Really? That was the two best teams in college football facing off last night? Those two teams in a 1 vs. 2 snore-fest were the best the States has to offer? I am very disappointed – especially in Heisman winner Sam Bradford. His two picks may have been on tipped balls, but he just looked awful and he sure isn’t prepared for the NFL, I’ll tell you that. It seemed every time that he had to audible, he looked towards the sidelines and that shows how much of an intelligent QB he is. Not being able to make your own check-downs in the pros is sure suicide.
At least there’s still NFL football to tide us over and if you’re a fan of hard-hitting defensive battles, you’re in for a treat this weekend.
The lines are from the Vegas and the home teams are in CAPS.
TENNESSEE (-3) over Baltimore
Everyone and their mothers have told you this week that the Titans are basically a Dolphins+ team because they have an eerily similar style but a bit better. Let’s get this straight: if the Dolphins were a bit better they would have been 10-0 at any point this season? Yeah, right. Tennessee were the best team in the league for a large portion of this season and should command more respect than three points against a rookie QB. I wouldn’t be surprised if Joe Flacco blows this game for the Ravens, but it will be a tight one.
CAROLINA (-9.5) over Arizona
A “wise†man once said that you should never take the underdog in the playoffs unless you actually believe they can win it outright, something Arizona has no chance of doing. Sure, that so-called wise man is Bill Simmons of ESPN.com, but it’s still a valid argument. The Cardinals may have played a decent game in Carolina earlier this season, but you can throw that out since we’re in the playoffs now. The facts are that Carolina are undefeated at home and Arizona is winless in the Eastern time zone. Plus, they may be missing Anquan Boldin, a huge threat. This all adds up to a Carolina blowout.
Philadelphia (+4) over NEW YORK GIANTS
It’s always a good fight when division rivals go head-to-head in the playoffs and this will be no exception. The Eagles have a shot at taking down the Giants if Westbrook can work his magic like he did in their last matchup and I don’t think he’ll be missing this one unless there’s something seriously wrong with him. This one will be cold and it’ll come down to a late field goal. Either way, the points are your friends in this one.
PITTSBURGHÂ (-6) over San Diego
LaDainian Tomlinson has a tear in his groin? Ouch, but it doesn’t actually hurt the Chargers as much as you think. With LDT out, little Darren Sproles will get the lion’s share of touches. This could be good or this could be bad – last week Sproles didn’t really have a middle ground for his carries; he either was pounded at the line or ran for nine yards. Against the Steelers defence, I’m betting that he’s pounded at the line more than running for nines and breaking huge gains. If it really came down to putting some money on this one though, I’d stay away unless I was absolutely certain that Big Ben’s head was right.
Last week: 3-1.