Weekend Picks

Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers
(12-4, 5-3 away)     (12-4, 5-3 home)

If this match-up does not get you excited, then you are not a football fan. These two teams are about as evenly matched as you can find in football. Whenever they meet up, it's a bloodbath, usually ending with one play that defines the game. The forecast has about an inch of snow falling throughout the game, which should make it even more appealing. The big question is how aggressive Ben Roethlisberger and Joe Flacco will be able to be against two tough defenses and the weather. Ultimately, I'm going to go with the better quarterback to find a way to win.

Prediction: Steelers 21 Ravens 17

Green Bay Packers at Atlanta Falcons
(10-6, 3-5 away)        (13-3, 7-1 home)

I don't know if there has ever been a number one seed that is getting as little respect as the Falcons are getting in this match-up. Honestly, I do not see it as a reflection on the Falcons as much as it is the love affair that is occurring with the Packers. These two met early in the season and Atlanta ended up on top. Matty Ice is unstoppable at home, he always finds a way to get the win but I am going against him in this game. The key player will be James Starks, running back for the Packers, if he can get going against the Falcons defense then Aaron Rodgers will have a field day.

Prediction: Packers 31 Falcons 24

Seattle Seahawks vs. Chicago Bears
(7-9, 2-6 away)         (11-5, 5-3 home)

Oh Seattle, a week after knocking off the reigning NFL Champions the Saints, they still are receiving little respect. Granted they went 7-9 in the regular season and won a division that was just down right ugly, but still they just put a beating on Saints in a game that no one gave them a fighting chance. I can see the laid back surfer-dude, Pete Carroll telling he team "It's us against the world guys." The bottom line is, last week was Seattle's Super Bowl, they were home and got an unbelievable performance out of Matt Hasselbeck. They fed off of the crowds energy and it propelled them to a victory. The Bears will come out intense at home and deliver an early knockout punch. Cutler will throw for three touchdowns and probably at least two interceptions but Chicago's defense will stop Seattle all day.

Prediction: Chicago 35 Seattle 10

New York Jets vs. New England Patriots 
(11-5, 6-2 away)   (14-2, 8-0 home)

Talk is cheap, play the game. That being said, Rex Ryan and the Jets will really have to put their best foot forward or else they will end up with their foot in their mouth. Alright, its out of my system. Forget about the shellacking that took place the last time these two teams faced each other. The Jets' defense has figured out how to replace Jim Leonhard and are playing much better. They will have to come out and establish the run early and control the clock. The only way to beat Tom Brady is to keep him on the sidelines. The Patriots have been the best team in league for most of the season and will be well prepared for this game. For me, it comes down to Mark Sanchez as the quarterback, and how confident do you feel with him Jets fans? Me, not too much. He'll make a big time mistake and the Pats will capitalize off of it.

Prediction: Patriots 20, Jets 14