NFL Sunday

Posted: Sunday, January 13, 2008 by Travis Cody in
4


LaDainian Tomlinson is one of the league's best running backs...some would argue the best. But the rest of the offense for San Diego is inconsistent. The Chargers have won 9 games in a row including last week's wild card game, and that does include a win against Indy. But it's not likely that Peyton Manning will throw 6 interceptions today as he did when the Colts lost to SD 23-21 back in November. Adam Vinatieri likely won't miss 2 field goes as he did back then, including what could have been the game winner in the final 2 minutes. And the Colts are healthy this time around. Marvin Harrison is expected to play. Due to the injuries the Colts had this season, Indy has been able to develop other players. The Colts are the defending Super Bowl champs and I expect them to play today like a team that is on a mission to get back to the Super Bowl and win it again.

My pick is Indianapolis.


Now this game is a problem for me to figure out because I never know how to read Eli Manning. He has played two outstanding games in a row. Does that mean he is in the zone? Or does it mean he's due for a bad game? Let's remove Eli from the discussion for the moment. The Giants have developed a tremendous rushing attack this season behind a strong offense line and the mix of power and speed from RB Brandon Jacobs. Defensively, the Giants have three of the league's best pass rushers in Justin Tuck, Michael Strahan, and Osi Umenyiora. Good ground game plus excellent pass rush generally equals a solid chance at winning in the playoffs. Dallas did not finish the season strong. Tony Romo has struggled down the stretch, with only 1 TD against 5 interceptions in his last 3 games. He has also fumbled 3 times. But Dallas also has a strong defense that is able to get to the QB and create turnovers. So today, in my opinion, this game is going to come down to which of the two young QBs is on his game and makes the least amount of mistakes. Both are capable of making big plays. When I made my initial pick on Thursday, I went with Dallas mainly because the Cowboys are playing at home. But it's tough to beat a team 3 times in a season and now I'm having second thoughts.

My pick is Dallas. When in doubt, go with the home team in the divisional round.

4 comments:

  1. Desert Songbird says:
    13 January, 2008 11:36

    Hate to say it, but thus far Indy not looking sharp.

    Second half holds the hope.

  1. Mimi Lenox says:
    13 January, 2008 11:36

    Just tell me. Are any of these players single? Because I can just tell by the way they fumble (per your descriptions) that they might make a decent date. I'm a Queen ya know! A Queen should have a celebrity beau.

    And don't give me no stinkin' running backs.

  1. Liz Hill says:
    13 January, 2008 12:46

    I think Mimi wants a fullback ;-)

  1. Travis Cody says:
    13 January, 2008 20:46

    Songbird: Very disappointing.

    Mimi: Hehehehe. Lots of them are single. As the old joke goes, how about a tight end?

    Turn: Well, she said no running backs. Maybe she could start with special teams?

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