NFL Playoff Predictions and Analysis

Just like many of you, I can’t wait to watch this weekend’s NFL Conference Championship games. And keeping with tradition, I’m preparing one of my famous fried turduckens and giving you my annual predictions. Let’s dive right into this weekend’s games, shall we?

Baltimore at Pittsburgh
Current Line: Pittsburgh by 6

The weather forecast for Pittsburgh calls for mid 20s and snow showers. Perfect weather for a physical, ugly third meeting between two teams that do not like each other. Pittsburgh won both earlier meetings in close and controversial contests that many thought Baltimore would have won without the help of some creative officiating (I mean REALLY creative). Correct call or not, Baltimore will be playing with a chip on their shoulder which will make this even better for our purposes. This could end up being one of the grittiest, most physical games we have seen in many years.

It’s no secret that both teams have great defenses as both are ranked at the top of the AFC in that respect. That’s what we’ve come to expect from these two teams over the years ­ smashmouth football. What’s been surprising has been the play of rookie quarterback Joe Flacco for the Ravens who has come of age and stealing a page out of Ben Roethlisberger’s book after his remarkable rookie season with the Steelers. The way Flacco is playing now, he’s right there with Big Ben in his ability to lead his team. And is anyone feeling a little déjà vu, as in the sort of 2001 Super Bowl underdog Ravens kind? Back to that in a second.

These teams are evenly matched, so this one is going to be close and down to the wire even though the line currently has Pittsburgh by 6. The Ravens are a team on a mission, similar to 2001, and believe they are the better team. They are confident. Really confident. The two close and controversial loses have the Ravens motivated more than the Steelers, and it’s hard to beat a team three times, especially a close rival that is evenly matched. Yes, the magic continues for the underestimated Ravens and rookie Flacco. It’s back to Tampa for the Ravens and another playoff upset. With the way this year has gone, I don’t think anyone believes the top seeds were actually playing the best football. Déjà vu anyone?

Ravens win, 13-9

Philadelphia at Arizona
Current Line: Philadelphia by 3.5

Um, wait. Who’s playing again? So it is. Not exactly what we expected, but we’ll play it anyway. The two old leaders of these squads, Donovan McNabb and Kurt Warner have both been here before. We just didn’t think they’d be here this time ­ with mediocre teams and with Donovan being benched mid-season and Kurt taking over from Matt Leinert.

So what happens on Sunday? Kurt Warner and Larry Fitzgerald ripped apart the Panthers’ secondary last week, but the Eagles’ Defensive Coordinator Jim Johnson seems to be at the top of his game. Don’t expect the Eagles to allow Fitzgerald to run around unguarded like the Panthers did. Even with the success the Eagles have had with their zone blitz, Warner is in the zone and in incredible sync with Fitzgerald. They’ll continue to be successful, although it won’t be as easy as it was last week.

So how about the Eagles offense? Brian Westbrook reinjured his knee against the Giants and rumors are that it is really hampering him. And although McNabb has had a couple of magical games, do we really believe that he’s not due for a disaster? He is.

University of Phoenix Stadium provides the electric backdrop for one of the most improbable Super Bowl runs in recent NFL history. At least since the 2001 Ravens. Or 2009 Ravens. Arizona and Baltimore? Believe it.

Arizona wins, 37-20.

Check back next week for my Super Bowl predictions and post your own thoughts in the jeremiahweedbourbon.com forum, here on my blog, or at my Facebook page.