Playoff Challenge

Welcome back handicappers.  Championship weekend is finally upon us and I’m sure you’re all as stoked as I am to see those deadly Philadelphia Eagles still in the hunt.  I was at the game last weekend and to tell you the truth, I was lucky to get out of there alive.  From the tailgate, to the stadium to the concession stands, everyone was looking to knock me out.  It probably didn’t help that on my way out of the game I was screaming for the city to get a construction crew into Giants Stadium to bulldoze the building.  In any event, let’s get down to business…

Remember, we are picking against the spread. 

Also, the results of the second round of the “Fantasy Playoff Challenge” will be posted tomorrow. 

OVERALL:  5-3 ($ Making Money $)

LAST WEEK:  2-2

Wins:  Baltimore, Philadelphia

Losses:  Carolina, San Diego

NFL Championship Round

Sunday, January 18^th        3:00pm      University of Phoenix Stadium      Glendale, AZ

Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1) at Arizona Cardinals (9-7)

Philadelphia -4

The Scoop

At the beginning of December, who would have thought the Big Toaster would be hosting the NFC Championship game?  That just goes to show you it’s all about getting hot at the right time.  Arizona has been outstanding over the past couple of weeks, averaging 358.5 yards of offense in their two playoff wins.  On the other sideline sit the Philadelphia Eagles, winners of 6 of their last 7 games and the proud owners of the NFL’s #3 ranked defense.  For the Cardinals, it’s simple:  protect Warner at all costs and establish a running game.  Arizona has averaged 115.0 yards per game on the ground this postseason, which has done wonders setting up the Kurt Warner/Larry Fitzgerald NASA passing attack.  Expect them to find it much more difficult to run against Philly, who finished the regular season ranked 4^th against the run.

The Tipper’s Take

I think it’s safe to say we all saw the NFC playing out like this.  No?  You guys didn’t have Arizona hosting Philadelphia?  In any event, this game is all about pressure.  If Philly can find success blitzing Warner up the middle, the Cards don’t stand a chance.

The Tipper’s Prediction

The Cardinals deserve all the credit in the world for what they’ve done over the past couple of weeks.  That being said, the dream ends on Sunday.  This is Philly’s 5^th NFC Championship game since 2002 and they have been playing lights out defense over the last month.  Sorry Kurt.  But Donny Mac still owes you from the 2002 NFC Championship game.  Eagles win and cover. 

Saturday, January 18^th        6:30pm        Heinz Field          Pittsburgh, PA

Baltimore Ravens (11-5) at Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)

Pittsburgh -6

The Scoop

How many times have you heard this game referred to as a “war” or a “title fight” this week?  I guess that’s what we should expect when the NFL’s top two defenses square off in the third installment of this AFC North rivalry.  The key for both teams will be avoiding turnovers and protecting their quarterbacks.  And everyone needs to stop calling Joe Flacco a rookie.  After 18 games and a trip to the AFC Championship, he’s not a rookie anymore.  This game is going to come down to mistakes (turnovers and penalties).  Whoever commits more is heading home.  Period.

The Tipper’s Take

This showdown is all about field position and special teams.  Low scoring, lots of hits and plenty of cheap shots is what you should expect to see when you tune in to this love fest.  It wouldn’t surprise me one bit if the defenses and special teams put up more points than the offenses. 

The Tipper’s Prediction

The third time is not the charm for the Ravens.  I have a real tough time thinking they can win this game when I’ve already seen the Steelers beat them twice.  However, six points is way too many to lay to a defense led by All-Stud Ed Reed.  I’ll take the Ravens and the points, but the Steelers are heading to Tampa.