Well, Swami Jr recovered from a horrible Saturday to finish at 2-2 after Sunday's games completed. Swami's beloved KC Chiefs were as cold as the bottles of Guinness in Swami's hand last Saturday.
So, here we go, the Wild Card round is over, and now we have 4 great matchups in the Divisional Playoff Round.
Late Saturday afternoon, the 13-4 Colts travel to the Big CrabCake to take on the 13-3 Ravens. This will be a match-up for the ages - piece of advice for you hardcore football fans...TAPE THIS GAME. This one will be a classic. This game is the reason that the Ravens went out and got Steve McNair - but will it be enough? Swami Jr struggled all week with this one. This could go into overtime....and as much as Swami Jr was impressed with Indy's defense last week, don't expect Indy to do quite as well in Baltimore. Swami likes the Ravens.
On Saturday night, the high-flying 11-6 Eagles head south to take on the 10-6 Saints. Swami Jr loves the Saints....he's rooted for them all season long....but believes that the Saints improbable run is about to come to an end. Philly reminds me of a quote about an old baseball player...."he can't hit, he can't run, he can't throw....all he can do is beat you". And that sums up the Eagles right now - they are just finding ways to win. New Orleans went on a late-season slide and lost 4 of their last 5 home games. Swami sees Philly continuing to find ways to win. Swami likes the Eagles.
On Sunday, the 10-7 Seahawks, fresh off that crazy win last Saturday night, heading to Soldier Field to take on the 13-3 Bears. With the call for mixed precip in the weather forecast, both teams will be relying on their running game. And here's a little tidbit of history - last year, the Panthers lost to the Bears during the regular season, then returned to Soldier Field in the division round last year to get revenge. This year, the Bears smoked the 'Hawks [minus Shaun Alexander], and now the 'Hawks return to try to settle the score. The big question is which Rex shows up - it doesn't matter. Seattle will run the ball better, and will walk out with a victory. Sorry, Mike Beane...Swami likes Seattle.
And the in the late game on Sunday, the 13-4 Patriots head west to take on the 14-2 Chargers. The lightning-bolts are hot, having won 10 in a row. Twice, Marty has taken conference-leading teams into the post-season - and proceeded to flop in the playoffs. Will it happen again? You bet. Why??? Because Phillip Rivers is struggling, and the Patriots' defense is strong enough to stop L.T. Bill Belichick will out-coach Marty and the Chargers. Sorry, San Diego. Swami likes the Pats.
So...Swami goes with 3 birds [Ravens, Eagles, 'Hawks] and the Pats. Until next week, Swami Jr signing off.
