Hardnosed Predictions (NFL - OT)

We all love to make predictions and there's tons going on this week alone to predict, particularly in Iowa.  There's tons of diaries regarding the subject.  But I guarantee more than a few Dkos folks are anxiously awaiting this weekend, when the NFL playoffs finally get underway.

We’re finally at the point where the games are for real. Now, as a public service to NFL players, fans and owners, I am going to predict the winners throughout the playoffs so that the losers can save themselves the trouble of bothering to show up. They can ground their chartered flights and improve their carbon footprint on the atmosphere and fans of the losers can find something better to do with their weekends, including reading to the elderly, volunteering at an animal shelter or simply stop domestically violencing their spouses.

Without further ado, the Wild Card Weekend Predictions:

Washington vs. Seattle: Washington.
Seattle got lazy during their loss to the lowly Atlanta Falcons last weekend and began resting starters well before the game was decided. "Oooh, we’re scared of injuries!" they claimed. They should be more scared of their lack of a good running game and the fact Washington has been gangbusters the last few weeks simply because they have to play hard and play to win simply to even have a chance of making the playoffs in the first place. I place an official curse on teams that rested their starters the last week of the season. Besides, everyone should fear Todd Collins, who has been preserving his body for a decade for a deep playoff run.

Jacksonville vs. Pittsburgh: Jacksonville
I want to curse both of these teams since they rested tons of starters, but Pittsburgh was far more pathetic in week seventeen in their Play-not-to-Win approach. Losing to an awful Baltimore team who was starting a forgotten-about rookie at quarterback is simply unacceptable. Jacksonville also rested tons of players, but for the most part gave Houston a run for their money, until Houston decided a couple of kickoff returns for TDs would be a fun way to end the season. At least backup Jags QB Quinn Gray looked like a real NFL player. Getting past the whole "curse" thing, I honestly think Jacksonville has a great running game, very smart quarterback play that limits stupid mistakes, and a tough defense. They’re quietly one of the better teams in the NFL and should dispatch the Steelers once again on Pittsburgh’s home turf.

New York vs. Tampa Bay: New York
New York, with little to play for except pride and, y’know, integrity against the New England Patriots (and their quest to go 16-0 in the regular season), came out and played their hearts out, coming up just a bit short. No matter, they won respect from all the pundits and fans around the league. Eli Manning needed a solid game and provided one, which can only help them in the playoffs. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay started resting players seemingly a month ago. Does anyone remember the last time Jeff Garcia played meaningful football? Or played at all? Tampa got lucky playing in a weak division this year and will be bounced out in no time at all.

Tennessee vs. San Diego: San Diego
One must look at it this way: Tennessee, who needed a win on Sunday to qualify for the playoffs, had a really hard time beating the Indianapolis’ scrub. Were they really the sixth best team in the AFC? Or did Indianapolis decide to lose the game because they’d rather potentially face Tennessee in the playoffs (because they know they can slaughter the Titans) or risk playing the Cleveland Browns, who I feel were a far better team (even if they blew it against Cincinnati). San Diego at least played their starters till they had the game in hand, which is the smart time to pull out some key players.

So that's it for the Wild Card round.  Also crossposted at my "Whatever - the Blog" (link in signature).  We'll see if I know what the heck I'm talking about or just have it out for the "cursed" teams after this weekend concludes.  Meanwhile, those of you in Iowa, caucus wisely.

And for those who need something worthwhile in an off-topic diary, here's a pootie: