I know I know, I have lost all credibility with making picks in the playoffs as I picked all 4 games incorrectly last week. Do not keep reading this, go do something else with your time, seriously. Although I did read that NFL analyst Pat Kirwan recently said “This has been one of the toughest postseasons to analyze and predict the winners.” I definitely agree with that statement. Below are my picks for this weekends Championship Round.
Sunday, January 18th, 2009 games:
Philadelphia at Arizona
The Eagles travel to Arizona to take on the Cardinals in this years NFC Championship game, this game should include lots of scoring and be a fun fast-paced game to watch. I think the key to this game will be whether Philly are able to put pressure on Kurt Warner which cause him to slip up and make mistakes throwing the ball. I also think a major key will be how well Arizona controls Brian Westbrook, he has been dinged up of late but is still someone who needs to be watched closely. I give Arizona the edge in this game since they will have a ton of emotion and support from the hometown fans.
My Pick: Arizona
Baltimore at Pittsburgh
I must say, I am really looking forward to watching this game and I would get a lot of satisfaction personally if Baltimore were to win. To put it mildly, Nate don’t like the Steelers! I think there are several keys to this game for Baltimore, one is how well rookie quarterback Joe Flacco plays against the best defense in the NFL. It will be crucial for him to get solid protection and not make mistakes when the pressure comes. I see Baltimore continuing to go run-heavy with the play calling however. I think field position will be huge in this game, I give Baltimore the edge on special teams. I am picking Pittsburgh to win this game though for several reasons, 1) they are at home, 2) since I have been picking my games incorrectly more often in the playoffs I figured I would go with the percentages and pick Pittsburgh to win in hopes that I am wrong, 3) they have the best defense in the NFL, and 4) I can see a Pittsburgh vs Arizona Super Bowl match up as it would be hyped up by Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt taking on his former team.
My Pick: Pittsburgh
Week 1 – 8 correct and 7 incorrect. (15 games)
Week 2 – 9 correct and 6 incorrect. (15 games)
Week 3 – 9 correct and 7 incorrect. (16 games)
Week 4 – 5 correct and 8 incorrect. (13 games)
Week 5 – 9 correct and 5 incorrect. (14 games)
Week 6 – 8 correct and 6 incorrect. (14 games)
Week 7 – 10 correct and 4 incorrect. (14 games)
Week 8 – Did not make picks.
Week 9 – Did not make picks.
Week 10 – 13 correct and 1 incorrect. (14 games)
Week 11 – 11 correct and 4 incorrect. (15 games)
Week 12 – 10 correct and 5 incorrect. (15 games)
Week 13 – 7 correct and 6 incorrect. (13 games)
Week 14 – Did not make picks.
Week 15 – 10 correct and 5 incorrect (15 games)
Week 16 – 7 correct and 8 incorrect (15 games)
Week 17 – 10 correct and 6 incorrect (16 games)
Wild Card Round – 1 correct, 3 incorrect (4 games)
Divisional Round – 0 correct, 4 incorrect (4 games)
My overall record after 17 weeks: 126-78
My overall playoff record: 1-7
