NFL Divisional Playoffs Review

BuDa-Right:
Colts OVER Ravens
Vikings OVER Cowboys
Saints OVER Cardinals

BuDa-Wrong:
Jets OVER Chargers

In my defense, I had a whole section in last weeks article about why the Jets could beat the Chargers.  And they did.  They sucked in the first half, but they made up for it.  Personally, I'm glad.  I like the Jets and I hate the Chargers.  Siick.

I still say that it's going to be the Vikings and the Colts in the Super Bowl, and the Colts winning, but let's take a quick look at this upcoming week of Championship football.

Sunday January 24, 2009

3:00PM ET
N.Y. JETS @ INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
What a ride its been for the mean green - unfortunately the Jets embarrassed the Colts in Week 16 (only after Peyton and crew were benched), so you can guarantee that that loss is fresh in their heads.  This is the AFC Championship Game, so obviously they're not going to hold back, but I would expect them to be angry this coming Sunday.  That said, there are a few keys to the game that Indy is going to need to overcome.

1. Darrelle Revis - Reggie Wayne was shut down last time, and it wasn't just because Chris Painter (check that, Curtis Painter, an even dumber name) put on the worst display for a Colts QB in the last 15 years.  They can win without him, and they might just have to.
2. Jets Aggressive D - They have been scary looking from an opposing offensive perspective, and they've been forcing bad throws.  Colts O-Line will have to do work.
3. Jets Running Game - By running 60% of the time, they reduce the effectiveness of the best Colts defensive player, and Syracuse Alum, Dwight Freeney.  If they can stop the Jets on 1st and 2nd down like the Chargers did in the first half today, they'll have success.

6:40PM ET
MINNESOTA VIKINGS @ N.O. SAINTS
Two dome teams, two potent offenses.  Top of the league.  What's the difference?  In my opinion the main difference is defense.  The Vikings have a very good defense, and the Saints seem to have been a bit lucky this year.  Jared Allen is the best DE in the league.  Favre is no stranger to playing as a visitor in loud domes, so I don't think it will affect him the same way it would some other QBs.  Let's just break it down position by position, why not.  QB: Slight edge to the Saints.  Brees is dirty, but Favre has proven to be no slouch.  RB: Vikings.  As good as the tetra-headed monster of the Bush-Bell-Frenchman Saints RBs, I'll take ADP anyday over anyone else.  Also, Chester Taylor is probably the best backup in the league.  WR: Push.  Rice-Harvin-Berrian-Shiancoe are slowly making a case for being one of the best corps in the league, but the aerial attack of the Saints cannot be overlooked.  DEF:  Vikings.  C'mon.  I say Vikings win this thing.  Screw the Saints.

See you all for my Pro Bowl Preview and minute-to-minute, play-by-play analysis. . . NOT.  Look to a Vikings-Colts Super Bowl, but Favre getting the Dwight Freeney spin-move plastered to his motha fuckin' face!  BOOM!