By Joe Moskwa
Crown ‘em. That’s it. That should just about wrap it up. Yes, while some of you may say “I coulda told you that eight weeks ago,†I’m officially giving the title to the Pats this year. It’s my opinion the chips fell in such a place that will allow me to be 100% sure of who this year’s Super Bowl winner will be. I’m not just PICKING them, I’m CALLING it. (There’s a difference). And again, most of you are probably wondering why this is such “big news”, but there’s a reason they actually PLAY the game.
So save your thoughts and conversations on the significance of an Eli Manning versus the Manning-shunned draft day Chargers Super Bowl, because it won’t happen.
Because I’m calling it. Ballgame.
Last weeks recap:
Peeeeeyton. Duuuude. Really? One and done? Say it ain’t so. Say you’ll be back next year. And speaking of the loss to the Chargers, if you watched it and paid attention to the biased announcing, would Dan Dierdorf totally have Peyton’s baby or what?
Let’s give the Jacksonville Jaguars a nice round of applause on a very solid season. It’s almost unfair that they have to play in the AFC during the Brady-Manning era. But I think it’ll make them even stronger.
Dallas? Nice job on playing a thirteen-game college season this year. And why is it so satisfying to see a rich old guy look SO pissed off? I think Jerry Jones really WAS about to take the headphones from one of the coaches on Sunday and take over, just like he does in my favorite cola commercial.
Let’s make some picks. (Not that I’d condone taking my advice this season. I really think this season is cursed for me).
Sunday, January 20th, 2008
AFC Championship Game, 3:00 pm
San Diego Chargers at New England Patriots – Bolts getting 14.5
Yeah, like I was saying a minute ago. I expect the Pats to roll. But let me backtrack for a second. I gave coach Turner some flack earlier this season but he gets my game ball from last week. Gates was hurt. Rivers was knocked out. L.T., perhaps the best back in the game? Out. Chargers defensive game plan? Gold. They had the Colts’ number this year, but like I mentioned before, they aren’t the team to knock the Patriots out. New England is on a major mission, and they’ll plow over the Bolts in their last home game of the year. By about 17.
Pick: Give the two TDs and take the Pats (-14.5).
NFC Championship Game, 6:30 pm
New York Giants at Green Bay Packers – G-Men getting 7.5
Last week I jokingly called an All-Manning Super Bowl and I said Eli wasn’t ready. But he’s a GAME away! Coach Coughlin and his heavily motivated team kept Archie Manning’s Sunday from being ruined. Could you imagine watching both your sons being eliminated from the playoffs in the same day? Ouch. The Giants get a gameball as well, but I don’t. I actually broke my Lambeau winter rule and took the Seahawks last week! Am I crazy? Favre is playing like a kid, that O-line is amazing, and Ryan Grant and his long strides can bust an 80-yarder at any moment. The Packers are worthy of a title this year and I fully expect a rematch of Super Bowl XXXII. (Packers 35, Patriots 21, 1997, Louisiana Superdome. Desmond Howard took two kicks back to the house).
You’ll also remember that Favre’s hair was brown back then. (You’ll see the clips soon enough). So I have to go back to my rule. Gotta take the Pack. By about 10.
Pick: Cheeseheads giving a touchdown (-7.5).
Side note: Will I put money on these picks? Probably not because this is the last REAL weekend of football, so I just plan on enjoying it. If I HAD to bet? Patriots by 17.
Enjoy the games.