ESPN calls Bowl week the best time of the year for them, as there is basically a bowl game each night of the week from Dec. 17 to January 2, this year anyway. But, for most folks, this right here is the best time of the year, as more folks care about the NFL than college. This year also has some of the biggest names in the NFL, as well as some team nobody expected to be in the playoffs. The NFL also has 6 teams who are new to the playoffs this year compared to last year. Now, on to the predictions in chronological order.
New York Jets vs. Cincinnatti Bengals
In the first of 3 rematches from week 17, which were all blowouts, this is the least intriguing of them all. The reasons being that Cincinnatti is in the playoffs, which nobody predicted at the beginning of the season, and the fact they are a small market team. The Jets also backed their way into the playoffs, as they won over Indy solely because Indy rested their players starting in the 3rd quarter when Indy had the lead, and was looking to win that game. But, it should still be a good game, as both teams are very evely matched in all their stats, as the Bengals really only lead in rushing yards per game, led by the rejuvenated Cedric Benson, who was picked up the Bengals after he was released by the Bears last season. But, the Jets are also led by a potent running game led by Thomas Jones. Both backs will bruise and punish you. Both defenses are among the best in the league as well, as Rex Ryan has led the Jets from one of the poorer defenses in the league to the top 5 in total defense. The only difference I see is that I don't know how Mark Sanchez can handle Cincy's blitzes and different formations. But, Carson Pakmer and Chad Ochocinco will take htis one and avenge their loss from Sunday.
The Pick: Cincy 23, Ny Jets 13
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys
The most difficult matchup for me personally to pick, as I'm a beloved Eagles fan and HATE the Cowboys, even calling them the Cowgirls, but taking all of that aside, this should be an amazing game, for multiple reasons: divisional game, Eagles trying to avenge their losses from earlier in the season, and Dallas trying to win their first playoff game since 1996. Dallas completely destroyed the Eagles on Sunday, as they piled on more than 300 yareds passing and nearly 200 in rushing. Philadelphia never seemed to show up in the game, much like last season's regular season finale when the Cowboys never seemed to show up. Philadelphia needs to show up in this game or else the same result from week 17 will occur. I'm picking the Cowboys more so because they seem to have exorcised their demons from December, going 3-0 down the stretch and the fact that they want to win one for Jerry Jones inside of "Jerry World" AKA Cowboys Stadium. But, that does not change my fanhood nor does it mean I'm rooting for the Cowboys.
The Pick: Dallas 24, Philly 17
Baltimore Ravens vs. New England Patriots
This game is the only one which does not feature a matchup from week 17, but these teams did play in week 4 of the regular season. The only big difference this time around though is that Wes Welker, the Patriots return man and leading receiver is out for the playoffs with a torn ACL and MCL. The weather will also be a lot different, as back then, folks were wearing shorts on the sidelines, now they'll be bundled up as temps are forecasted in the lower 20s. Baltimore closed out the season winning 3 of their last four to squeak their way into the playoffs in the crowded AFC playoff picture. New England will be in for a fight, as they have a very inexperienced defense, and that defense is not the best in the league, only 10th compared to Baltimore's which is ranked 3rd, and the main reason why I'm going with them, along with the fact that they have much more of a running game and Joe Flacco is a poised quarterback, not seeming phased by the playoffs.
The Pick: Baltimore 27, New England 19
Green Bay Packers vs. Arizona Cardinals
The final rematch of week 17, but again, this was a blowout win for the Packers, because Arizona had already locked in the fourth seed in the playoffs, so they rested most of their players, so that defeat does not really matter. Arizona is still a relative unknown because of their small market and the fact they play in the NFC West, which is one of the worst divisions in all of football. But, this should be quite a game, as Green Bay has rebounded from being a 6-10 team last year recovering from the Brett Favre era to being one of the best teams who didn't win their division, as Minnesota was too good throughout the early part of the season for Green Bay to catch them. Green Bay's main weakness is that they cannot protect Aaron Rodgers worth their lives, giving up the most sacks in all of football. Rodgers still managed 4th in the league in passing though, whilst his counterpart, Kurt Warner was 10th with being protected quite easily by his offensive line. Anquan Boldin though may be out with a sprained knee, but Arizona has too many other weapons for them to lose too much of anything. Green Bay will continue their hot streak, and win their 5th of 6 games.
The Pick: Green Bay 26, Arizona 24
Stay Tuned for the top 10 games of all of 2009. Aynone got ideas for the top 10 games of 2009? I have SB 43, Big East Tourney SYR vs. UConn, British Open Final Round, Wimbledon Roddick vs. Federer, Stanley Cup Final Game 7, MIN vs. DET play in game for the AL Central title. Any other ideas would be greatly appreciated.
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