We've made it to the playoffs. For the picks from the normal Aggie Talk crew head over to the Aggie Talk page and listen to this past week's episode. Today we've got picks from Jason Alpert of the California Aggie as well as two of other members of the KDVS Sports Department, Steve Vote and Kartar Singh.
Jason Alpert’s Picks:
Packers at Eagles: Eagles. I know there is a lot being said about how dangerous the Packers are, but the Eagles have Mike Vick. "But Jason, the Packers were one play away in each of their losses from a perfect season." My response to that: Michael Vick, DeSean Jackson, LeSean McCoy and Jeremy Maclin. The Eagles are so fast and so explosive, I have a hard time picking against them. We all saw how deadly that team is against the Giants a few weeks back and I see that team showing up again. The Packers are a very dangerous team, but the Eagles can put up 30 points in the blink of an eye. Expect a shootout with Vick's Eagles coming out on top.
Saints at Seahawks: Saints. Even with Matt Hasselback, the Seahawks are garbage. New Orleans hasn't won a road playoff game ever, expect that to change. Qwest Field, however can get very loud. I remember watching my high school football team play at Qwest Field, and even with only 400 people there, the place was still rocking. Drew Brees' plays at the Superdome though, a little bit louder. The Saints will utilize their size and speed at reciever along with Drew Brees' arm to wear the Seattle secondary down. Expect a lot of big plays over the top for New Orleans
Ravens at Kansas City: Ravens. I have a theory, that no matter how good the opposing offense is, defense will always weigh supreme. The Ravens have the size and speed on defense to stop any team in its tracks. The Chiefs, a team that lived and died by its run game, will struggle to break off any big plays against the fifth best run defense in Baltimore. This will put a lot of pressure on Matt Cassel and I don't think he will be ready. Expect a low scoring affair in which the Ravens come out on top.
Jets at Colts. Colts. Peyton Manning turns into a different beast come January. Manning has is tied with a Mr. Montana for most playoff games with 300+ yards passed. Even with "Revis Island" and "Cromartie's Baby Carriage," Peyton should take off against the Jets (no pun intended). The Jets are not that good of a team. Their run game is "blah" and Mark Sanchez is the definition of "meh." Expect the Jets offense to stall and not get much production. Manning and the Colts will win this one by a couple touchdowns.
Steve Vote’'s Picks:
Green Bay @ Philadelpha: Packers. I know this is sort of a toss-up because both rosters are hurting, but the Eagles have been pretty inconsistent this season. Also, I'm hearing rumblings of an unannounced Michael Vick injury. Bottom line: Aaron Rodgers has the potential to torch this Eagles defense and the Packers shouldn't be affected by the cold weather in Philly.
New Orleans @ Seattle: Seahawks. I love this matchup more than you know. For as much as people hate that the Seahawks are in the playoffs, I can't get enough of it. The crowd is desperate for some life from the Seahawks, Pete Carroll will have his troops fired up. Not to mention that the Saints have played head-scratchingly inconsistent football for most of the season.
NY Jets @ Indianapolis: Colts. I hate the Jets. Period. People have grown to like the NFLs newest media darlings. I, however, am not one of these people. Peyton Manning will somehow find a way to will his team to victory. Plus, the Jets are not sneaking up on anybody this year.
Baltimore @ KC: Baltimore. The Chiefs had a nice run this year and have opened some eyes with their rapid turnaround. Baltimore is just too good. It is very hard for me to picture Baltimore playing badly enough for the Chiefs to win. Also, just imagine the next round matchups if the Ravens win. NE vs. Indy and Baltimore vs. Pittsburgh? Sign me up.
Kartar Singh’s picks:
Green Bay at Philly: Michale Vick's Dream Season doesn't end just yet. Green Bay will be facing that ferocious and at time annoying Philly fan base and that along with that explosive offense should be enough to propel the Eagles to a division playoff berth
New Oreans @ Seattle: This game is scary to me. As bad as the Seahawks have been this season they still do get the home playoff game and New Orleans this season hasn't always been the most consistent team in the league. This could be the upset of wild card weekend but for now I keep my faith in the Saints
Jets @ Colts: Peyton Manning > Mark sanchez. This game is going to come down to that. Even though people say that defense wins championships, the last team to win the superbowl with a below average quarterback were those ferocious Ravens back in 2002. Mark Sanchez is still a work in progress. Indy should be able to take this one at home
Baltimore @ KC: Although they are the home team, the Chiefs are by far the underdog in this game. However, they have a vastly improved player in the QB position in Matt Cassell and have one of the best running games in the league with one-two combo of Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones. I think this might be the upset of the weekend. I'll take the chiefs to pull out the upset at home.
