Both of these Playoff games have mystifying aspects. Can Arizona (a 4-point underdog) surprise the suddenly hot Carolina Panthers? If the Steelers’ outstanding running back Le’Veon Bell can’t play because of an injury, will that tip the balance to the Ravens (3-point underdogs)? I would love to see Arizona confound Vegas and win against Cam Newton and the swaggering Panthers. And I would love to see the Ravens, who needed “help” to get into the Playoffs, shock the Steelers. But, my head says take the Panthers and the Steelers and lay the points. What do you think?
I always root against the hated Stealers. I’m not too invested in the other game but since Seattle spanked Arizona I wouldn’t mind if they won.
Bob, the Ravens could surprise the Steelers. Weather shouldn’t be a problem today so look for plenty of passing by both teams.
I have to go with the Panthers. They can win this one, but unlikely to advance further, probably having to play in Seattle.
Randy, I think you have it figured out. Arizona is down to their third QB while Cam Newton is on fire.
I can’t get that interested in this week’s games for the most part, but if I was pressed my picks would be the same as yours. I don’t like the Ravens, haven’t since they beat the Giants in the Super Bowl. If only a few things had gone differently it could have been the Bills playing! I agree the Cardinals are mystifying. They can look so good and so dominating on defense but without a quarterback to drive the offense, and with Cam Newton looking good, it’s understandable why the Panthers are favorites.
Jeff, the rumors are strong that Doug Marrone is headed the JETS.
I’d pick the same two you would, George, which means that the results should be the opposite. I hardly ever get it right.
Bill, I seldom put Real Money on these games even though one of the local Canadian casinos features sports betting.
At this point, I’m uninterested until the Super Bowl (and, without the Saints, even that game is more of a social event for me). I suppose I should root against the Panthers, but the Saints performed so dreadfully this season they don’t deserve much sympathy. Yesterday, the Saints announced they were parting ways with a number of coaches–although Rob Ryan wasn’t one of them, I’m hoping he’s “negotiating” his exit and the Saints aren’t going to be deluded enough to keep him on.
Meanwhile, I’m going to be cooking–split pea soup, among other things, and getting boxes of Christmas decorations back into the attic.
Deb, that split-pea soup sounds good! We’re planning on seeing INTO THE WOODS this afternoon.
Crazy weather here. It was low 30s this week, 42 yesterday (and today – with rain arriving), then a near record 61 predicted tomorrow (!) followed by the coldest temperatures of the winter (so far) by midweek. As long as we avoid any big snowstorms for the next 2+ weeks until we leave for Florida I can deal with it.
Jeff, we’re facing a “wintery mix” of snow and ice tonight. Tomorrow, high winds. Of course, Patrick and Katie are supposed to fly out tomorrow. It’s always something….
I kinda hope the Panthers win, I’d like to see the last of Arizona this season. Even with a third string QB (just as Ohio State had on Thursday) they are tough. When a team leans so heavily on one player (Newton) any game can go either way. If he has a bad day or gets sacked a bunch it could cost them.
Steelers-Ravens? Don’t care, but Barbara (who grew up in PA) will want the Steelers to win. I don’t like Rothlesberger at all but as a team they are okay. It would be interesting to see a Steelers-Broncos game, if that would happen.
Rick, whoever wins the Steelers vs. Ravens game will be big underdogs at Denver.
We had wet snow when we were out today but it was too warm to stick.
Now the Daily News is passing on rumors that Rex Ryan might be headed for Buffalo! If so you’d be getting the better of the deal.
Jeff, I don’t want to see any of the Ryans in Buffalo!
I think Rex Ryan is a terrible coach…wait, which Ryan just got fired from the Jets? That Ryan is a terrible coach. Too bad Urban Meyer isn’t ready to leave Ohio State. I think he’d make a good pro coach.
Rick, I’d love it if Uban Meyer would come to the Bills. But he’s having too much success at the College level.
Also, I think the Broncos are a weaker team this year than last, in spite of their moves to get better after the Super Bowl. But my main focus now is Oregon – Ohio State.
Rick, it’s going to be tough for any time to beat Denver in Denver especially when Peyton’s had a week off.
It’s all over now. The Stealers lost (YAY!!!) and so did Arizona, whose QB reeked in the 4th quarter.