Smitter�s Championship Playoffs Picks vs the spread
Last week: 1-3 Overall: 3-5 37.5%
FLG�s last week: 0-1 FLG�s overall: 0-2 0%
I was hoping that the playoffs would be different than the regular season, but, so far it hasn�t been. On the good side, two of the three games that I have won have been our Steelers. There is still time to make some money.
Carolina (+ 4 �) over Seattle � On the surface, this looks like a Seattle victory � the game is at Seattle, the Panthers are down to Nick Goings at RB, and Shawn Alexander will play, Julius Peppers is hurting. But, if games were played on paper, the Stillers would be golfing this week. With Carolina�s offense, Nick Goings will be an adequate replacement. Jake Delhomme is playoff tested. The road hasn�t been a problem for Carolina. And, Carolina has Steve Smith, quite possible the best WR in football this year. I don�t think Alexander will be completely healthy, and the Carolina defense will knock him around a few times. Hasselback will feel the noose tightening around his neck more and more as the game goes on, and Carolina wins the game.
Pittsburgh (+ 3 �) over Denver � The Steelers are on a roll. But, so is Denver. The game is in Denver. Most of the national media is again picking against the Steelers. Most of the national media is again mistaken. The altitude of Denver isn�t going to be much of a problem. Granted, Denver is 9-0 at home this year, BUT, if the altitude was as big of a problem as most of the �experts� make it out to be, Denver would never lose at home. Big Ben was the best QB on the field last week, and he will be this week also. Jake Plummer will fold up his tent midway thru the second quarter after being hit on most every passing play. The Steelers defense will contain the Denver RB�s, making Jake beat us, and he is not up to the task. The defense of the Steelers will score a TD, either an interception return by McFadden, or a fumble return by Porter after a sack. Ben is on a mission. Ben is quite capable of carrying this team, and what is scary, at least for opposing defenses, is that Ben has yet to have a 20-22, 350 yards, 4 TD effort. This may be the week. The Bus will get a chance at redemption and scores a TD this week, barreling over the ex-Clowns on the DL and John Lynch. Willie is going to break a long one or two. Heath catches a TD pass. Steelers will win by about 14 points.
My First Look Goodies (FLG) for the week are:
Carolina (+ 4 �) over Seattle
Pittsburgh (+ 3 �) over Denver