NFL Playoffs Pick 'Em Round 3

[HaemishM]

The Championship games are this weekend. You know the drill, pick the winners of the two NFL games this weekend. Much closer this week. So in order to make sure we have a clear winner, I will award 2 wins for every correct pick this week, and 3 wins for the Super Bowl. There may be an additional tie-breaker for the Super Bowl as well.

AFC
New England at Pittsburgh

NFC
Atlanta at Philadelphia

Current Records

Paelos - 5-3
Shockeye - 5-3
Dark Vengeance - 5-3
Jamiko - 5-3
sidereal - 5-3
Rasix - 4-4  
Kenrick - 4-4
Wayabvpar - 4-4
HaemishM - 4-4
murdoc - 4-4
Mr. Hat - 4-4
Zetleft - 3-5
Shannow - 3-5
Murgos - 3-5
Trippy - 3-5

Since these guys had no picks the first week or this week, I gave them the equivalent of the lowest score for the week here.
El Gallo - 4-4
Righ - 4-4
shiznitz - 2-6 (No picks 2nd week)

[HaemishM]

AFC
New England at Pittsburgh - Both defenses are about equal; both offenses can run the ball well and control the clock. I have to go with the better QB, and that's Brady. He's proven he can win in tough, important games.

NFC
Atlanta at Philadelphia - I just do not believe in Freddie Mitchell, the Eagles' run offense or their run defense. I think Atlanta holds onto the ball and plays a more physical game, eeking out the win.

[Dark Vengeance]

New England and Philadelphia.

And I'll take the Pats for the Super Bowl.

Bring the noise.
Cheers............

[Paelos]

Atlanta - for my homies
Steelers - because I love them

[El Gallo]

Steelers & Eagles.

[Kenrick]

AFC
New England at Pittsburgh   ---   NEW ENGLAND

NFC
Atlanta at Philadelphia   ---   ATLANTA

[Strazos]

Steelers - because i flipped a coin, and pittsburgh won

Eagles - the team of my second home. even with the suspect run defense, i still have to take them over the Falcons - i just don't buy into the falcons' hype, coming out of the weakest division, and prolly with a weaker schedule, etc. Also, the Eagles' defense is just more dominating. This game will be won decisively, either for or against the Eagles.

Eagles v Steelers in the Super Bowl

Ya, i know this won't count FTW, but it was the only thing i had time for before class, hehe

My first post, For Teh Win!!

[Ardent]

I'm not in the competition, but I'll toss my opinion in here anyway and pretend other people care.

New England. Pittsburgh hasn't lost a game since 1973, or something. Their rookie quarterback, despite stumbling against the Jets last week, has been rock solid. So has their running game and their defense. They shut down the Pats handily in the regular season.

I don't give a shit. It's January. The Patriots are playing. I think I would be a fool to pick against them.

Atlanta. Can Vick, Dunn and that defense pull it together in snowy Philly? Absolutely. If ... they can control the ball early. I think that based on recent failures, Philly will be on the edge of panic the whole game. If Atlanta can rattle them early on, keep the score close, make Philly start to doubt themselves, then the Eagles will self-destruct, start making screwy mistakes and ultimately go down in flames.

[Dark Vengeance]

If ... they can control the ball early. I think that based on recent failures, Philly will be on the edge of panic the whole game. If Atlanta can rattle them early on, keep the score close, make Philly start to doubt themselves, then the Eagles will self-destruct, start making screwy mistakes and ultimately go down in flames.

Atlanta has to come out and score right away, preferably on a kick return, or a long offensive play. They absolutely have to place the "oh shit, here we go again" seed in Philly's mind, and do so early. If the Falcons can open up a 14 point lead in the first half, I expect the Eagles to fold.

My personal opinion is that the underrated Eagles defense will play with a chip on their shoulder this week, and hold the Falcons running game to within reason. Their DBs match up well against Atlanta, and their safeties are talented enough that you could movie Lewis into the box, and still be in good shape with Dawkins and the CBs in coverage.

Moving Lewis into the box adds a nice dimension, as he can play the run, and spy Vick on passing plays, keeping him reasonably contained. Plus, in the event Vick does throw, Lewis is there to provide help on crossing routes.

You stack the box to slow down the run and contain Vick in order to try and force him to beat you with his arm. Lito Sheppard against Peerless Price is an advantage for Philadelphia, especially with Kearse and company applying pressure.

Bring the noise.
Cheers.............

[sidereal]

New England.  This pick would be incredibly obvious by the Rookie Rule if the Quarterback position actually even mattered to the Steelers.  Talk about 3 yards and a cloud of dust.  I still pick New England by the Belichick defense rule.  I'll be much more comfortable if the Patriots can get a 10 point lead somewhere in there, requiring that the rookie actually try to throw.

Philadelphia.  Atlanta scored barely more points than they gave up this season.  WTF are they doing in a Championship game?

[Soukyan]

Belichick defense rule

Ever heard of LeBeau? Pass that crack pipe, son.

[Jamiko]

New England at Pittsburgh - PITTSBURGH
Atlanta at Philadelphia  - PHILADELPHIA

Not much to say about this, I don't like any of the teams.

[sidereal]

Ever heard of LeBeau? Pass that crack pipe, son.

Yes, he coached the Bengals to a 12-33 record.

One of us is biased.  
Judging from your pervasive Steelers rah rah and lack of participation in the contest, I'm guessing it's you, son.

[Murgos]

AFC Champs New England.

NFC Champs Philly.

[Rasix]

Going to have to go with New England v. Philly.  

Yes, he coached the Bengals to a 12-33 record.

Belichick by some people is considered to be the worst Browns coach ever. I don't know his record there offhand, but it was pretty horrid. Sucking with the Bengals doesn't say much.  

I'm not sure thought that I'd be that up on LeBeau, he's got a sickening amount of talent at his disposal.  Still, they were amazing during the regular season and v. the Jets (horrid offensive team). Still, it's Belichick in the playoffs vs. a rookie quarterback.  Rothleswhatever will see schemes that will turn his shit white.

As for the Philly game, Vick will self destruct.   Just a feeling, he's got the Favre'ness about him where he can just take his team out of the game if the moon is in proper alignment.

[Soukyan]

Ever heard of LeBeau? Pass that crack pipe, son.

Yes, he coached the Bengals to a 12-33 record.

One of us is biased.  
Judging from your pervasive Steelers rah rah and lack of participation in the contest, I'm guessing it's you, son.

I may be biased, but the front line knows their shit this year. Sure, little Ben will see some crazy stuff coming his way. I'm hoping he doesn't crumple. But if he begins to waver. Run, run, run. Hell, they need to jam the ball down the Pats throat anyhow. Their defense is good, but our run is better. We've got two heavies at half and a beast of a blocking full. Not to mention a couple backups (Haynes and Parker) that can get shit done. Our depth there is quite good.

As to my lack of participation, if you check the second week picks, you'll see why. I made the call before the first week: Pitt and Philly in the SB with the Steelers getting one for the thumb. No need to try and win when I already have. ;)

Belichick is not all that. Neither is Vick. They'll both see their teams lose this week. The PA squads just want it more.

[WayAbvPar]

New England v Pittsburgh- Just look at last week. New England totally manhandled one of the best offenses ever to take the field, while Pittsburgh had to Paypal a few million to Doug Brien's escrow account in order to beat the Jets (who are almost terrible).

Atlanta v Philadelphia- Two reasons- A) a Philly loss will drive a stake through the heart of my rapidly declining chances to finish in the money in my fantasy league, and B) a 4th Philly loss would make watching the fans really entertaining.

[Sky]

I thought the Superbowl was already aired? Wasn't it the Colts vs Pats?

[MrHat]

New England over Pittsburgh 28-17

Philly over Atlanta 21-10

[Righ]

The Patriots will hammer the Steelers. The Eagles will barely beat the Falcons.

[Trippy]

New England
Atlanta

[Shannow]

Im a Pats fan and the Steelers worry me way more than the Colts do.
(I really love how the ESPN analysts are a bunch of bandwagoning crackheads)

Lets look at this somehwat objectively:
Steelers are at home.
Steelers have beaten the Pats before this season.
Steelers have the No. 1. defence in the league.
Steelers have a great rushing offence.

The Pats couldnt stop the Steelers rush in the regular season game even when they went to a goal line defence to stop it.

You can't 'scheme' to defend the rush. Its a matter of who players better physically and the Steeler offensive line and their backs have been fantastic all year. No amount of Belichek genius can produce a scheme that helps his players stop a 250 pound bus coming at them.

The 'rookie' QB still has won 16 games in a row. Let us not forget the fact that in OT he lead his team down the field throwing 3 passes in that drive. So much for jitters huh?

Corey Dillon is not going to rush for 144 yards. This is the No. 1 rush defence in the league, not the 29th (helllo indianipolis). There pass defence is a bit better too and Brady is going to be under pressure all day.


If Pittsburgh can rush the ball effectively then this game maybe all over. I certainly hope they can't but Im not waiting for any 'genius' coaching moves to save the Pats, the defence is going to have to play another perfect game which is exceedingly hard to do.

[Zetleft]

AFC
New England at Pittsburgh - Bettis/Staley will run over this defense and just be a more physical team.  Pitts D will limit Corey and Brady will be under pressure all day long.

NFC
Atlanta at Philadelphia - Phily chokes again and the dirty birds run away with it.  Phily's wide receivers had their one good game and Atl D will be able to focus on westbrook.

[Paelos]

New England over Pittsburgh 28-17

Philly over Atlanta 21-10

That Philly pick was almost dead on. The NE pick might shape up for you too.

Which is pretty good for a man who went 0-4 on week one.

[Dark Vengeance]

Atlanta and Pittsburgh

OMFG WTF PWNED.

Just sayin.

Bring the noise.
Cheers............

[Zetleft]

You know if NE and Phily are going to the superbowl this may be the first one ever I won't even watch.  Sucks

[Signe]

Who will win?  Clam Chowder or Cheese Steak?

I'm baking bread.

[Paelos]

WORST...SUPERBOWL MATCHUP...EVER

[Righ]

My personal opinion is that the underrated Eagles defense will play with a chip on their shoulder this week, and hold the Falcons running game to within reason. Their DBs match up well against Atlanta, and their safeties are talented enough that you could movie Lewis into the box, and still be in good shape with Dawkins and the CBs in coverage.

"It's time to stop disrespecting our defense. GIVE ME SOME RESPECT NOW!" - Brian Dawkins.

You got it. McNabb had more moments of brilliance too. However, in the end, the Falcons lost it just as much as the Eagles won it.

Dear "won't even watch" and "worst ever", grow up and suck it up. Your grapes will be ripe in the summer.

[Strazos]

This game will be won decisively, either for or against the Eagles.

Word.

[Shannow]

WORST...SUPERBOWL MATCHUP...EVER

Um hello last year.

[Paelos]

Dear "won't even watch" and "worst ever", grow up and suck it up. Your grapes will be ripe in the summer.

Perhaps you misunderstand. The Pats bore me. They just find ways to win. They are the Ohio State of the NFL. I hate them because I don't like their style, and the fact that they are a dynasty.

You shoot down the Cinderella stories and dynamic offenses, and you're getting a Super Bowl that's the same old bullshit with one exception, the Eagles didn't screw up. Whoopdedoo. Out of the Steelers, Colts, Jets, and Pats, the Pats are the last team I would enjoy watching in the show AGAIN.

EDIT: And come on, last year's matchup with Carolina involved is much cooler than watching Philly. At least Carolina was the long shot underdog going from worst in the Southeast to the best in one season.

[Shannow]

Oh and mind you the two superbowls the Pats played were pretty DAMN GOOD GAMES.

Unless you enjoyed the Tampa blowout or the Ravens blowout..yeah those were good ones..

Im sure they'll find a way to keep it close this year too.

[El Gallo]

God damn Kordelberger.  How do you lose by 14 at home despite outgaining the opponent by a significant margin?  By starting a high school caliber quarterback, that's how.  It's Cowher's tried and true method of AFC Championship futility.

The Super Bowl will be a blowout.  The current AFC is like the late 80's/early 90's NFC.  The Eagles are this year's Bills.  Any given Sunday, they say, and it's true.  If the Eagles play as well as they can, and the Pats play like ass, they can win.  But if bth teams play well (or both play poorly) it's hard to see the Eagles having a chance.

[Strazos]

EDIT: And come on, last year's matchup with Carolina involved is much cooler than watching Philly. At least Carolina was the long shot underdog going from worst in the Southeast to the best in one season.

Eagles have been to the NFC Championship game for 4 straight years now. The Delaware Valley hasn't seen a champion since the early 80's.  Naw, Philadelphia in the Super Bowl isn't nearly as cool as the Panther going up to the noose.