets ability to pressure QBs, it'll be small windows for Manning to throw the ball. But we know Manning can do it. We found out last week that Revis isn't invincible. Yeah, he swapped off of Jackson and Gates here and there, but Jackson had over 110 yards and would have had over 150 if it wasn't for an illegal block in the back completely away from the play to call back a huge pass. Gates also damn near put up 100 yards. If you have weapons, you can move the ball in the passing game. The Colts have better receivers than the Chargers, but the Chargers are much better sized. The Chargers and Ravens both lost their games because they essentially shot themselves in the feet with penalties and immaturity. Both of last weeks games should have been much closer. If both teams can keep the flags off the field, this will be a competitive game (Colts Ranked 2nd in penalties, Jets ranked 14). So, the meat. I'm getting Manning vs Sanchez...Manning. I'm getting a team that's strictly business with experience, or a team that has shown complete immaturity from the head coach down and no experience. Only two rookie head coaches have won the superbowl, and one will get the chance after this game...his name is Jim Caldwell.
Minnesota at New Orleans (-3.5) - If this game was being played on a neutral field...
This game seems like such a mismatch for me. The Vikings line play was spectacular last week. Defensively, offensively...everywhere. That was against a Dallas team that came in with two of the hottest lines in the league. The Vikings made fools of Dallas. Favre has thrown for 28TDs and 3INTs in a dome this season. He is one of the best red zone QBs in the league. If they get to the 20, write down 7. The running game of Minnesota, while not what it has been, is better than the (4?) headed rushing attack on New Orleans.
...but this game isn't being played on a neutral field.
The Saints held the Cardinals to 14...FOURTEEN...UNO CUATRO points last week. Thats absolutely crazy, and it's not a fluke. Jabari Greer and Sedrick Ellis came back against Arizona healthy. They were able to get pressure on Warner, and they'll get pressure on Favre. Greer will hold down the fort against Rice. He's one of the best corners in the league. It took Fitz almost an entire half to record a catch. I don't expect Bush to have a repeat of last week, but I think he could be used to spread the field out and let Brees go to work. I don't think the Vikings defense will be affected by the crowd, they're used to it. Not so sure about the offense though. It's going to be a hell of a game, but I picked New Orleans in the preseason, and I have to stick to my guns. The Saints go marching in (how many times will Boomer say that if they win? +/- 7).