Welcome back to the Charlie The Unicorns Division Playoff Edition……
So far I’m 3-1 straight up, but 1-3 ATS in the playoffs. The Redskins let me down, but the Packers now have a spark. I’m going to lean on the top defenses in the games. There are 3 of the top 5 defenses playing this weekend. There are some of the more potent offenses also suiting it up… There are 4 SB winning QBs playing this weekend, each has done it before… so they get a slight edge as well. Will there be any crazy finishes like last week, let take a look!
Saturday Football (Jan 16) PACIFIC TIME Broadcast
Chiefs at Patriots 1:35 PM CBS (****)
Point Spread : -4.5 Patriots
O/U : 42.0
Forecast: 42 degree / Light Rain
Prediction: 30 – 21 Chiefs
This game comes down to the Chiefs defense. They can get great pressure on the QB from the front seven. They have a very nice secondary that can neutralize most WR threats. Edleman is an X Factor for the Patriots. He is finally expected to play this week, so he will be very dangerous and might be productive (over 100 yards and 1 TD). If Maclin was 100%, this would be an easy pick for me, but ultimately I think the Patriots are too injured and the Chiefs will exploit these injuries. The Defensive Coordinator for the Chiefs has had experience shutting down the Patriots previously, so this is going to be fun to watch. (Breaking News: Gronk may be only 60% for the game due to a knee injury suffered in week #17, currently questionable but trending towards doubtful)
Packers at Cardinals 5:15 PM NBC (**)
Point Spread : -7.0 Cardinals
O/U : 50.0
Forecast: 70 Degree / Retractable Roof Stadium
Prediction: 33 – 27 Cardinals
The Cardinals are sporting one the the most dynamic offenses and defenses of any playoff team. Three players going on IR in the last few weeks is a concern. A major concern has to be Rodgers looking like his old self in his last game. The game will hinge on the rushing attack of the Packers. If Lacy and Starks can be productive on the ground, they have a decent shot. Packers also need LB Clay Mathews to show up BIG in this game. He needs to disrupt both the Cardinals rushing attack and the passing attack. If he can get some early impactful hits on Palmer, then they may have a chance. I think it will be a 4 qtr game, unlike the last meeting. I’m playing it a bit safe and picking the home team.
Sunday Football (Jan 17)
Seahawks at Panthers 10:05 AM FOX (*****)
Point Spread : -1.0 Panthers
O/U : 44.0
Forecast: 44 Degrees / Cloudy
Prediction: 21 – 18 Seahawks
This is a very intriguing match-up. The case can be made that either team can win the game. If Beastmode plays, Seattle will be able to control the clock and keep Cam Newton on the sidelines. If they can’t, then Seattle will have to rely on RW making good decisions and leaning heavily on WRs Baldwin, Kearse and Lockett. Carolina TE Olsen will be a key player to watch. In the first meeting this season, the MLB Wagner was out and KJ Wright was playing MLB, while Kevin Pierre-Lewis played his spot. KPL got to see Olsen all day…. and the TE had a big game. I’m not expecting a huge day out of Olsen, 60-70 yards and 1 TD perhaps range, not a 120+ 2 TDs. QB Newton will have to play at a higher level and have more completions to RBs and WRs in this game. Less than 60% is not going to cut it in the playoffs. The pressure is on the Panthers, to live up to the “press clippings”.
I definitely think this is the best game of the weekend overall…. plenty of old school football to be had. Let’s also place some faith in RW to make the play, when they need it. These two teams have become budding rivals, due to 4 games in 4 years during the regular season and at least 1 in the playoffs. BTW: Late money is coming in hard on Seattle now, point spread has moved almost 2 points in 3 days, something is up…..
Steelers at Broncos 1:40 PM CBS (***)
Point Spread : -7.0 Broncos
O/U : 45.0
Forecast: 41 Degrees / Partly Sunny
Prediction: 29 – 17 Broncos
This would have been an AWESOME game if the Steelers were not so damn banged up. RB Williams is looking doubtful now. The QB has multiple shoulder injuries and may play, but will be limited. The dynamic Antonio Brown is not yet through the concussion protocol and could be out. Not to mention the litany of other injuries they have suffered this season. Sadly,I think this is where the road ends for them. The Denver defense was one of the most dynamic and dangerous of all the teams left in the playoffs. Their pass rush is exceptional and their secondary is solid. I only pause, when I think about Manning playing in under 42 degree weather. Only if something really fluky happens, like 2 INT TDs or a PR/KR TD can I see the Steelers winning this game. The Broncos are too healthy and Steelers too banged up. Manning may yet get one more shot at a SB ring.
Rarely do all the favorite’s win each week, so I went out on a limb and took 2 road dogs this week. If I were a betting person, I would take the Chiefs + the 4.5 points. So, if I get this right.. it will be 2 AFCW and 2 NFCW teams facing off in the Championship round….. for the right to play in Super Bowl 50 in Santa Clara.
Remember SKAsians, don’t hate the player, hate the game.
CharlietheUnicorn
“Go Hawks”
OIeSagginSeahawk
Brand new friggin computer and it can’t keep connected to the net………GO HAWKS !