One week down, two more to go until this year’s Super Bowl teams are decided. Three out of four home teams advanced last weekend with the exception of Miami, a team which was headed nowhere in the first place. This week, the home teams are once again strongly favored. Brian Billick will attempt to go 6-0 in the postseason as a head coach. Oakland will try to reach the Super Bowl as a wild-card team like Baltimore last year. The Packers will attempt to figure out the enigma that is the Rams offense. And let’s not forget those pesky Eagles, who still have last year’s 10-point defeat at the hand of the Giants looming in their heads.
Baltimore Ravens (11-6) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (13-3)
Baltimore comes off a relatively easy road victory over the inept Miami Dolphins. Fans must be happy the Fish did not get past the first round, where history would have repeated itself in another second round collapse. Elvis Grbac did just enough against Miami, yet the Baltimore offense will have its back up against the wall against a stellar Pittsburgh defense.
Kordell Stewart enters the playoffs in a minor slump, throwing four picks in Week 16 against the Bengals. His athleticism should do great wonders for him against a quick Baltimore defense, not to mention a healthy Jerome Bettis. It’s hard to bet against Pittsburgh at home in front of what is sure to be a loud, hyped-up crowd.
Prediction: Steelers 23, Ravens 6
Oakland Raiders (11-6) vs. New England Patriots (11-5)
Everyone had the Raiders’ number going into the wild-card round last week. Yet now the Raiders are the biggest favorite for an upset this week in New England. Jerry Rice looks like himself 10 years ago, cutting up the Jets secondary for 183 yards receiving on nine catches. Rich Gannon has established his pinpoint accuracy in the nick of time, while Sebastian Janikowski’s foot infection apparently has healed. The greatest sigh of relief coming out of Oakland has to be their re-established running game. Tyrone Wheatley is picking up strong yardage straight up the middle, while Garner has established himself running east to west.
Despite Oakland’s win last week, New England must be accustomed to the doubters. Tom Brady enters the post-season for the first time as a starting NFL quarterback while New England’s defense will get a true test. New England had a great ride in the regular season; yet, a lack of postseason experience can kill a team.
Prediction: Raiders 24, Patriots 17
Green Bay Packers (13-4) vs. St. Louis Rams (14-2)
The latest spread puts Green Bay at 10.5 point underdogs. The Packers must be insulted after putting up 12 wins in the regular season and following that up with a solid win over a tough 49er team. Here’s a little advice for the playoff weekend: never bet against Brett Favre. With that in mind, it’s still hard to believe that the Green Bay defense can stop, or even slow down the Rams’ offense. Eventually the Rams will wear on them, leading to a long Marshall Faulk touchdown run in the fourth quarter. Favre is a proven winner, and that’s why the Packers will stay close. However, no secondary can match up with the dynamic foursome of Bruce, Holt, Proehl, and Hakim.
Prediction: Rams 38, Packers 24
Philadelphia Eagles (12-5) vs. Chicago Bears (13-3)
Donovan McNabb did more than impress against a tough Tampa Bay defense in the wild-card round. His poise in the pocket and ability to see running lanes frustrated Sapp, Rice and company for most of the game. McNabb, however, will be facing an even better defense this Saturday. Ted Washington and Keith Traylor will shut down the small holes Duce Staley and Correll Buckhalter will be running through. That will make it even tougher on McNabb.
The Bears’ offense, on the other hand, have the potential to frustrate the Philadelphia defense. Their trademark screen, swing and short passes coupled with a solid running game will allow the Bears to control the time of possession. Chicago will not disappoint in its first true Super Bowl run since 1985.
Prediction: Chicago 20 Philadelphia 9
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