Predictions galore! NFL & NH (but no NHL)

It's been quite an interesting week all around for politicians and players.  Obama stepped up, Eli Manning looked good and we all know the connection between them (hint: they both live in the United States).  The Iowa caucus gave people plenty to chew on, while the NFL playoff weekend was quite enjoyable with four entertaining games...well, Tampa Bay looked kind pathetic, but that was to be expected.  

That leads us up to round two of Predictions!  I blew one pick in the NFL last weekend (I really thought Seattle would be overcome, but that just shows what I know).  And I didn't bother picking Iowa cuz their system is too weird for my widdle brain to figure out.

I've mostly stayed out of the candidate discussions up to now, but I will say I'm essentially comfortable with the idea of Obama being the frontrunner.  He really seems to have captured the younger voting crowd, which could be huge in the long run.  I think the big mistake the Democrats made in 2004 was showing Dean the door early because frankly, Kerry lacked the ability to excite anyone.  The "he's not Bush" angle honestly is not the same as a candidate who really provides hope and inspiration in people.  I think New Hampshire may show a similar trend: many more Democrats turning out than Republican counterparts (seriously, how could any Republican be excited about their field of twits and sociopaths?) with a younger legion giving Obama a good push.  Clinton probably will do a bit stronger, but I suspect that it won't be sizable.  Edwards very well may have the exact same dilemma as 2004: always No. 2 and never quite catapulting into the lead.  The rest of the field for the Democrats is neglible, even if I generally like the policy ideas of Kucinich way more than the others.  I'm perfectly aware he is not going to ever be a frontrunner candidate.  As with 2004, it'd be nice if his presence would help pull the frontrunners more towards a true progressive platform.  

As for the Republican side, I was thrilled to see the "social conservatives" have no use for Giuliani.  That is one guy I really want to see disappear from the face of the planet.  He truly scares me.  He has no business being anywhere near the seat of power for the United States.  But I figured there was no way he'd fly with the bible thumpers and moral extremists out there.  But Mike Huckabee is equally scary.  I'm kinda hoping John McCain can pull a "Kerry" and have a good showing in New Hampshire.  Yes, the guy nauseated everyone by pandering to the Bush crowd over the last few years in his desperate attempt to become president.  But compared to the other republicans, he's the least horrendous.  For example, he might not authorize waterboarding as a method of "interrogation".  That said, I still don't want him in power.  He's just the least terrible of the rotten Republicans.  

Anyhow, onto the NFL playoffs:

I have noticed that the four games this coming weekend all feature teams that really should belong in the playoffs.  The wild card weekend got rid of the pretenders (namely, Tennessee and Tampa Bay) and any of the remaining teams has the ability to make it to the Super Bowl.

Without further delay, the picks.

Seattle at Green Bay: Green Bay
I know all the folks here in the northwest will say Seattle is underrated and doesn’t get respect and that could very well be true.  I thought Washington might nab them last weekend based on momentum and the emotion surrounding the team playing for the memory of Sean Taylor.  Then Seattle’s defense showed up and bullied the Redskins around like the one-time 5-7 team they were.  Seattle’s offense should have played better.  They’ll have to against the Packers.  This game very well should go down to the last couple of minutes because they’re pretty well matched all around.  Both teams have great pass rushers (Green Bay has Aaron Kampman, Seattle has Patrick Kearney) and great passing games.  However, Green Bay’s rushing attack is somewhat better than the hodge-podge approach Seattle has had all season.  Though I am picking Green Bay, it is entirely possible Seattle can steal a couple Favre throws and make that the difference.  But a roadtrip to Lambeau in January?  I just can’t quite go for the road team.

Jacksonville at New England: New England
Here’s what could be an extremely entertaining game.  Jacksonville has been the team I thought could knock off the Patriots in a playoff upset, but their performance in Pittsburgh was a bit worrisome.  They dominated the first half and made Ben Roethlisberger weep with sorrow over his interceptions and sacks.  However, the Jags’ offense was very unimpresive (save a couple good throws and a couple great runs by Maurice Jones-Drew) and the defense seemed to relax in the second half, allowing the Steelers to get back into the game.  By rights, they should have put it to the Steelers and walked out with at least a 14 point victory.  If they make even 10% of the mistakes against the Pats, they’ll get their butts kicked.  But, on the positive side, the Patriots have occasionally had problems with a good rushing attack this season, so Fred Taylor and Jones-Drew need to step up.  The Jags have to figure out a way to get a serious pass rush on Tom Brady so he can’t destroy them with deep bombs to Randy Moss.  But that’s a very tall order.  Like many of the Patriots’ late season games, this one will be close and hard fought with Tom Brady again demonstrating why he’s the best fourth quarter quarterback in the league.

San Diego at Indianapolis: San Diego
San Diego showed us that they now have more than a couple ways to defeat you.  Tennessee made life tough for LaDainian Tomlinson but Philip Rivers came out in the second half and looked great, discovering the team had traded for a good receiver in Chris Chambers around midseason.  "I’ve got it!" said Rivers at halftime, "I’ll throw to that new guy!"  And it worked.  What I like about the Chargers is their defense is a match for Peyton Manning.  Ask him about his six interceptions earlier in the season against the boys in blue.  In fact, that game should have been a blowout in favor of San Diego except that was the point of the year where the offense was unaware that they, too, should try gaining positive yards and scoring points.  They’ve solved that problem.  I think the Colts will be flat at first due to resting their entire team during the last weekend of the season and the Chargers seem like they have something to prove after being bounced out of the playoffs early the last few go-arounds.  The Colts have some injuries that keep nagging them and it’ll create just enough of a deficit to harm their ability to win.

New York at Dallas: New York
Yes, I’m surprising myself by picking New York.  It’s a gut feeling.  Dallas seemed like they weren’t quite hitting on all cylindirs the last few weeks and perhaps that’s Lisa Simpson’s fault.  Er...her sister, whatshername.  I haven’t heard the status of Terrell Owens’ ankle, but high ankle sprains are tough to bounce back from in quick fashion.  Without him, Dallas is much more ordinary on offense.  The other thing to consider is New York’s defense is playing really well.  They looked strong against the Patriots’ great offense and they totally dominated the Bucs.  There’s no reason they won’t keep Tony Romo in check.  I don’t foresee Eli Manning doing anything more than playing efficient football, but as long as Bad Eli has been left behind for the playoffs, the Giants have a decent chance.  Like the other games this weekend, this should be a pretty close one, but I can see Romo having another weird playoff meltdown that’ll end their season.

And finally, for those who hate primaries and football, a pretty kitten in a sink: