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NFL Playoffs: Championship Picks

Ok, I’ve waited all week. I don’t want to pick. The truth is, I have NO IDEA who will win these games today!

Colts vs Jets: Ok, an objective opinion would say that the Colts will pass all over the Jets, but the Jets are having an incredible year & they don’t have to play THAT much better to pull out a win here! Painter isn’t starting for the Colts, so that is a blow (LOL), but the Jets might be all over these guys. What would I LIKE to see? I’d love to see a big upset and the Jets going to the super bowl! That would be an amazing game to watch! Manning is a great guy and probably one of the greatest QB’s of all time, but there are 10 other guys that have to play just as good! HEART could play a major factor in this game!

Saints vs Vikings: The Vikings/Cowboys game last week was the only one I missed - and I missed that one badly. The Saints are going to have to be amazing today on both sides of the ball to pull out a win. They are already great on offense, but the offensive line is going to have a tough game. The defensive line of the Viking shut down Romo & the Cowboys, but Romo is not Brees. He makes passes that no other quarterback in the league can and the match ups in the secondary will be hard for the Vikings to overcome. I’d LIKE to see the Saints win. I like Brees and I think they have a good team. If the Viking defensive front plays like they did against the Cowboys, they could win it, but it will be tough. I just don’t believe they can do it two weeks in a row. I’m going to pick the Saints, but it is a soft pick. Farve might just have one of those “Bret Farve” games where he does no wrong, the ball bounces their way, & then a miracle toss down field for the win. Who knows??

So, my “heart” picks: Jets vs Saints in the Super Bowl.

My “head” picks: Colts vs ?Saints? in the Super Bowl.

Today is the big day! Super Bowl XLIV! For those of you who have been following my NFL picks, I have a record of 5 for 6 (darn you Farve & Romo!!) in the playoffs. But there hasn’t been a pick yet that has been THIS tough. Here are a few of the tangibles and intangibles that will make the difference.

  1. Manning. One of the all time greatest quarterbacks in the league. Not because of his throwing skills, but because of his ability to read the defense and call plays on the line that lead his team to victory.
  2. Injury. The Colts defense are in a tough spot with the loss of Freeny. They are really going to have to step up their game because if they give Drew Brees 4 seconds in the pocket, the Saints will win.
  3. Brees. One of the most under recognized quarter backs in the league. This guy is as accurate as they get! I think HE is the best QB in this game.
  4. Experience. The Colts have been here before. The big game hype maybe already over for them, but this is the Saints 1st time in the Super Bowl. They are like kids in a candy store! Eyes wide open.
  5. Heart. The edge here has to go to the Saints. These guys have played with tremendous heart all year and this game could boil down to the team that wants it the most and I think the Saints want this win more than the Colts.

I know there are more, like Reggie Bush - if he has a break out game, then it could be over early for the Colts because a two pronged attack (air and ground) would be too much for them or anyone else! And the Saints defense - if they don’t play their absolute best game, Saints’ fans will be wishing that the half time whistle was the end of the fourth quarter because Manning will throw all over them.

However, all of those factors seem to cancel each other out. So my NFL Super Bowl XLIV pick is based on the video posted above from Sports Science. Drew Brees is the most accurate quarterback in the league. His ability to complete passes that no one else can will carry them to victory. If the pressure of the “big game” gets to him, the saints don’t have any hope. A balanced attack will be important, but even with a “super bowl” defense from the Colts, Brees can pass around, over, and through them. So, I pick the New Orleans Saints to win XLIV!

Who do you think is going to win Super Bowl XLIV?