NFL Divisional Playoff Picks | From the Podium

Handicapping playoff games is the essence of odds making. In the playoffs teams are so focused on their opponent because of the elimination factor and the teams that win do so because they play the best in that particular game or series. You never know who might be unstoppable or make uncharacteristic mistakes. Baseball playoffs come down to a test of skill, basketball playoffs are like a chess match. But football is so intense because every game is a game 7.

Recently I successfully picked the Spurs to win the '07 NBA Finals from the start of the playoffs and picked almost all the playoff series round by round. I stumbled in the '07 World Series by vastly underestimating the Red Sox but did predict a Red Sox v. Rockies match up from the start of the postseason. Now I try my hand at the NFL.

NFC Divisional Playoff: Green Bat Packers v. Seattle Seahawks
I think the Seahawks are really experienced and a lot better than people think and could reasonably win this game if the ball bounces their way. But my money is on the ball bouncing Bret Favre's way.
PACKERS by 7

NFC Divisional Playoff: Dallas Cowboys v. New York Giants
The Giants have definitely proven they belong in the final 8 and are looking to take advantage of the Cowboys' injuries. But T.O. is historically not rusty when returning from injury in the playoffs and has a real chemistry with Tony Romo. I think this will be a high scoring game and Eli Manning will be in over his head.
COWBOYS by 10

AFC Divisional Playoff: Indianapolis Colts v. San Diego Chargers
This one I don't even think will be close. The Chargers are having trouble establishing L.T. as a dominant offensive weapon and the Colts will likely jump out to a quick lead that they can sustain with defense and time of possession.
COLTS by 17

AFC Divisional Playoff: New England Patriots v. Jacksonville Jaguars
I don't think anyone can seriously say the Jaguars are going to win this game. Unless the Patriots have horrible bad luck, we have to assume they'll win the first playoff game. Jacksonville is a very good opponent so the Patriots will definitely be challenged. I would love to see someone beat the Patriots and I believe it is possible, but I don't think it will happen on that night. I do expect a hard fought close game though.
PATROITS by 10

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January 12, 2008 11:28 PM ET

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OK, so after Saturday's action I'm 2-0 on choosing winners. I definitely wasn't on target for the margin in the GB-SEA game, but I don't think I'm alone in that regard. The Packers administered a savage beatdown on the Seahawks, who clearly got frazzled when Green Bay got back into the game so quickly after the 14-0 hole. On the other hand, I was almost Nostradamus in the NE-JAX game. It was close to the very end and I was just 1 point away from calling a perfect margin of victory.