Tuesdays with Smitty: Divisional Weekend

By Aaron Smith

When the NFL schedule makers sat down and put this season schedule together, did they think that in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs – they would have the following matchups:

A. Divisional rivals

B. 3 games that feature rematches from the regular season. And of yeah, the regular season games were all decided by 4 points or less?

No way. Not in their right minds would they have hoped for a better scenario.   Especially when you consider that teams like the Indianapolis Colts, Dallas Cowboys and the New England Patriots are all home sitting on the couch. But here we are – 4 games, 8 teams and “Da’ bench” to figure things out. Let’s get started:

AFC

Baltimore Ravens vs. Tennessee Titans – These two teams played in Week 5 with the Titans walking away with a 13-10 hardfought win. Week 5 featured a defensive game, and I expect the same this week. Both teams managed only 200+ total yards for the game in Week 5, so expect the team that makes the least amount of mistakes to win this game. Kerry Collins has been here before, while Joe Flacco is venturing even further into new ground. Both teams feature a 2 back attack and it will be interesting to see who can get their ground game going. As shown against the Dolphins, the Ravens are a very opportunistic defense and will ask Flacco to only manage the game/ not win it for them. Playing in Tennessee only makes it that much tougher for Flacco, although you never hear about Tennessee being the toughet place to play a game.  And for the love of God – can someone please tell the rest of the NFL not to throw it in Ed Reed’s direction:

Prediction: In the end, I think home field advantage and experience wins out. Tennessee prevails 17-10.

San Diego Chargers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers – Another rematch of a regular season game – in this matchup the Steelers walked away with a 11-10 victory in Week 11. This time around, things could be different. Most teams would worry when their star running back, LaDainian Tomlinson is doubtful for Sunday’s matchup. But this Charger’s team has been living off the little engine that could go – Darren Sproles. Hard to imagine considering the way Sproles has been playing – that he “only” touched the ball 3 times in the Charger’s loss to the Steelers. I think he is going to touch the ball a few more times this go around. But the Steelers defense is the Steelers defense and it is tough. If they stop Sproles,  does Philip Rivers have it in him to bring them back to the AFC Championship? Considering the Steelers inability to run the football all season – will in come back to bite them in this game? Is Big Ben healthy to play? If so, he has the weapons to give the Chargers fits all day. Lastly, Heinz Field. There might not be any grass left on the field. It will be frozen and I am sure the Steelers are hoping for the worst weather possible. Sunday’s forecast is looking like a high of 21 degrees, which to the Chargers is going to feel like 0 degrees.

Prediction: I think the Steeler defense and the weather is going to be too much for the Chargers. Steelers win 23-14.

NFC

Arizona Cardinals vs. Carolina Panthers – Again another rematch of a regular season game in which the Panthers won 27-23 in a comeback fashion. In fact, that may have been one of the few times that Arizona was in the game when they had to travel to the East coast. I am not kidding, checking the record. For the season, Arizona was 0-5 in games that they traveled to the East coast for – so it doesn’t bode well for them. Arizona did well last week because it dusted off Edgerrin James. Anquan Boldin is questionable with a hamstring injury, which would limit the effectiveness of Kurt Warner. The Cardinals are going to try to run the ball again this weekend, but I just don’t see it happening against a good Panthers defense. The Panthers’ offensive line is big and they like to run the ball with their 2 running backs – Deangelo Williams and Jonathon Stewart.  They will certainly try to do so all day against the Cardinal’s defense. And if the Cardinal’s defense gets sneaky – then lookout Steve Smith. If the Panthers are successful in running the ball, it could be a long day for the Cardinal’s defense.

Predicition – A long plane ride back to Arizona. Carolina wins 35- 14.

Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Giants – Ahhhh, this is the one everyone is waiting for. Divisional rivals meet for the 3rd time in a season. And this one should be a war. The Eagles have now won 4 of their last 5 games. The Eagles have also won 4 of the last 6 times they have played the Giants in Giants’ Stadium.  Unfortunately for the Giants – they don’t have the home field factor really going for them -especially when they know the other team has confidence playing in their arena. The G-men do get Brandon Jacobs back, which should lighten the load off Eli Manning’s back. Withouth Plaxico, the Giants receivers aren’t as big a threat right now. Eli is going to have to make sure the Eagles respect the passing game or it may be a long afternoon for the Giant’s offense.  As for the Eagles offense – Donovan McNabb is playing exceptionally well right now and could reek havoc on a very good Giants defense. The Giants defense will obviously look to stop Bryan Westbrook, but as evidence from the Viking’s game – one play and he leaves his mark.The Giants do have Tom Coughlin in their corner, which is an edge over Andy Reid. Sorry, but I am waiting for Andy Reid to well… just be Andy Reid.

Prediction: Don’t do it.. Don’t do it.. Oh, I am going to do it.. Philadelphia in an upset 24-21.

Enjoy the weekend!!