NFL playoff picks (if season ended today)

Another week, another box of stolen pens. We've got a lot of the same possible potential matchups this week, which really tests my writing acumen. I've really got to spice it up. I'll give it a shot.

It's about time for the Packers to make a run if they really want to make the playoffs. It's getting annoying how they keep losing these close games. You know, close games that Favre-ruh used to win. But how sweet would it be for the Cowboys to fall short of the playoffs? Tony Homo has to turn things around and keep lil' bitch T.O. happy in the process. Good luck with that.


Here's the bracket, and the breakdown:

AFC

Byes
1-Titans
2-Jets

4-Broncos
5-Ravens

Same matchup here as last week, and while the Broncos continue to pile up impressive offensive stats, the Ravens could match them there. Baltimore is all of the sudden a dark horse for a Super Bowl run, with rookie Joe Flacco finally giving the Ravens the offense that is five years overdue.
Ravens 23, Broncos 20

3-Steelers
6-Patriots

The Patriots are too up-and-down with Matt Cassell. He looked awesome against the Jets last week with 400 yards, but mainly because they fell behind so far early on. I just don't think they've got a playoff run in them without Tom Brady.
Steelers 27, Patriots 16

NFC

Byes
1-Giants
2-Panthers

4-Bears
5-Bucs


Another first-round matchup that mirrors last week's. After the teams' efforts in Week 10, I don't think much will change in my predictions. Kyle Orton proved that he's not 100 percent yet as the Bears squeaked by the Lions. The Bucs needed to rally as well to win in K.C. That's winning ugly. Sorry, Ditka.
Bucs 17, Bears 14

3-Cards
6-Redskins

The Cards can roll up impressive numbers against crappy teams from the NFC West, but I don't trust them when they play a defense with a pulse. That means the Redskins. Kurt Warner out in early 2nd quarter with a concussion, the 20th of his career, and then the Redskins hold on.
Redskins 19, Cards 17

AFC

2-Jets
3-Steelers

The Jets are finding ways to win and getting into a nice little groove. Sometimes it's impressive, other times not. That said, the Steelers are too tough defensively to allow much to the Fighting Favres. Defense wins in the playoffs, and the Jets don't have much.
Steelers 20, Jets 13

1-Titans
5-Ravens

I don't think anyone is convinced the Titans are that great. I'm in that camp. They win with their defense ... sound familiar? The Ravens wrote the book on stout D/crappy offense, except this year they actually have some game on the offensive end. I like the Ravens to hold their own and hold off the Titans.
Ravens 16, Titans 10

NFC

1-Giants
6-Redskins

The Giants are the best team in football. I know, gutsy. Too much firepower here for the solid 'Skins, who could otherwise make a nice run with a better draw. Just don't give Plax the glory cause he's a whiner.
Giants 31, Redskins 16

2-Panthers
5-Bucs

The Panthers luck out here by staying away from the Redskins, playing the Bucs in an NFC South slugfest. I'm gonna go with my instinct on this one and say the Panthers would prevail.
Panthers 23, Bucs 14

Conference title games

1-Giants
2-Panthers

Eli Manning takes the Giants back to the Super Bowl. The Giants are even better than they were a year ago. They're peaking right now and will be tough to beat in the playoffs if they can keep it up. Maybe they're hitting their stride too early, like the Pats of last season.
Giants 31, Panthers 7

3-Steelers
5-Ravens

This result really depends on the health of the Steelers. If Big Ben and Fast Willie can come in healthy, I like their chances. Sorry, Mewelde Moore. Big Ben just always finds a way to get it done. And the Steelers D will force the rookie QB into a few mistakes.
Steelers 26, Ravens 13

Super Bowl

Giants
Steelers

This one would come down to the defenses, and the Giants D would be more likely to stop the Steelers. Combine that with bowling ball Brandon Jacobs, and the Giants would coast to back-to-back titles. Believe it. Fucking Eli.
Giants 24, Steelers 10