my NFL weekend playoff plays
New York at Cincinnati
The Jets have the best defense in the league, to go with the #1 rushing offense, and those two factors should prove tough to beat. Despite the rookie status of NY QB Mark Sanchez, he's had a full season in which to mature, and, against a Bengal defense that's been sound most of the season, should be able to find success once the ground game gets going.
In Cincy's defense, maybe they didn't play their best game and have an inordinate number of surprises for the Jets, but the way New York's corners covered the Bengal receivers - especially Darrelle Reavis on Chad Ochocinco -they better have some really new, unique patterns to run.
On top of the great coverage expected in the secondary, the Bengals will have to protect better on the line, or DE Shaun Ellis and linebacker Bart Scott are going to become very well acquainted with Bengal QB Carson Palmer, who, by the way, hasn't looked very sharp since about Week 8.
This one will be closer than their previous encounter, but not enough to get Cincy a win. Jets move on,imo................
NY Jets+8.5 (Win)/Baltimore+9.5 (tease) pending
Philadelphia at Dallas
Dallas has already topped the Eagles twice this season, and to those who contend that it's tough to beat a team three times in one season, phooey!
The Eagles have some serious offensive talent, though the Cowboys seem to have found the methods in which to keep them in check. The Dallas offense has the formula to beat the Eagles, with a steady ground game and play-action passes.The result should be similar to last week's thumping.
Dallas-3.5 (Win)
Green Bay at Arizona
Green Bay has a prolific offense that has gotten better as the season progressed and the offensive line matured and protection for Rogers improved. The defense has improved also having changed to the 3-4 this season their talent is good but the personnel are not ideal for this scheme.
The injury to Boldin is a concern here and his status for the game is uncertain at this time. Their offense has plenty of weapons but will need them all. The defense has been up and down at times and has some injury issues there as well that are a concern. Fitzgerald’s record setting play and the defense really made the playoff run possible last season and they will need that magic again.
Both of these teams rely on their offenses and have plenty of scoring ability. This game will be closer than the week seventeen matchup but it is hard to see the Cardinals recovering enough against a Green Bay team that is playing well at the right time.
Green Bay-1
The Jets have the best defense in the league, to go with the #1 rushing offense, and those two factors should prove tough to beat. Despite the rookie status of NY QB Mark Sanchez, he's had a full season in which to mature, and, against a Bengal defense that's been sound most of the season, should be able to find success once the ground game gets going.
In Cincy's defense, maybe they didn't play their best game and have an inordinate number of surprises for the Jets, but the way New York's corners covered the Bengal receivers - especially Darrelle Reavis on Chad Ochocinco -they better have some really new, unique patterns to run.
On top of the great coverage expected in the secondary, the Bengals will have to protect better on the line, or DE Shaun Ellis and linebacker Bart Scott are going to become very well acquainted with Bengal QB Carson Palmer, who, by the way, hasn't looked very sharp since about Week 8.
This one will be closer than their previous encounter, but not enough to get Cincy a win. Jets move on,imo................
NY Jets+8.5 (Win)/Baltimore+9.5 (tease) pending
Philadelphia at Dallas
Dallas has already topped the Eagles twice this season, and to those who contend that it's tough to beat a team three times in one season, phooey!
The Eagles have some serious offensive talent, though the Cowboys seem to have found the methods in which to keep them in check. The Dallas offense has the formula to beat the Eagles, with a steady ground game and play-action passes.The result should be similar to last week's thumping.
Dallas-3.5 (Win)
Green Bay at Arizona
Green Bay has a prolific offense that has gotten better as the season progressed and the offensive line matured and protection for Rogers improved. The defense has improved also having changed to the 3-4 this season their talent is good but the personnel are not ideal for this scheme.
The injury to Boldin is a concern here and his status for the game is uncertain at this time. Their offense has plenty of weapons but will need them all. The defense has been up and down at times and has some injury issues there as well that are a concern. Fitzgerald’s record setting play and the defense really made the playoff run possible last season and they will need that magic again.
Both of these teams rely on their offenses and have plenty of scoring ability. This game will be closer than the week seventeen matchup but it is hard to see the Cardinals recovering enough against a Green Bay team that is playing well at the right time.
Green Bay-1