Well, I was going to write about Ohio State upsetting Purdue on Tuesday night, but I think that the game did the talking for itself. Bottom line: when Evan Turner is healthy, he is the best player in the Big 10. Robbie Hummel also deserves a lot of credit for his outstanding first half performance.
Last week, I went 1-3 in picking the NFL playoff games. I think that this week I can better that mark, if only by one game. Here are my picks for the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs.
AFC Divisional Round
Baltimore vs. Indianapolis
Baltimore was the shocker of last week; however, I really don’t know how good the Patriots actually were. Indianapolis, on the other hand, is the real deal. I’ve been a supporter of their decision to give up the perfect season in hopes of maximizing their playoff productivity. I don’t think that Indy will have any problem beating the Ravens at home. Since the game is in a dome, it should be a high scoring game, and that will favor the Colts. Look for Peyton Manning to have a good day.
Final Score: 35-21 Indianapolis
New York vs. San Diego
With all due respect to the Cowboys, I believe that San Diego was the hottest team going into the playoffs. Rex Ryan and the Jets aren’t going to do anything to slow down the ‘Bolts either. I believe both quarterbacks have a chance to take their team to the Super Bowl; but in Mark Sanchez’s case, I mean future Super Bowls. Sanchez has shown some good stuff, but is too young to lead his team to a victory against a team like the Chargers. Remember, New York’s win last week was against the Bengals, who had a rollercoaster of a season to say the least. San Diego will keep on rolling here.
Final Score: 31-17 San Diego
NFC Divisional Round
Arizona vs. New Orleans
This game has the potential to be the best one of the weekend. It’s been a month since New Orleans’ last win, and unless they come out firing on all cylinders, they could be in trouble. Let’s remember that the turning point (that is, when everyone started saying “How about them Saints?”) was after they beat New England back in November. The Patriots, as it turned out, weren’t as good as everyone thought. If the Saints don’t get after Kurt Warner and allow him time in the pocket, then they could be done for the season. It should be close, but I’m calling the upset here.
Final Score: 38-35 Arizona
Dallas vs. Minnesota
This is a tough game to call. Dallas is playing very well right now. But Minnesota, when Adrian Peterson doesn’t turn the ball over, is very hard to stop as well. I like the experience of Brett Favre over Tony Romo. However, the Vikings need to stop guys like Cowboys TE Jason Witten if they want to win. If the linebackers forget about him, then Romo will look very good in this game. I like Minnesota in a close one.
Final Score: 35-31 Minnesota
– K. Becks
