I’m actually 6-2 in the playoffs thus far (selecting winners only, no point spread), but I haven’t always made my selections public beforehand, and picking just winners isn’t that hard, so I’ll understand if you think I’m just a blowhard douchebag, which you probably should anyway. But, that said, I am 6-2 and awesome.
In the AFC, I’m going with Pittsburgh. Here’s why:
1) They’re not at home. Traditionally, that hasn’t worked out really well for them in AFC Championship games.
2) Denver kinda wasn’t all that good against New England. Total yards: Pats 420, Broncos 286. They gave up 9.5 yards per pass attempt and 3.8 yards per carry. If New England hadn’t had a couple of calls go against them, and committed five turnovers, there’s no way Denver wins this game.
3) Pittsburgh is really really good. Benjamin can make all the throws, they have a very good running game, and everything seems to be peaking at the right time. They’re playing their best football of the year right now. I don’t believe that’s the case with Denver.
4) I do think there is still the possibility that Mike Shanahan comes up with something to keep the Steeler blitz off of Jake Plummer, and finds a way to keep the Steelers off-balance. That is possible. But I think it would take something pretty close to perfect.
In the NFC… Hm. Man. I guess I’m going with Carolina. Here’s why:
1) Darrell Jackson and Bobby Engram are both banged up. I know they’re going to play, but I am so damn borderline on this game, that I’m looking for any little thing. Seattle’s going to have to throw the ball effectively to win, and with knicked receivers against perhaps the best secondary in the game… advantage, Carolina. I think they can get away with playing a lot of man, allowing them to key on Shaun Alexander.
2) I feel a lot better about John Fox than I do about Mike Holmgren. I really couldn’t tell you why.
3) But there are reasons that sway me towards Seattle… I think the home field advantage is signifigant. I think being without DeShaun Foster limits what Carolina can do on the ground. But…
4) Jake Delhomme is the highest-rated QB in NFL playoff history, and…
5) Steve Smith.
