NFL PLAYOFFS WEEK 2

Eight teams left in the hunt for the Vince Lombardi Trophy at Superbowl 45. What did we learn in the first week? Nothing is set in stone, as evidenced by Seattle's stunning upset over the Saints. Green Bay are still alive and looking dangerous. We learnt that the NFL Playoffs are unpredictable. Predicting them is tough, but well-paid if you get it right. "BREAK IT DOWN NOW!"

BALTIMORE RAVENS @ PITTSBURGH STEELERS.

The Ravens were tipped to be big improvers this year, but from little I've seen of them I think this team is still about as good as they were last year. So too are the Steelers. The Steelers have a double-Superbowl winning Quarterback in Ben Roethlisberger, and Joe Flacco looks good for the Ravens but still maybe a year off being awesome. Pundits are predicting a defensive grind, and I like the Steelers for that. It's their style. It's also the Ravens style, but I think the Steelers will win the grind.


GREEN BAY PACKERS @ ATLANTA FALCONS.

Green Bay intercepted a Michael Vick pass in the dying seconds that would've won the game for the Eagles. But the pass didn't connect, and Green Bay won. This game may also come down to the final play, and whoever holds their nerve in the clutch will come away with the chocolates. The Packers have got the game plan to beat the Falcons, and the Packers are a team that can get on a roll and break a close game apart. I predict a close game.. The Packers will have to win away from home again, but why not? I like the Packers, and one thinks they get behind on the scoreboard and have to play a little reckless they might actually kick-start a roll all the way to the Superbowl.


SEATTLE SEAHAWKS @ CHICAGO BEARS.

So Seattle had to upset the Rams to first make the playoffs, and then host the defending Superbowl champions in week one. And yet they're still alive. How? A combination of unwavering belief, homefield advantage, and potentially being underestimated by their opponents. Unfortunately, this combination doesn't win Superbowls. The Seahawks are a dramatically different team on the road: in summary, they're much worse. Yes, they're my team. And yes, they've been the feel-good story of the playoffs. And yes, they beat Chicago in Chicago earlier in the year. Can they do it again?

No. That self-belief will crumble if Seattle get behind early, and playing away from their inspirational home crowd means they're pretty much on their own. . But for the romantics out there, Seattle are still a chance. Last week they ambushed the Saints. I have a feeling the Bears will be far more alert to the potential upset. As such I think if both teams play their best football, Chicago will win.


NEW YORK JETS @ NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS.

New York's coach has a reputation for a big mouth and bold predictions for his team. That mouth was slammed shut when his Jets sauntered onto Gillette Stadium in Week 13 and got their arses handed to them on a plate, with a side of fries, ketchup and a giant Coke, to the tune on 45-3. I mean, it was brutal. The Patriots destroyed the Jets. Now we have round two. The stakes are higher, it's the playoffs: the winner advances and the loser goes home. I think this game will be much tighter, and that the Jets will bring everything they've got. However, I think the Patriots will have all the answers. At their best the Patriots are just a cut above, and only a severe lack of mental application will stop them from powering past the Jets.


Betting Value: Ride the Green Bay Packers, $2.15 to beat Atlanta, $6 to win the Superbowl.

Roughie: Ride the feel-good story that is Seattle. You'll get $4.50 for them to beat Chicago.

TOUCHDOWN!

NFL PLAYOFFS PREVIEW

The NFL playoffs are upon us, which means there will be some ripping games of pigskin-throwing coming up on the road to Superbowl XLV (45). I shall give you a brief pick of the weeks games from an entertainment perspective, and, naturally, give you some wildly inaccurate tips on how to lose your money (AKA gambling).

THE BEST TEAM

If you like to believe that the best team will win everything then your team is the New England Patriots. They have been playing the best football across the league, they have a coach and a quarterback who have won multiple Superbowls, and they have a great range of talented receivers that have stepped up since the departure of Randy Moss.

However, does the favourite ever win? History, and the unpredictable nature of the sport, suggests not. So when, and to whom will the Patriots potentially fall? My theory is if they are to trip up anywhere it will be against the Pittsburgh Steelers, whom they are likely to play against for the AFC Championship. The Steelers, for me, are great betting value at $5.75 (Sportingbet), and if they can upset the Patriots I think they will go on to win the Superbowl.

GAME OF THE WEEKEND

Two explosive offensive teams that could reach the Superbowl square off this weekend in the Wild-card round. For me, the Philadelphia Eagles hosting the Green Bay Packers is easily the pick of the week. If both teams play attacking football then it should a high-scoring affair. And at $2.15 the Packer represent terrific betting value, and if you're looking for a Superbowl roughie (AKA a cheeky fiver) then I also nominate the Packers. Of course, if they lose this match, it's over. So... the stakes are high this week.

BEST VALUE SUPERBOWL WINNER: Pittsburgh Steelers ($5.75 Sportingbet, $6.5 Centrebet)

SUPERBOWL ROUGHIE: Green Bay Packers ($12 Sportingbet, $14 Centrebet)

VALUE BET FOR THE WEEKEND: Packers to beat the Eagles at home in the Wild-card round ($2.15)

The Packers-Eagles clash is at 8.35AM Australian Eastern Time, Monday morning.

DUMMIES GUIDE TO AMERICAN FOOTBALL

American Football (AKA Gridiron), with it's numerous stoppages, complex rule structure, enormous level of commercialism, and generally ludicrious levels of American outrageous-ness is often put in the 'too-hard' basket by sports fans on this side of the globe.

From the outside it does appear a tough sport to get into, but with a basic knowledge of the rules and structure of the game it can become a lot more accessible to your average sports fan. Plus the NFL season starts in late August, making it the perfect filler for that awkward period when the AFL and NRL seasons finish and the cricket season starts.

THE BASICS

The aim of the game to get the ball down to the other end of the field, much like rugby or league. Like league, you only get a certain number of tackles (or downs) to do so. In Gridiron you get four. With those four tackles you need to move the ball ten yards (9ish metres). If you successfully move the ball ten yards you get a fresh set of tackles/downs. In effect, you can crab your way slowly down-field as long you keep hitting those ten yards.

There are essentially two ways to move the ball: throw the ball, or run the ball. The Quarterback (AKA probably the most important player) is in charge of throwing the ball, and he stands behind the defensive linesmen (AKA the fat guys at the front), whose job it is to project the Quarterback from the other team's fatties. The rest of his team will spread out and run down the field, in an attempt to catch the ball thrown by the QB. The other option is to run the ball, where the QB hands the ball to a designated runner who runs straight at the wall of defensive fatties looking for a hole.

Other Basics

Getting the ball into the end-zone (what in rugby would be a 'try') is a touchdown. It is worth six points with an easy one-point conversion. The other most common scoring play is a field goal, worth three points, where the ball is placed on the ground for a designated kicker to kick it through the goals. The game is played in four 15-minute quarters.

With even this most basic knowledge sitting comfortably in the back your mind, you should find the experience of watching an American Football game less confusing, and hopefully more enjoyable.. With the playoffs about to begin there couldn't be a better time to jump in, especially with the Aussies being so shit at the cricket at the moment.