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I can’ remember a championship playoff game in history that had more speculation and theory. It must mean that either the four teams playing today are incredibly evenly matched or that there is a lot of emotional support for certain teams more than others. I vote for the latter. It’s not that emotions don’t have their place in sports. Some of the biggest and most satisfying victories in the game came from teams that, on paper, should not have won. But they managed to pull out a victory due to that intangible quality I like to call emotional edge.
Even so, sometimes there is an emotional favorite that, even though fans give them their hopes and wishes, they manage to fall apart when it really counts. I think that concept might be a factor today, which may explain some of my picks.
NFC Championship: Vikings versus Saints
Emotional edge: Saints
Winner: Vikings
While many in the country are rooting for the Saints right now, the high level of emotions for this game may work against them. The game is being held on their turf, and their city really needs this win. The Saints dominated in last week’s game against the Cardinals, and this matchup with the Vikings will be a close, mid-level scoring game. Both teams will be able to put points on the board, but the Vikings will pull ahead by the end of the third quarter and maintain a small lead that will stick to the end.
Even if Jeremy Shockey can play today, his sore knee will make him slower in key plays that will give an edge to the Vikes. The only reason this game is going to be close is Darren Sharper, who is chomping at the bit to catch an interception thrown by his old teammate, Brett Favre. Sharper will get one, and only one. The real story will be the Vikings shutting down Reggie Bush, who despite last week’s showing will not be a play-by-play factor this time. He’ll do his job as returner, but remain silent the rest of the game.
AFC Championship: Jets versus Colts
Emotional edge: Jets
Winner: Colts
For some ridiculous reason, the Jets have made it this far, due in part to Rex Ryan’s bravado. Hey, he has to tell his team they are going to win the Super Bowl, because no one else could possibly say that with a straight face. Rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez will demonstrate why experience counts in these games by making interceptions and fumbles acting like, well, the that rookie he is.
By contrast, Peyton Manning will demonstrate why he’s the league’s four-time MVP. There has been much talk about the Colts “allowing” the Jets into the playoffs by sitting their starters during the regular season. Some have speculated that Colts will regret this move. I think maybe it’s the other way around, that the Colts actually wanted to play the Jets today because they knew they could kick their butts. This one is a no brainer. Colts pull ahead late in the second quarter and maintain a lead that will stick throughout the rest of the game.
Image: Zuma Press
