Vinnie's Pick$ and Pa$$es - Wildcard Weekend Jan 6, 2006

Let’s Recap last week. Ouch. The San Diego game killed me. Drew Brees is supposedly playing for big money, and he gets hurt. Ouch. That game really surprised me. The others were easy winners, as smart playoff teams rested their stars. So, Let’s move on to the playoffs.

Jacksonville +7.5 @ New England: I don’t think Jacksonville has a chance to beat New England on the road in cold Foxboro on Saturday night. Bill Belichick will devise schemes to confuse either of the two Jacksonville QB’s. The Patriots will definitely be prepared for this game, and they have the better FG kicker to boot. That being said, these cold winter, night games are often close, and I could easily see automatic Adam V. winning the game on a last minute field goal. But, it won’t happen here, take the Pats and lay the points. New England -7.5 **

Carolina +2.5 @ New York Giants: Jake Delhomme has plenty of playoff experience, and the Panthers are a strong team. Steve Smith has heart and passion, and so does their coach. Eli Manning is a brand name, but one of his weapons Jeremy Shockey will be limited. The Panthers defense, led by Julius Peppers, will make the difference here, as the Panthers cover this spread and win the game outright. Carolina +2.5*****

Pittsburgh -3 @ Cincinnati: Wow, a road favorite. Licking my chops here. Although, there will be a lot of Pittsburgh fans at the game, so maybe it’s not a total road game for the Steelers. Cowher normally disappoints in the playoffs, and this year should be no exception. But, the Bus isn’t ready to retire yet, and the Bengals have no playoff experience. So this week, the Steelers roll, and cover the small number. Pittsburgh -3 ***

That’s it folks, see you next week, then I’m off to Vegas for Championship Weekend. This time, I’m going on my bookie’s money, I’m not running away.

New England -7.5 **
Carolina +2.5 *****
Pittsburgh -3 ***

Current Record

** 8-6
*** 9-5
***** 3-4

Vinnie