NFL Playoffs: Second Round Predictions

So maybe my first round picks failed to make par, but you’re about to see this Caveman do something those TV “experts” won’t: fess up and take my lumps. I came in at a miserable 0-4, but I’m dusting myself off and movin’ on to the next round! Here are my (possibly entirely wrong) picks for Round 2:

Arizona found a way to win one of the best playoff games in recent memory, but their reward is to head into the Superdome and face the New Orleans Saints. The same Saints who steam-rolled their way to 13-0 then took their foot off the pedal to coast into the second season with the top spot in the conference (see also Colts, below). I’m looking for another high-scoring shootout here with a couple QBs who can launch the football in Kurt Warner and Drew Brees. Scratch’s pick: New Orleans Saints

Meanwhile the first team to beat New Olreans this year, the Dallas Cowboys, move on to Minnesota and Mr. Favre. I wasn’t convinced that Dallas QB Tony Romo has turned a corner, but he’s got that huge offensive line in front and Felix Jones behind him, plus a smothering D that’s been on fire lately. This one could go either way, so I’ll back the underdog. Scratch’s pick: Dallas Cowboys

Baltimore bumped off the Patriots only to battle another of the AFC’s elite teams in Indianapolis. We’ll finally see if resting the starters and sacrificing a perfect season pays off for the Colts. Scratch’s pick: Indianapolis Colts

Last but not least we’ve got the Jets facing the AFC West champs, the San Diego Chargers, in this week’s only open-air stadium. The Jets pass defense was the toughest in the league this year, allowing just 8 TDs and only 154 yards a game, while Chargers QB Phillip Rivers put up some great numbers and has a bunch of options to throw to. It’s gonna come down to which side cracks first, and one or two big plays might be enough to win this one. Scratch’s pick: San Diego Chargers

~Scratch

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