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!
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