
Wow…did you think when the season began that this would be happening?
I certainly didn’t. You guys know it. You saw my columns ripping the Patriots. So let’s get to it.
@New England (-7) vs Baltimore
Lots of folks are riding very high off last week’s crushing of the Broncos. I mean Brady throws six touchdowns the tight ends look unstoppable (till Hernandez got hit pretty hard) and the defense was able to hold the opponent to ten points.
OK, let’s get over that really quick. Baltimore is a much better team.
Personally I would coach this game like their first Super Bowl. You key on Ray Rice and take him out of the game completely. If they try to throw out of the backfield you pop him. If they try to rush (are you listening Brandon Spikes?) you stuff the holes and don’t let him in. You make Flacco beat you. Which means you’re putting a ton of pressure on your secondary, but everything I’ve seen says he’ll key on his target. That should help the secondary, right?
On the flip side you have the Patriots offense against a very good Ravens defense. Which has the same folks from last week that watched the Pats kill the Broncos saying, yeah the Ravens are good but they’re old. Well, like Ty Law said today, the Ravens defense knows that their window is closing. That means that they’re hungry for one more title. But I really think they’re going to have a hard time stopping the Pats offense. There are just too many weapons and they can’t double everyone. Personally I think a couple draw plays will really confuse the Ravens defense. Just saying.
So with a seven point favorite, how do I go? I’m taking the Ravens with that spread. Don’t get me wrong, I think the Patriots are totally going to win, but I think it’s going to be much closer than people think. I say the Pats are going to win by a field goal. 24-21. Here’s hoping I’m wrong and the Pats CRUSH them.
@San Francisco (-2.5) vs Giants
I can’t give you as much details on this one. The Giants are hitting their stride at the right time. Their playoffs really started in the last week of the regular season. So they knocked off the Cowboys, beat the Falcons, knocked off the Packers and now are heading to San Fran.
Sorry Giants but I really like the 49ers this week. Taking the Niners with the spread.
You have the possibility of a Super Bowl with the Pats against the Giants, revenge for the last Super Bowl they faced off. Ravens and Niners, brothers Harbaugh face off. Pats against Niners, Brady against his childhood team. So many possibilities. But I’m sticking with my Brady against his childhood team.
Back Monday to see if I’m right.