I know it’s nothing original for me to say, but this is absolutely my favorite weekend of the year for NFL watching. (Usually) four great matchups and none of them overlapping.
Indianapolis-Baltimore: Well, I strongly disagree that Baltimore is the best team in the league, but that doesn’t mean I don’t think they could beat Indy. However, I don’t believe they will. I was surprised how the Colts shut down Larry Johnson, and of course their pass rush is their defensive strength. McNair will struggle to put up the points they would need to outscore Manning and Co. Prediction: Indianapolis.
New England-San Diego: You could say where I live (Raleigh) is San Diego East, with all the Philip Rivers jerseys still being worn around town. And some are Chargers jerseys, not Wolfpack. Regardless, Belichick will simultaneously design a plan to key on shutting down Tomlinson while also getting into Rivers’s head. It will be fun watching the game for me this weekend too, as I will be in Rhode Island with my extended family (who are passionate for the Pats, like me). Prediction: New England.
Philadelphia-New Orleans: Drew Brees still has that sour taste in his mouth from two years ago when his Chargers lost to the Jets in the playoffs. With the help of his two outstanding running backs, he takes it out on Philly. Prediction: New Orleans.
Seattle-Chicago: As one ESPN talking head said last weekend, if Seattle and Dallas were in the AFC, neither would have made the playoffs. Prediction: Chicago.