Divisional Playoffs Cover Corner

By Michael Licalsi: The Cover Corner column is fresh of its pick of Florida in the national championship game, but the overall record still stands at 30-34. The NFL playoffs once again take center stage as this weekend’s games are about as good as it gets.

Editor’s Note: The selections in this column are purely the opinion of the writer, and are not being endorsed by any parties.

These are the two selections for the Saturday games. The Sunday games will be posted tomorrow.

Philadelphia (+5) at New Orleans

Philadelphia’s (11-6) Jeff Garcia has been playing some solid football, but this is round two of the playoffs and going to New Orleans will be a big challenge.

New Orleans (10-6) is tops in the NFL in total offense, and 5th in points scored, while the Eagles are 2nd in total offense and 6th in points scored.

The biggest mismatch on the field though will be Drew Brees and the passing game versus the Philadelphia pass defense without cornerback Lito Sheppard. Not only do the Saints have good wide-outs, but Reggie Bush is a fantastic receiver from the running back position.

The Saints can also rush the ball effectively with Bush and Deuce McAllister, and at some point, the Eagles defense will have to “pick its poison”.

You have to give credit to Philadelphia for making it this far after quarterback Donovan McNabb went down. Still, I think Garcia is due for a bad game, and the entire team could also be due for a letdown.

Some have called the Saints a team of destiny since Week One, and you can not underestimate what this organization has meant to the city after Katrina.

Playing in New Orleans is a major disadvantage for the Eagles, and I believe the Saints should win by a solid touchdown.

Pick: New Orleans

Indianapolis (+4) at Baltimore

Baltimore (13-3) is 8-2 against the spread in their last 10 home games. They also have an incredible defense and a good offense.

The Colts (13-4) have a stellar offense and a defense that can match up with the Ravens’ offense if they play like last week against Kansas City.

Peyton Manning threw three interceptions in that game, but I look for him to have a much better effort here. Couple that with an Indy defense that will play with renewed confidence, and I am taking the four points.

Don’t be surprised if the Colts win this game straight up.

Pick Indianapolis

Seattle (+8.5) Chicago

After watching Seattle (10-7) throughout the season, it’s amazing they are in round two of the post season. What is even more amazing was all the receptions the Seahawks receivers were catching the last couple of games, after having so many problems with drops.

Chicago was 13-3 in the regular season after basically forfeiting the last game against Green Bay. I have a strong feeling that quarterback, Rex Grossman is going to have a good game, and when he plays well, the Bears are unstoppable.

Statistically, the Bears are second in points scored and third in points allowed. They already hammered the Seahawks once at home this year, albeit with Shaun Alexander injured, and they have the capability to do it again.

Oh by the way, Seattle is 2-8-1 ATS in their last 11 road games.

Look for the Bears defense and special teams to perform tremendously as usual. Throw in a good performance by Grossman, and you can see why this will be a comfortable win. Seattle may wonder why they even got on a charter to Chicago to begin with.

Pick: Chicago

New England (+5) San Diego

San Diego (14-2) is a perfect 8-0 at home this season, and is stacked on both sides of the ball. In fact, they probably have the best offensive player in the NFL in LaDainian Tomlinson, and the best defensive player in Shawne Merriman.

New England is 13-4 and 7-1 on the road. Of course, everyone knows about all the success that the Patriots have had in past playoffs, and that has to weigh on the mind of the San Diego players.

While New England getting five points is tempting, at the end of the day I come back to the fact that San Diego has owned home field, with every victory being at least seven points. This has all the makings of a dynamite game, and the result will be a changing of the guard in the AFC.

Pick: San Diego

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