24 Hours 'Til Sunday — Andy Richardson
Posted Jan. 08 at 08:05 PM
Not many games left to preview of course, and not as much fantasy interest. I guess a lot of people just get burnt out by the regular season. It's kind of a shame, but I feel it too. Is it because there are fewer games and fewer teams? Because you can't uncover any gems, or have Chris Johnson on your team? Whatever the case, there are two games today and two games tomorrow, and they should have plenty of entertainment value. And away we go....
Jets-Bengals: Certainly one of the problems is that three of the four games being played this weekend we just saw. (It could have been all four, interestingly, if the Raiders had beaten the Ravens, which would have sent Houston to New England -- I think -- or maybe there had to be another loss in there somewhere. Anyway.) There are banged-up players on both sides, but nothing serious, it appears. The Jets will try to run the ball. The Bengals will try to run the ball. Run, Thomas, run; run, Cedric, run. Cincinnati probably can't pass on New York, while New York probably doesn't want Mark Sanchez putting the ball up in the air too often. And oh yeah: it's going to be really, really cold. That said, you've got to think that early on one of these teams tries to connect on a long pass play, maybe try a flea-flicker or somesuch, while we all hold our breath and hope Braylon Edwards doesn't drop it. I'd probably use Cotchery and Jones from New York, and Cedric -- and only Cedric -- from the Bengals. And I'll call it a 20-17 Jets win.
Eagles-Cowboys: Coaching edge, Andy Reid. Playoff experience edge, Eagles. Big-play edge, Eagles. On-field offensive talent, push. Defensive edge, Cowboys. Got a feeling this is going to be a really exciting game, with big plays on both sides of the ball for both teams. Both teams are relatively healthy. I'd gladly use the quarterbacks, both tight ends, avoid the running back committees, and consider Miles Austin, Jeremy Maclin, and of course DeSean Jackson. I'd kind of like to see the Cowboys win, just so we can avoid any possible Vikings-Packers III game for at least another week (if not season) -- a Cowboys win sends them to Minnesota, while an Eagles win sends the Cardinals-Packers winner to Minnesota. But I can't get past the sideline elements and big-play potential that to my mind favor Philadelphia. I'm going to call it Eagles 27, Cowboys 24, and hope I'm wrong.
Ravens-Patriots: I don't see the Ravens having a chance here, but I didn't think they'd make it all the way to the championship game a year ago, either. Basically I just don't know how their offense will have much success. New England, with their full complement of defensive starters, is very good against the run. Joe Flacco isn't playing as well as he was earlier in the year when they nearly won this matchup. And I think New England can manage without Wes Welker, at least this week; Baltimore's secondary can't handle anyone right now. (Randy Moss is fine; he didn't practice yesterday but apparently it's not injury related.) I hate to underrate the Ravens and am usually wrong when I do, but to me this is the easiest game to call all weekend. New England's passing game should be fine, Baltimore's offense might struggle. I'm going to call it New England 24-13.
Packers-Cardinals: Can history repeat itself? No, not the Packers winning easily, as they did in week 17, but rather the Cardinals entering the playoffs with no one giving them a chance, just as they did a year ago, and going on a run. Pretty much everyone thinks the Packers will cruise this week, but I can't shake the idea that Green Bay occasionally plays poorly when everyone is talking them up, or that Arizona has been there, done that as far as going to the playoffs with no momentum and no support and then playing its best game anyway. I'm not brave enough to pick against Green Bay, whose offense seems like it can't be stopped at this point, but I don't agree with the idea that it will be easy. Anquan Boldin has his leg broken in three places or something but might play anyway, although he can't be used and may not be by Arizona. And I'll say it's a 31-27 Packers win.
Enjoy the games.
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Posted by PETER DEBIASE | Jan. 09 at 12:51 AM
Andy: I agree with your analysis except for the coaching edge in Philly-Dallas. As someone who has watched most of Reid's games since he got to Philly (particularly playoff games), I'm not as high on him as you are. He may be 7-0 in first round playoff games, but 6 of them were as a home favorite. If Dallas loses tonight, it won't be because of coaching. It will come down to whether Philly can get out to a lead. If it goes the same way as last week with Dallas getting the lead early, it will be the same result. Philly is not a good come from behind team because they quickly abandon the run when they get behind which plays right into the hands of the opponents' defense, particularly Dallas. Which of the teams that you predict to be first round winners do you think have the chance to win another game, if any?
Posted by ANDY RICHARDSON | Jan. 09 at 01:31 AM
I think New England can win in San Diego, and Philly can win in New Orleans. The AZ-GB winner certainly has a puncher's chance wherever they end up. Reid may not be a great playoff coach, but Wade Phillips is definitely a poor one.
Posted by PETER DEBIASE | Jan. 09 at 10:59 PM
How bout dem Cowboys?
Posted by ANDY RICHARDSON | Jan. 09 at 11:25 PM
Yep, I clearly underestimated just how troubled the Eagles were. Good thing Phillips used that challenge early on. Cowboys are going to be trouble for the Vikings next week.