Kojak's Divisional Round Picks

[Kojak]

I was 4-4 overall going 3-1 on totals and 1-3 on sides which unusual for me as I am much stonger on sides. This week provides 4 interesting games.

Carolina at St. Louis - Rams have the homedome advantage in this one but Panthers are a team that matches up well vs Rams. They have the pass rushing to get onto Bulger, stop the run well, and also run the ball well with Davis which is the Rams achilles heel the 2nd half of season. With all that said I am still taking the Rams in this one. The difference in this game will not be the dome but how the Rams ended their season in Detroit. If they would have won that game, I would say they would be ripe to be upset since there is little difference between the teams in the NFC. But I think the loss will help them. In the press conference after the game, Martz reacted in a way that not only shocked me but encouraged me. Martz is always diplomatic and non emotional. but in this interview after the game was boisterous, embarrassed, and upset. It is this kind of emotion that has been missing with the Rams since Vermeil left. This loss has refocused this team. Martz even had Lovie get all the interviews out of the way during the bye week so it would not interfere with the task at hand. Rams will come out and reestablish their dominance in this game.
Rams (-7) 31 Panthers 14

Tennessee at New England- The one team I am sure that Pats didn't want to see is Titans. They have already played Pats in their place earlier this year as it was a nip and tuck game until the turnovers. Tenn is physical,playoff tested, and balance enough to give Pats a run for their money. The difference in this game will be balance offense of Titans. With George playing well now along with Mcnair, offense is more unpredictable. The fact that Titans defense has the defensive line to pressure Brady and a decent enough secondary to cover receivers, Pats must run ball effectively to win. I don't think they will. This game will come down to the wire but Titans pull the upset.
Titans (+6) 19 Patriots 16

Green Bay at Philadelphia- A week ago I would have said Pack does not have chance at Philly but with two key starters out for Philly(Westbrook and Emmons)arguably their respective mvp on their side of the ball, Eagles lose key advantages. Green Bay has been hot and cold on the road just like at home where they have been inconsistent. Eagles won at GB earlier this year so teams are familiar with each other. The difference in this one is Green Bay's Green,Fisher, and Davenport's ability to run on Philly. Philly has not stopped the run well and the fact that one of their best linebackers in Emmons is out, won't make it any easier.
Green Bay(+5.5) 24 Eagles 17

Indianapolis at Kansas City- This might be the best game of the weekend with lots of fireworks. Both teams should have no problems scoring. Colts played near perfect on defense last week but I don't see in happening this week. This game very well could come down to special teams. Both teams have decent special teams, I lean towards Vanderjat to win it late with a field goal on a special drive by Manning to set it up. Indianapolis (+3) 38 Kansas City 35

As you can see, I am going against the norm this weekend and picking not only 3 road dogs but 3 straight up wins by road dogs. This should set up next weekend's Championship Games as follows:

AFC Tennessee at Indianapolis
NFC Green Bay at St. Louis

Best of luck.

 

[GLJJNOVA]

Well, the only game we agree on at this point is Indy (see my early leans post). No surprise you're picking your Rams. But Green Bay? Eagles will beat them, cover or not. I understand you want the Rams to host the NFC Championship game, but they blew that losing to Detroit. Rams should win, but a cover will be alot tougher.

GL anyway, except for GB
Gary

 

[Kojak]

gary philly,

I actually would have picked Philly in this one if it were not for Emmons and Westbrook injuries. I think they are a big deal. As topsy turvy as season has been, I think at least 2 if not 3 road teams might win straight up this weekend. In relation to Rams, I almost picked Panthers, but with capping, you know the mood of your team better than any other. What I can tell you is that I don't know if Rams will go to Super Bowl though I have a good shot, I just don't think they lose this weekend coming off of Detroit game. Trust me in that they will be ready in this one with something to prove. Best of luck.

 

[Piranha]

Kojak

I'm usually a strong PLAYOFF player on the sides (75%) and (40%) on the totals over the past 3 years. I like your weekend picks except for the Philly game. I think there is way too much hype given to Favre over his father's death and what he has done and that has cause the public to jump on G.B. The fact is G.B should not even be in the playoffs and they were lucky to win against Seattle. Having said that I think Philly is definietly the play and G.B is the trap.

 

[sammythesage]

At one point philly had 9 starters out; and still won 12 games. Most back healthy now. Having only 2 out will not phase this team in the least. Gb had all the breaks 1st time and still lost. Breaks have a way of evening out and now they'll lose big.

 

[bsquared11]

I'm with you all the way Kojak!! The Rams and three dogs!

Carolina's secondary can't handle Bruce and Holt.

Titan's have McNair and may not win, but they will cover.

Packers are on a mission and Green will run all over the Eagles "D".

Manning will have a field day against that KC secondary. Lots and lots of points in this one.

GL Kojak!

 

[GLJJNOVA]

Kojak........Upon further review, I agree that the Rams are the right side. However, I like the Eagles as well. Check out my NFC thread and give me some constructive criticism.

Thanks
Gary

 

[Kojak]

gary philly,fartyBarty,piranha, and sammythesage,

Thanks for opinions and best of luck this weekend. For those touting Philly, the only thing I will say is that out of the 4 sides, I rate that game as the least in terms of my confidence. What I will tell you guys is the strongest play this weekend for me will be the over in KC/INdy. Best of luck.

 

[Kojak]

Just got in from going to Rams/Panthers game. Talk about a great game though my Rams didn't win. After seeing this game, I can tell you that Panthers are for real. They run the ball well,well coached, and Delhomme can handle the pressure. As for the Rams, I hate to say it but besides this team being done for year, I can say with 100% certainty that this team needs an overhaul. Neither Warner nor Bulger are good enough. Faulk's age is catching up to him as well as Bruce. The offensive line is the most overpaid and non productive line in the league. They need some help at cornerback as these young players are not shut down corners and can't get the job done. But most of all, this team needs a new head coach. Martz is no longer capable of running this team. His strength supposedly when hired as head coach was his offensive genius. This guy no longer calls a good game and is outcoached week in and week out. His motivational skills are terrible and if it wasn't for a great home fan base, this game would have never went to overtime. Rams management needs to do what the Nebraska admins did when they realized Solich was taking the team down. That is fire Martz and bring in someone who knows what in the hell they are doing.

 

[genosays]

Gotta agree that Martz possibly cost Rams the game towards end of regulation by not going for a winning TD .... had plenty of time to spike and try for the end zone .... settled for OT instead and got burned .... big game management problems for St Louis were costly.

 

[Kojak]

Well after today's games, I stand at 1-1 on sides and 2-0 on totals for 3-1 day. Unfortunately the one loss was my Rams. Maybe we'll win another playoff game whenever we get a new head coach.

 

[Kojak]

Having a great playoff weekend as I have gone 5-1 with only loss on Rams. Looking for Green Bay and over to make it 7-1.

 

[Kojak]

So far so good at half though there is still a lot of football to be played. If Green Bay and over can hang on, will have a 7-1 playoff weekend with only loss by Rams. Go figure.

 

[Kojak]

End up divisional weekend at 6-2(75%) which isn't bad. Hope to be back with Championship picks later.