Photo by: Clarion
Originally, I had planned to use this space to bad mouth the Seattle Seahawks, so I could hoot and holler about how awful the NFL rules are and how a 7-9 deserves nothing but a spot on a couch watching the postseason, rather than playing in it.
What did I learn? The Seahawks belonged in the postseason. And after their 41-36 upset win over the Saints last Saturday, I can say that I was wrong.
Any other lessons? Sure, you can never write off a team in the postseason. In other words, anything is possible come the NFL playoffs.
If you don’t believe in this notion, then how else can you explain Marshawn Lynch’s TD magical run?
Are your really going to tell me that you predicted a first-round bust written off by a team that hasn’t won eight games in over a decade was going to have the game of his career in a game when the team he was playing for was at home, yet double-digit underdogs. I hope not, because you would be lying.
It was postseason magic, only something that could happen in the NFL playoffs. Admit it, accept it and move on.
So, now, Seahawks fans have to believe in must believe in the idea that anything is possible as they travel to Chicago this Sunday to take on the Bears in the Divisional round.
Proving the world wrong twice is never an easy accomplishment, but I am certain the Bears aren’t sleeping on their opponent this week, especially after Seattle won a week six battle at Soldier Field earlier this season.
Nothing is certain in the postseason, however as a football fan, I have the right to voice my opinion and make predictions for this weekend’s games…
Ravens over Steelers; 16-15. Best match-up in pro football year in and year out. These two teams boast a slew of prolific defenders. Ray Lewis, Ed Reed Troy Polamalu and Casey Hampton are all ready Hall of Fame bound, while Terrell Suggs, Haloti Ngata, James Farrior and James Harrison are all bound for Canton too in my opinion. Steeler or Raven, you may not like them, but you have to respect them.
Packers over Falcons; 27-23. Aaron Rodgers becomes an undisputed top five QB after this road upset of the NFC’s top team. Flip side: If Rodgers falls, Matt Ryan emerges as an elite passer. The difference, ironically, isn’t how good each quarterback is. Rather, the running game will determine who wins.
Bears over Seahawks; 31-13. Jay Cutler has been the key so far and will be in this game. If he is erratic, the 9-9 Seahawks will be one game away from the Super Bowl. If he is solid like he has been the past two months, then the Bears will be in the NFC Championship game for the second time in five years.
Patriots over Jets; 27-14. Pats won by 42 in December need I say more? Actually yes, Tom Brady versus Mark Sanchez. ‘Nuff said.
