NFL DIVISION ROUND PICKS FOR SATURDAY
New Orleans at San Francisco 3:30 PM CST NBC
Sorry to say this Niners' fans, but when I watch your team I see the 1990's Kansas City Chiefs. They run the ball very well, play great defense, get after the opposing passer, but...& it's a big but. Their passing game doesn't scare anybody & if they fall behind by even one touchdown, they're facing a pretty decent defense & the clock. As every possession clicks off without scoring the pressure mounts on Alex Smith & company. It's the first playoff game for almost every Niner, very little post season experience versus a battle-tested veteran playoff team. Plus it's head coach Jim Harbaugh's first playoff start. I see Frisco keeping it low scoring, they'd better if they want to have a chance. If the game evolves into a scoring contest, the Niners are dead meat. When your placekicker David Akers is your best offensive threat, I don't like your chances in the playoffs. New Orleans was my preseason Super Bowl pick, I'm not getting off them now.
New Orleans 23 San Francisco 16
Denver at New England 7PM CST NBC
The Patriots beat Denver at Mile High 41-23 on December 18th. The Broncos jumped out to a 16-7 1st half lead & then watched the Patriots rip off 27-unanswered points & the game was over. I was very clear last week in my pick of Pittsburgh, I thought the Broncos had no chance. You've heard it before......on any given Sunday. It could happen again tonight, but....small but this time, I'm taking New England. I don't like their defense particularly, but against this offense, I like them better. One note of interest, I told you yesterday Denver's long snapper is not with the team, his wife, pregnant with twins, is in a life-threatening situation. Say a little prayer for the Paxton family. Denver brought 18-year veteran David Binn to their facility, signed him & he just made the flight to New England. As good as Denver's defense has played, I don't see them holding New England down for long, especially at Foxboro.
New England 34 Denver 20
With the TV bunker just 10' away, if I'm watching a game on television, I prefer to do it at home. But I'm making an exception today. One of my very loyal readers from Northern Iowa is visiting family in the area, so we're going to meet in a sports bar & watch the Saints-Niners game together over a few cold Buds. Gotta go as Mizzou is currently lighting up the Texas Longhorns in the first half, I want to watch a little of it before I head out for a trip across the Lake.
I want to wish a very happy birthday to Jimmy R. One of the world's great carpenters & one of the two smartest people I ever met when it comes to computers. Have a great day Jimmy & be safe out there when you celebrate.
Sorry to say this Niners' fans, but when I watch your team I see the 1990's Kansas City Chiefs. They run the ball very well, play great defense, get after the opposing passer, but...& it's a big but. Their passing game doesn't scare anybody & if they fall behind by even one touchdown, they're facing a pretty decent defense & the clock. As every possession clicks off without scoring the pressure mounts on Alex Smith & company. It's the first playoff game for almost every Niner, very little post season experience versus a battle-tested veteran playoff team. Plus it's head coach Jim Harbaugh's first playoff start. I see Frisco keeping it low scoring, they'd better if they want to have a chance. If the game evolves into a scoring contest, the Niners are dead meat. When your placekicker David Akers is your best offensive threat, I don't like your chances in the playoffs. New Orleans was my preseason Super Bowl pick, I'm not getting off them now.
New Orleans 23 San Francisco 16
Denver at New England 7PM CST NBC
The Patriots beat Denver at Mile High 41-23 on December 18th. The Broncos jumped out to a 16-7 1st half lead & then watched the Patriots rip off 27-unanswered points & the game was over. I was very clear last week in my pick of Pittsburgh, I thought the Broncos had no chance. You've heard it before......on any given Sunday. It could happen again tonight, but....small but this time, I'm taking New England. I don't like their defense particularly, but against this offense, I like them better. One note of interest, I told you yesterday Denver's long snapper is not with the team, his wife, pregnant with twins, is in a life-threatening situation. Say a little prayer for the Paxton family. Denver brought 18-year veteran David Binn to their facility, signed him & he just made the flight to New England. As good as Denver's defense has played, I don't see them holding New England down for long, especially at Foxboro.
New England 34 Denver 20
With the TV bunker just 10' away, if I'm watching a game on television, I prefer to do it at home. But I'm making an exception today. One of my very loyal readers from Northern Iowa is visiting family in the area, so we're going to meet in a sports bar & watch the Saints-Niners game together over a few cold Buds. Gotta go as Mizzou is currently lighting up the Texas Longhorns in the first half, I want to watch a little of it before I head out for a trip across the Lake.
I want to wish a very happy birthday to Jimmy R. One of the world's great carpenters & one of the two smartest people I ever met when it comes to computers. Have a great day Jimmy & be safe out there when you celebrate.
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